Shure SM58

The Shure SM58 is a professional cardioid dynamic microphone, commonly used in live vocal applications.

Produced since 1966 by Shure Incorporated, it has built a reputation among musicians for its durability and sound, and is still the industry standard for live vocal performance microphones.

The cardioid response reduces pickup from the side and rear, helping to avoid feedback onstage.

This gives notably good isolation from handling noise; one reason for its being a popular microphone for stage vocalists.

The SM58 is intended for live vocal performances, which tend to put the microphone much closer to plosives.

An SM58
Robert Lockwood, Jr using an SM58 in 1982
Patti Smith performing with an SM58 in Finland
Patti Smith using an SM58 in 2007
Randall Bramblett using an SM58 in 2015