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Old June 17th, 2004, 11:33 AM   #1
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SM58 & Beta58a

What's the difference between the two beside the price? Thinking of getting one these mics since they are reasonably price.

Thanks,
Ray
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Old June 17th, 2004, 04:13 PM   #2
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hey Ray -

the differences are basically that the pickup pattern of the beta58 is a lot tighter than the pickup pattern on the regular 58. so at the same mic preamp gain setting, the regular 58 will be picking up the sound of a larger physical area than the beta58.

also, the beta58 has a different EQ response curve. the regular 58 has a slight push around 2k (roughly), but the beta has a much more exaggerated boost, and i think it's at a lower spot than 2k-ish. to my ears the beta58 sounds kind of boxy and midrangy. i don't particularly like it, but it does work magic on *some* voices.

what's your application for this mic? that might help you get the right feedback to help you decide.

-martino
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Old June 17th, 2004, 06:07 PM   #3
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The Rolling Stones still use the old SM58s

I prefer them to the Beta 58, but I much prefer the Beta 87
over either for vocals.
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Old June 18th, 2004, 10:18 AM   #4
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Two more differences, the Beta 58 is more sensitive and since it has a small rear lobe in its pickup pattern, the stage monitor or monitors need to be offset from the rear of the mic rather than directly inline behind it.
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Old June 29th, 2004, 11:56 AM   #5
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Is there an on/off switch on these mics.

JR
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Old June 29th, 2004, 12:30 PM   #6
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When in doubt go to the manufacturers site and download the specs

http://www.shure.com/pdf/specsheets/spec_wiredmics/beta58a.pdf

http://www.shure.com/pdf/specsheets/spec_wiredmics/sm58.pdf

The beta is an upscale version of the SM. The beta has a neodymium giving it a slightly hotter output (-51.5 db compared to the SM @ -54.5). The beta appears to have a tighter pattern (supercard compared to cardoid). The case , mount and grill are also upscale and the published freq resp is supposed to be a tad better. Does it sound any better/ I don't really know.

There is no switch. Most mics at the better end don't have a switch. Just something else to go wrong.

I like my AKG D230
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Old June 30th, 2004, 06:48 AM   #7
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There is a model of SM58 that has a switch, or at least there
used to be. I have one.
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