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Sound Reinforcement - Forums for Live Sound Professionals - Your Displayed Name Must Be Your Real Full Name To Post In The Live Sound Forums => SR Forum Archives => LAB Lounge FUD Forum Archive => Topic started by: Brendan Maroney on September 18, 2008, 08:44:31 PM

Title: SM48 vs. SM58
Post by: Brendan Maroney on September 18, 2008, 08:44:31 PM

Quality of SM48 vs. SM58?  Different Off-axis rejection? Closer proximity?  More handling noise, or just a different sound?

Right now SM48's are half the price of an SM58.  Do you think two SM48's is a better investment than a single 58, or is it subjective?

Brendan

Title: Re: SM48 vs. SM58
Post by: Ben Harris on September 18, 2008, 09:31:23 PM

I've found the SM48 to be a little more sensitive at higher frequencies, with not quite as flat of a response as the SM58.  As far as purchasing, I would stay with the 58 as I believe it has a better build quality than the 48.

Title: Re: SM48 vs. SM58
Post by: Matt Vivlamore on September 18, 2008, 09:39:07 PM

I'm not sure, but doesn't the SM48 look like the PG58?

Title: Re: SM48 vs. SM58
Post by: Ivan Beaver on September 18, 2008, 09:41:39 PM

The 48 is a great mic to use for "lessor" performers who think they are getting the real thing.  I used to use mine on kids and beginning bands who were likely to tear them up.

The sound is not as "clear" (define as you wish ) as the 58.  The 58 has more "detail" on the higher freq.

I used to have several and never had a problem with them.

It has been a long time since I used them however.

Title: Re: SM48 vs. SM58
Post by: Dave Dermont on September 18, 2008, 09:44:52 PM

Not to be a smart-ass but...

Yeah right!    

Why would anyone want a mic that's not even as good as an SM58?

This is the wrong place to look for bargains.

FWIW, yes I have used the SM48, and I did not enjoy it a bit.

The PG57 makes a dandy talkback mic though, as it's got a switch on it.

Title: Re: SM48 vs. SM58
Post by: Tim Padrick on September 18, 2008, 11:12:16 PM

You can go on eBay and get an EV 767a for about the same price as an SM58 (a genuine 58, anyway).  A much better way to go.     Just don't bid against me please.

Title: Re: SM48 vs. SM58
Post by: Lester Moran on September 18, 2008, 11:49:47 PM

I would only consider SM48s for a kid's church act, (or something like that) as a defined purpose throw-away situation.

SM58s are cheap enough and a good investment because you'll run across people and situations that require SM58s.  Nobody asks for SM48s.

SM58 is an industry standard for a reason.

Les

Title: Re: SM48 vs. SM58
Post by: Bob Leonard on September 19, 2008, 12:02:54 AM

Tim Padrick wrote on Thu, 18 September 2008 23:12

You can go on eBay and get an EV 767a for about the same price as an SM58 (a genuine 58, anyway).  A much better way to go.     Just don't bid against me please.

Like these?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Electro-Voice-N-D-767a-Vocal-Mic-EV-767- A-NO-RESERVE_W0QQitemZ180289423616QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item18 0289423616&_trkparms=72%3A1208%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A 12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/Electro-Voice-N-D-767a-Vocal-Mic-EV-767- A-NO-RESERVE_W0QQitemZ180289423719QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item18 0289423719&_trkparms=72%3A1208%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A 12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Title: Re: SM48 vs. SM58
Post by: Brendan Maroney on September 19, 2008, 06:52:04 PM

thanks everyone, will probably go with an SM58 soon for my band's rehearsal.

Brenda

Title: Re: SM48 vs. SM58
Post by: Edward Lime on September 19, 2008, 07:16:13 PM

Are we allowed to .. give out info about cheaper places to buy equipment?

I'm not advertising but i was in the market for a shure pgx 24 / sm 86 and found it for 80 dollars cheaper than retail.


and .. therefore sm 58's are cheaper too ...


PM me if you want the site

Title: Re: SM48 vs. SM58
Post by: Tim Padrick on September 20, 2008, 02:30:28 AM

Lester Moran wrote on Thu, 18 September 2008 22:49

SM58 is an industry standard for a reason. Les

IMHO, it's because we are sheep, and use what everyone else uses.  It certainly isn't because of sound quality or value.

Title: Re: SM48 vs. SM58
Post by: Dave Dermont on September 20, 2008, 02:43:36 AM

Tim Padrick wrote on Sat, 20 September 2008 02:30

Lester Moran wrote on Thu, 18 September 2008 22:49 SM58 is an industry standard for a reason. Les IMHO, it's because we are sheep, and use what everyone else uses.  It certainly isn't because of sound quality or value.

The guy I know that's been using the same SM58 since 1978 might argue with you about the value part.

As far as sound quality, I think it's a matter of choosing the devil you know.