Shure SM58-CN Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone with XLR Cable

• 7.5 m (25 ft) C25J XLR cable included, with chrome connectors
• Cardioid dynamic capsule with a response tailored for vocals, from 50 Hz to 15 kHz
• Steel mesh grille designed to absorb impacts by deforming
• Handling noise reduced by the pneumatic shock mount
• Works without power: no phantom power to plan for

For a first PA system, a rehearsal room or a spare mic, the SM58-CN saves hunting for a compatible cable. The supplied C25J is 7.5 m long, enough to run from the front of the stage to a mixer or a stage box. Shure describes it as a Hi-Flex cable with chrome XLR connectors, for low-impedance operation. The mic itself is the same as the SM58 sold without a cable.

The SM58's spherical grille is designed like a car's crumple zone: under impact, it dents to protect the cartridge, and the mic keeps working. Shure points out that it bends without forming sharp edges. It unscrews and can be replaced in seconds (part RK143G); the cartridge is also available as a replacement part (R59).

According to Shure's historian, it would take a level of 150 to 180 dB SPL to make the SM58 distort, far beyond what the ear can bear: a dynamic microphone of this design rarely reaches its distortion point in normal use. Ernie Seeler, the engineer who designed its cartridge, tested it by dropping, cooking, freezing and submerging it.

For sound reinforcement, the SM58 user guide recalls the three-to-one rule: the distance between two mics should be at least three times the distance from each mic to its source.

• First vocal mic for a band or a rehearsal space
• Spare mic ready to come out of its bag
• Hosting and speeches in a room with a PA
• Live vocals when the mixer is far from the stage

Other dynamic vocal microphones, from other manufacturers, compared on what comes in the box. Data published by each manufacturer.

What is the difference between the SM58-CN and the SM58-LC?

The mic is the same. The SM58-CN comes with a 7.5 m C25J XLR cable; the SM58-LC only has the stand adapter and the storage bag.

Can the SM58 be wireless?

This model is wired. Shure does, however, offer the SM58 capsule on its wireless transmitters: in 2016, it was available for every one of its eleven wireless system lines.

Why does an SM58 grille dent?

By design: it absorbs the impact to protect the cartridge, like a crumple zone. The mic keeps working, and a replacement grille screws on in seconds.

What is the maximum sound level the SM58 can handle?

According to Shure's historian, the SM58 would only distort somewhere between 150 and 180 dB SPL, a level far above what the ear can safely bear.