Shure SM58 dynamic vocal microphone

The SM58 dynamic microphone was introduced by US company Shure in 1966, and has become the most popular professional microphone for vocals. Its shape is literally iconic, being frequently used for icons and clip art representations of microphones. The SM58 heralded the era of active stage performances, being small, light and easy to hold, with the performer’s movement being limited only by the length of the cable. In almost 60 years, it has been and still is, used on stage by many artists, from Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, and Robert Plant, through to Ed Sheeran, Grimes, and Billie Eilish.

The SM58 dynamic microphone was introduced by US company Shure in 1966, and has become the most popular professional microphone for vocals. Its shape is literally iconic, being frequently used for icons and clip art representations of microphones. The SM58 heralded the era of active stage performances, being small, light and easy to hold, with the performer’s movement being limited only by the length of the cable. In almost 60 years, it has been and still is, used on stage by many artists, from Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, and Robert Plant, through to Ed Sheeran, Grimes, and Billie Eilish.