Shure SM58 and Shure PGA58, are both microphones from the brand Shure. A brand that has produced legendary microphones such as the SM57, SM7B, and of course, the SM58.
Learn about the differences between both microphones below.
Shure SM58
The Shure SM58 is a dynamic type microphone. Its capture pattern is cardioid, which gives the microphone the quality of only capturing the sound source in front of it, largely rejecting outside noise (such as ambient noise).
Design and construction
The Shure SM58 has a simple design, with a capsule-shaped pop filter. This is a useful quality since there are words that include the letter P that produces unpleasant sounds in the microphone. These sounds are commonly called pops.
The construction of the Shure SM58 is simply amazing. It is made of metal and it is popularly known for its ability to resist blows and mistreatment. It’s the longest-lasting and most profitable investment you can make for a microphone.
Sound
The sound of the Shure SM58 is extremely clean and clear. This microphone is ideal for capturing vocals. In this regard, the microphone is exceptionally good. The Shure SM58 is capable of capturing the voice in high definition, preserving all the details that define it. From low, medium, and high pitch frequencies in both men and women.
Thanks to the excellent capture quality of this microphone, it makes it an ideal and cheap option for studio and live events.
The Shure SM58 is a dynamic microphone. You can use it without problems in places that are not acoustically treated and still get good results.
Price
This legendary microphone can be purchased for a price of 99$. The Shure SM58 is one of the safest investments when it comes to microphones.
Shure PGA58
The Shure PGA58 is a dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern, sharing that feature with its big brother., the shure SM58 However, despite sharing this feature, they are very different built microphones
The Shure PGA58 microphone is the much cheaper version of the Shure SM58. This one is a much lower-quality microphone than the Shure SM58. The letters PG and SM denote a difference between them. The SM microphones are high end for studio use and live use, while the PG is the Shure’s lowest end microphones.
Design and construction
The design of the Shure PGA58 is almost identical to the SM58, however, their similarities end there. They have a metal construction, but to the touch, it does not feel as strong and durable as the Shure SM58.
With this microphone, you can’t feel the same confidence and assurance that it will survive live conditions gig after gig. Given the conditions of its design, it is safest to use it in a studio with safer conditions for the microphone to guarantee its durability.
Sound
The sound of the Shure PGA58 somewhat resembles the Shure SM58 sound. However, the low frequencies do not have as much presence. The rejection of ambient noise is very good, but the final quality of the voice is not as good as what the Shure SM58 offers.
Price
The huge advantage of the Shure PGA58 over the Shure SM58 is its price difference. The Shure PGA58 can be bought for much less than the Shure SM58, thus being a much more accessible product, but at the same time, of inferior quality.
You can get the Shure PGA58 for a modest price of 60$
Shure SM58 vs Shure PGA58 or PGA58 – Which one is better?
In terms of build quality and sound, the Shure SM58 is vastly superior to the Shure PG58 or PGA58. However, it is more expensive, so that’s an important factor to consider.
It all depends on the use you want to give to the microphone, and of course, the profit you can get out of your investment
If you want great professional quality for your recordings, then the Shure SM58 is the one for you, especially if you know that you can get your money’s worth using this microphone in your work or presentations.
If you need an microphone for your podcasts or some live performance where the audio quality is decent, then the Shure PGA58 is more suited for that task