Can You Use a Shure SM58 Microphone for Recording Guitar?

If you're looking for a good microphone for recording guitar, look no further than the Shure SM58. It's a high-quality microphone for recording guitar tracks.

Are you looking for a reliable microphone to record your guitar? The Shure SM58 is one of the market’s most popular and versatile microphones. But can you use a Shure SM58 microphone for recording guitars?

This article covers whether or not the Shure SM58 is suitable for recording guitars. We’ll discuss its features and how it performs when recording guitar. So if you’re a musician, this post is for you!

Can you use a Shure SM58 microphone for recording the guitar? The SM58 can be a good option to use when recording guitar. Because it is a strong dynamic microphone, it can handle high levels, making it ideal for recording from a guitar amplifier. It would be best if you pointed the SM58 toward the direction of the guitar string while recording acoustic instruments.

Overview of the Shure SM58

The Shure SM58 is a dynamic microphone that has gained worldwide popularity among both legends and top artists of today. It is known for delivering warm, crisp sound on any stage, from the club show to the stadium, and for its durability and reliability, making it a go-to choice for many performers.

Image of a black colored microphone on a stand. Source: skitterphoto, pexels
Image of a black colored microphone on a stand. Source: skitterphoto, pexels

The frequency response of the Shure SM58 is tailored to highlight vocals, with a range of 50Hz-15kHz, which helps combat the proximity effect, where bass frequencies become exaggerated when the sound source is too close to the microphone. The microphone also features a bass attenuation from 40-100Hz, which de-emphasizes low notes and reduces the need for equalization, providing a clear and natural sound for vocals.

The Shure SM58 is a dynamic microphone that is renowned for its warm, crisp sound, durability, and reliability on any stage, from small club shows to large stadiums.

In terms of build quality, the Shure SM58 is built like a warship and can withstand years of use on stage. It has been trusted to deliver show after show for over six decades, making it a reliable choice for vocalists and performers.

The Shure SM58 is a dynamic microphone that is renowned for its warm, crisp sound, durability, and reliability on any stage, from small club shows to large stadiums. Its frequency response is tailored to highlight vocals while combatting the proximity effect, and its build quality ensures that it can withstand years of use.

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Is the Shure SM58 suitable for recording guitars?

Yes, the Shure SM58 microphone can be used for recording guitars, both acoustic and electric. While the SM58 is primarily known as a vocal microphone, it shares many characteristics with its sibling, the Shure SM57, which excels in recording instruments. However, the SM58 can still be used for recording guitars, and its ability to handle high sound pressure levels makes it a suitable choice for recording from amplifiers.

How to record guitar with the Shure SM58

The Shure SM58 is a dynamic microphone that is commonly used for recording vocals. However, it can also be used to record guitars. Here are some tips on how to record guitar with the Shure SM58.

Connect the Shure SM58 to your audio interface. You can then position the microphone in front of your guitar amplifier. For acoustic guitars, angle the SM58 towards the guitar, while for electric guitars, place the mic about 1 cm from the amp about ⅓ way across the face. It is important to note that the microphone should always be on a microphone stand for stability.

When recording an amplifier with a directional microphone like the Shure SM58, you want to be pointing toward where the sound is coming from. This means that you should point the microphone toward the speaker on the amp. If your amp has multiple speakers, it is recommended to test the microphone placement on each speaker.

Man in a recording studio tuning his acoustic guitar. Source: pexels
Man in a recording studio tuning his acoustic guitar. Source: pexels

Advantages and disadvantages of using Shure SM58 for recording guitar

When it comes to recording guitars, choosing the right microphone is crucial to getting the desired sound. The Shure SM58 is a popular microphone choice for guitar recordings, but it comes with its own pros and cons. Here are some of them:

Advantages:

  • Durable: The Shure SM58 is a robust and reliable microphone that can withstand rough handling and heavy usage, making it perfect for touring musicians.
  • Versatile: The SM58 is known for its versatility and can be used for a variety of instruments, including guitar, drums, and vocals.
  • Affordable: Compared to other high-end microphones, the Shure SM58 is relatively affordable, making it an excellent option for home studios and beginners.
  • Cardioid Pickup Pattern: The cardioid pickup pattern of the SM58 allows for minimal background noise and excellent isolation of the guitar sound.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited Frequency Response: The Shure SM58 has a limited frequency response, making it less suitable for recording the nuances of acoustic guitars and high-frequency sounds.
  • No Phantom Power: The SM58 does not require phantom power, which may be a disadvantage for those who prefer the added clarity and sensitivity that phantom power provides.
  • Lack of Clarity: The SM58 can lack clarity in the mid-range frequencies, which may result in a slightly muddy sound in some guitar recordings.

The Shure SM58 is a versatile and reliable microphone for recording guitars, but it may not be the best option for everyone. It is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the SM58 and decide if it meets your specific recording needs.

If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “SM58 FOR EVERYTHING – Dynamic Mic Acoustic Guitar” from the Matt Elias YouTube channel.

A video called “SM58 FOR EVERYTHING – Dynamic Mic Acoustic Guitar” from the Matt Elias YouTube channel.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do you still have questions about whether you can use the Shure SM58 for recording guitar? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions.

Can Shure SM58 be used for instruments?

Though I’ve heard some bands use it for vocals, it’s best to invest in a dedicated voice microphone like the Shure SM58 and an instrument mic like the Shure SM57 if you have the means. As a last resort, the Shure SM58 may be used as an instrument microphone.

What is SM58 good for recording?

If you’re looking to record voices, a Shure SM58 microphone may be utilized with good results. However, its limitations in the studio mean it is often reserved for live singing. Modern recording producers usually have a wide range of microphones on hand, each of which is made for a specific job.

Why is the Shure SM58 so popular?

The SM58’s widespread acclaim may be attributed to its many desirable features, including its low price, wide frequency range, a cardioid polar pattern that cancels out background noise, built-in pop filter, and clear, well-balanced sound. Furthermore, the SPL is exceptionally high, and the components are interchangeable.

Conclusion

Using a Shure SM58 microphone for recording guitar is a great choice. The dynamic mic can handle high levels, making it ideal for recording from a guitar amplifier. Also, the SM58 can be put in the right place to get the best sound quality, whether you’re recording acoustic or electric instruments. With proper positioning and the use of this great mic, you will be able to get amazing recordings that accurately reflect your playing.

So, have you tried using the Shure SM58 for recording guitars? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on music production. Thanks for reading, and never stop making music.

Key takeaways

This article covered whether the Shure SM58 can be used to record guitars. Here are some key takeaways:

  • The Shure SM58 dynamic microphone is quite popular.
  • The Shure SM58 Microphone is the most well-recognized and best-selling vocal microphone in history, and it has maintained its position as the industry standard for decades.
  • The Shure SM58 microphone can handle high sound pressure levels, so it can be suitable for recording guitars.
  • Some disadvantages of using the SM58 for recording guitars are that it has limited frequency response and lacks clarity in mid-range frequencies.

Helpful resources

Image Andrew Ash
Written by Andrew Ash, Staff Writer

Hey there! My name is Andrew, and I'm relatively new to music production, but I've been learning a ton, and documenting my journey along the way. That's why I started this blog. If you want to improve your home studio setup and learn more along with me, this is the place for you!

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Edited by Nick Eggert, Staff Editor

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