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Shure microphones are the closest thing the audio world has to a default standard. Walk into almost any club, studio, church, or podcast room and you will find at least one. The SM58, SM57, and SM7B have been solving real problems for decades because they are tough, consistent, and honest about what they do.
This guide covers the history, the real differences between the most popular models, current price ranges, who each mic is actually for, and clear answers to the questions people ask before buying.
A Short History of Shure’s Most Important Mics
Shure introduced the SM57 in 1965 as an instrument microphone. A year later the SM58 arrived with a ball grille designed specifically for vocals and built-in pop filtering. Both used the same basic cartridge design and the same philosophy: cardioid dynamic microphones that could survive real-world use without sounding fragile.
The original SM7 appeared in the mid-1970s and became famous after Michael Jackson used it on Thriller. The updated SM7B arrived in 2001 with improved shielding and the familiar side switches for bass roll-off and presence boost. While the SM58 and SM57 remained the live and utility workhorses, the SM7B became the studio and podcast favorite for its flat, controlled response and excellent rejection of room noise.
Sixty years later the core designs have barely changed because they still work.
Shure SM58 — The Live Vocal Standard
The SM58 is the microphone most people picture when they think of a handheld vocal mic. The ball grille reduces plosives, the cardioid pattern rejects sound from the rear, and the capsule handles high sound pressure levels without breaking up. It is built to be dropped, shouted into, and used night after night.
New SM58s typically sell for $99–$110. Used examples in good condition regularly appear on Reverb between $60 and $90. Because they are so durable, buying used is low risk.
Best for: Live vocals, stage use, untreated rooms, and anyone who needs one mic that can handle both singing and speaking without fuss.
Shure SM58
Best for: Live vocals and anyone who needs a tough, reliable handheld microphone
The industry-standard live vocal mic for a reason. Clear, durable, and available used at strong prices.
Shure SM57 — The Universal Instrument Mic
The SM57 uses the same cartridge family as the SM58 but with a smaller, flat grille that lets you place it closer to guitar amps, snare drums, and brass. It has a slight presence lift that helps instruments cut in a mix. Many engineers also use it on vocals when they want a more focused, less “ball-grille” sound.
New prices sit in the same $99–$110 range as the SM58. Used examples are often $55–$85. It is one of the safest used microphone purchases you can make.
Best for: Guitar amps, snare, toms, brass, woodwinds, and general utility work in both live and studio settings.
Shure SM7B — The Studio and Podcast Favorite
The SM7B is a larger, heavier dynamic microphone designed for close-up vocal work. It has a smoother, flatter response than the SM58, excellent rejection of room noise, and built-in switches for bass roll-off and mid-range presence boost. It does not require phantom power, but it does need a clean, high-gain preamp — many interfaces need a Cloudlifter or similar inline booster to reach ideal levels.
New SM7Bs typically sell for $399–$440. Clean used examples often land between $300 and $380. The higher price is justified for voice-over, podcasting, streaming, and controlled studio vocals.
Best for: Podcasting, streaming, voice-over, and studio vocals in treated or semi-treated spaces where you want a polished, controlled sound.
Shure SM7B
Best for: Podcasting, streaming, voice-over, and studio vocals
The modern standard for spoken-word and controlled vocal recording. Smooth, quiet, and built like a tank.
SM58 vs SM57 vs SM7B — Quick Comparison
- Live stage vocals: SM58
- Guitar amps, snare, instruments: SM57
- Podcast, streaming, studio voice: SM7B
- One mic that can do almost everything on a budget: SM58 or SM57
- Best isolation and smoothest vocal tone: SM7B (with enough gain)
The SM58 and SM57 are essentially siblings with different grilles. The SM7B is a different design aimed at close, controlled vocal work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SM7B worth the extra money over an SM58?
Yes if you record spoken word or studio vocals and have (or can add) enough clean gain. No if you mainly need a live vocal mic or are on a tight budget.
Do I need a Cloudlifter or booster with the SM7B?
Often yes. Many entry-level interfaces do not provide enough clean gain for the SM7B. A Cloudlifter, FetHead, or similar inline preamp solves the problem.
Can I use an SM57 on vocals?
Absolutely. Many classic records were tracked with SM57s on vocals. It has less built-in pop protection than the SM58, so technique or an external pop filter helps.
Are used Shure mics safe to buy?
Yes. These microphones are extremely durable. A clean used SM57 or SM58 from a reputable seller is one of the lowest-risk gear purchases you can make.
SM58 or SM7B for a home podcast?
SM7B if your room is reasonably quiet and you can provide enough gain. SM58 if the room is untreated or you need maximum simplicity and toughness.
Final Recommendation
Every serious mic locker eventually contains at least one SM57 and one SM58. Add the SM7B when you are ready for a dedicated voice and podcast microphone. Start with the SM58 if you need one versatile mic that can handle live vocals and general recording. Move to the SM7B when your main work is spoken word or controlled studio vocals.
These three microphones have remained relevant for decades because they solve real problems without drama. Buy the one that matches the job you actually do most often.
For more microphone and recording guidance, see:
- Shure SM7B vs SM58: Which Microphone Do You Actually Need
- Best Condenser Microphone Under $200
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo Review
- Home Studio Setup Guide
- Shop Used Microphones on Reverb
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