The Starving Musician/DJ's Reference Microphone !

There is no question in my mind that Shure has produced some of the finest phono cartridges over the years. The company's legendary V-15 series along with the fabulous M91E, M91ED, M95ED, M97ED, M75ED Type II, M72B and other famous "Hi-Track" series magnetic phono cartridges that were included with so many turntables provided analog reproduction that went beyond the norm! Did you know that the Shure microphones were nonetheless famous? A classic example would be the item for review here ... the Shure SM-58S Cardioid Dynamic Microphone that is a low cost solution for great sound quality and very wide Frequency Response.

From The Manufacturer's Own Mouth:

"The legendary Shure vocal mic is tuned to accentuate the warmth and clarity of lead and back-up vocals. Consistently the first choice of performers around the globe. The Shure SM58® is a unidirectional (cardioid) dynamic vocal microphone designed for professional vocal use in live performance, sound reinforcement, and studio recording. A highly effective, built-in, spherical filter minimizes wind and breath "pop" noise. A cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while minimizing unwanted background noise. The SM58 has a tailored vocal response for a sound which is a world standard. Rugged construction, a proven shock mount system, and a steel mesh grille ensure that even with rough handling, the SM58 will perform consistently. Outdoors or indoors, singing, speech - the SM58 is the overwhelming choice of professionals."

Specs And Features:

Frequency response tailored for vocals, with brightened midrange and bass rolloff
Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source and minimizes background noise
Pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise
Effective, built-in spherical wind and pop filter
Supplied with break-resistant stand adapter which rotates 180 degrees
Lengendary Shure quality, ruggedness and reliability
Cardioid (unidirectional) dynamic
Frequency response: 50 to 15,000 Hz
XLR Connector/extension chord to 1/4 Plug
Suggested Applications: Lead Vocals, Backup Vocals, Harmonica

Before using this quality microphone I highly suggest you visit your local Radio Shack or electronics retailer and purchase a foam sock to place over the ball/head. This will further improve performance and also guard against "wind poof" and/or "pop".

The Shure SM-58S was purchased by myself for the purpose of recording my son's band particularly the "vocals" for which it is well suited. Aside from performing this task exceedingly well, I also believe it to be a superb mic for broadcast/DJ use.

Having been a radio dj myself, I found it very useful for various voice-overs and show tapings. I use it with my Numark DM-1750RM Mixer. No, it is not going to perform quite like a $400 Radio Station boom/mic but does manage to come surprisingly close! As a matter of fact , it would perform admirably as a "guest mic" for said stations.

Right from the get-go one realizes that this is not your average mic as it has plenty of weight and sports an SLR Connector/Extension chord. Do not worry, as the SLR Connection itself is at the base of the mic. The other end of the chord sports a standard 1/4" connector.

This is a rugged piece of equipment that should last a lifetime! I purchased two of these units from Transtronic Lab for the great discounted price of $30 each last Christmas. Double that low price would still have been a bargain! It simply is that good! Thanks John and Emily!

Now quite honestly you may not find the Shure mic for that low price as it is typically sold for around $125 each. This is still a bargain price considering the mic's capabilities and ruggedness! Remember too that I received the units in their generic form also...the GLS ES-58S...no box...no instructions.

Orange County Speaker Repair sells the generic GLS for the same price as I paid and here is a quote from that great store:

" We buy these brand new Professional Microphones & clips at wholesale pricing and we are passing the savings on to you. They were designed to sound just like the standard in the industry, the Shure SM58. In the history of us selling these mics we have never had even one single customer that did not like them. If you like the SM58 you will LOVE these mics. We guarantee it 100%! If for any reason you don't think this mic sounds as good or better than the Shure SM58 we will give you a full refund (excluding shipping). These microphones even have an OFF switch (which the Shure SM58 does not). And for those of you that have had microphone feedback, you know how awesome it is to have an OFF Switch. Microphones like these typically sell for $99.95 to $139.95 each."


As I film many football games, I have visited other towns' fields and the PA Systems that included this Shure always seem to produce a cleaner sound than that of competing mics and brands. You're gonna love the Bass! This is not to say that the Mids and Highs are not equally impressive.

The mic has a wonderful wide-range warm tonal quality that is downright sexy sounding! Aspiring disc jockeys will love it! Such professionalism for such a small amateur-like asking price makes this transducer a best buy all the way!