SHURE SM57 vs SM58 vs SM7B for Podcast, Livestream, or Zoom Calls
In this week’s episode, we compare three microphones from SHURE: the SM57, SM58, and SM7B. These noteworthy installations of the SM (‘Studio Microphone’) series include two of the bestselling mics in the world— the 57 and 58— as well as a favorite of podcasters and streamers, the 7B. In this video we walk through the SM57’s feature set, compare it to the SM58 and 7B, and discuss how, when, and where you might use each of these three great microphones. Let’s take a closer look and listen!
If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.
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Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:
- SHURE SM57 microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
- SHURE SM58 microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Trew Audio, Amazon
- SHURE SM7B microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Perfect Circuit, Amazon
- SHURE A2WS foam windshield (smaller, less imposing, for the SM57) — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
- SHURE A81WS foam windshield (bigger, better for sibilant voices and wind for SM57) — B&H, Sweetwater, Trew Audio, Amazon
- SHURE A58WS foam windshield for SM58 — B&H, Amazon
- Table mic stand — B&H, Amazon
- RODE PSA1+ boom stand — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon
- XLR cables (high quality Canare) — B&H
- FETHead in-line amplifier — B&H, Amazon
- Sound Devices MixPre-3 audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Trew Audio, Amazon
- Aputure P300C LED used as key light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store
- Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon
- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon
- Rosco Gobo creates the pattern on the back wall — B&H
- Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H
- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon
- Schneider Radiant Soft diffusion filter — B&H
- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon
- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon
The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.
Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd