The short version of SM57 vs SM58: they share nearly the same cartridge, but the SM57 is built for instruments (drums, guitar amps) and the SM58 is built for vocals. The biggest difference is the grille — the SM58’s large ball-shaped grille houses a built-in pop filter and changes the sound slightly, while the SM57 has a smaller grille that lets you get closer to a source.
What each microphone is
Both are cardioid dynamic microphones from Shure, both are famously durable, and both are studio and stage standards. They use the same Unidyne III capsule, which is why they sound so similar. The differences come down to the grille design and how Shure tunes each for its intended job. If you are new to mic types, our condenser vs dynamic guide explains why these rugged dynamics are so popular.
The key differences
| Shure SM57 | Shure SM58 | |
|---|---|---|
| Intended use | Instruments (snare, guitar amp, toms) | Vocals |
| Grille | Small, integral | Large ball with built-in pop filter |
| Capsule | Unidyne III | Unidyne III |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid | Cardioid |
| Top-end | Slightly brighter, more presence up close | Smoothed slightly by the grille |
Because the SM58’s grille adds distance and an integrated windscreen, it tames plosives and slightly softens the high end. The SM57, with its exposed capsule, can sit closer to a source and sounds a touch brighter and more present. For more on the cardioid pattern they share, see polar patterns explained.
Pros and cons
Shure SM57 pros: brilliant on snare and guitar amps, gets close to sources, slightly more presence. Cons: no built-in pop filter, so it needs an external one for vocals.
Shure SM58 pros: built-in pop filter and ball grille make it ideal for handheld and close vocals, rugged for live use. Cons: grille gets in the way for tight instrument miking.
Sound: are they really that different?
Take the ball grille off an SM58 and it sounds very close to an SM57, because the capsule is essentially the same. In practice, the SM57 is brighter and tighter up close, while the SM58 is a hair warmer and more controlled on vocals thanks to its windscreen. Neither needs phantom power, and both are low-output dynamics that benefit from clean gain — keep an eye on gain staging.
Which should you choose?
- Choose the SM57 if your priority is instruments — recording a guitar amp, snare drum or toms. It is the default amp and snare mic for a reason. See our electric guitar recording guide.
- Choose the SM58 if your priority is vocals, especially handheld or live, where the built-in pop filter earns its keep.
- Get both if you can — they are inexpensive and cover almost everything a home studio throws at them. Browse more options in the microphones category.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an SM57 for vocals?
Yes. The SM57 records vocals well; it just lacks a built-in pop filter, so you should add an external one to control plosives. Many engineers prefer the SM57’s slightly brighter, more present tone on certain voices.
Can I use an SM58 on a guitar amp or drums?
You can, and it sounds close to an SM57 because of the shared capsule. The larger ball grille just makes it harder to position tightly against a speaker grille or drum head.
Are the SM57 and SM58 the same microphone inside?
Essentially yes — both use Shure’s Unidyne III cartridge. The audible differences come from the grille design and the SM58’s built-in pop filter, not from a fundamentally different capsule.
Leave a Reply