Some elements of sound equipment used in modern conditions are so well known that they do not require additional advertising. Such is the case with the Shure SM58 microphones, which have established themselves as reliable, legendary devices for sound transmission. It has been produced almost unchanged for over 50 years. And relatively recently, its modification appeared, which allows you to get rid of interfering wires. The complete base station and the microphone itself have very solid characteristics. And at the same time they have a cost that cannot be called high for professional equipment.
Packaging and equipment
Supplied in a sturdy black-dominated cardboard box. It clearly describes its main advantages, and also directly states that this model is legendary. Despite the fact that this may indicate some indiscretion of the designer and packaging manufacturer, these words are close to the truth.
Inside it is a soft case with a zipper, which will later be used fortransportation of the kit. It contains the receiver base itself, a Shure SM58 microphone, a power supply for the base, a couple of batteries with which you can immediately test the performance, and a universal holder that fits most modern concert stands.
The package ends with a rather detailed instruction on how to use the microphone and increase its service life. It also contains a warranty card with a list of all official service centers located near the point of sale. The price of the Shure SM58 ranges from 30 thousand rubles, which is quite an attractive offer compared to the options presented by well-known competitors.
Base features
The main advantage of the receiver is its ability to work simultaneously with several Shure SM58 microphones of the same type, transmitting a signal at approximately the same frequency. The maximum number of such transmitters can reach 12 pieces. The built-in microprocessor that controls the antenna and signal processing unit ensures separate operation of each of them and the absence of sound mixing.
When you first start the base in a new place, you can use the QuickScan function, which is responsible for checking the contamination of the air and selects the optimal frequency with a minimum amount of interference, after which it synchronizes with the microphone transmitter. You can monitor whether there is a signal reception or not using a two-color diode indicator located on the front panel.
The signal transmission from the Shure SM58 base to the sound amplifying equipment is carried out via interconnect cables, which must be prepared separately. They can have one of two connection standards: XLR or 1/4.
Characteristics of the microphone and its transmitter
This microphone has proven itself as a universal device that allows not only to qualitatively amplify vocals, but also to sound various classical instruments that do not have their own pickups. This became possible due to the fact that the membrane perceives and processes frequencies from 50 to 15 thousand hertz without distortion, which is quite enough to transmit most of the sounds heard by the human ear.
The Shure SM58 radio microphone is powered by two AA cells. These can be both conventional batteries and batteries with the appropriate size and voltage, charged separately. According to the manufacturer, high-quality batteries should last for 14 hours of continuous operation.
The signal is transmitted to the base using coding frequencies from 524 to 865 megahertz. This range was not chosen by chance. It is the golden mean between the range of work and the most accurate transmission without loss and distortion. The selected parameter is enough for the communication range to exceed 90 meters with line of sight.
Positive aspects of equipment
Exploring the reviews of the Shure SM58 left by professionals about this kit, there are severalmoments that they particularly enjoyed. Among them, the most common are the following:
- High sound quality. The microphone, thanks to its wide range, confidently perceives sound vibrations and is able to transmit them without loss and distortion.
- Comfortable shape. The microphone has a classic handle and a small pickup. Its weight is quite comfortable, and during a long performance, it will not tire your hand.
- Compatible with any sound amplification equipment. The Shure SM58 radio system can be easily connected to any microphone input, from specialized mixers to the jack on the back of a home computer.
- Resistant to damage. The microphone can survive drops and other types of physical impact with little to no damage. Even if the protective mesh is bent, the microphone will continue to work in most cases, and it will not be a problem to replace it.
Negative aspects of the model
Among the main reviews left by users, it is difficult to find any pronounced negative points. One of these can be called a fairly quick failure of the Shure SM58 microphone on and off button when it is used frequently. However, the manufacturer foresaw such a situation, and used standard components during assembly, which can be replaced without problems and searches after purchase at the nearest specialized store. Otherwise, there are no problems with this microphone.
Conclusion
The microphone has a nice combination of key features that make it optimal for beginners and professionals alike. When buying, you should be careful not to buy a fake, Shure SM58, the price of which will be more attractive than the original. Well-known models are often copied, and it is easy to find counterfeit goods in small shops. If you buy the original, then you can use it for a very long time, because it is quite durable and tolerates various adverse conditions well.
