SM58 For Miking Amps?

[Axe_78th]

I was noticing that The Edge appears to have his amps miked with 58's instead of the standard SM57. Have any of you used a 58 over a 57? What differences good or bad did you hear? Thanks in advance.

[TweedBassman]

it's the same mic with a different cover for the capsule, so i'd imagine the differences are minimal. there may be some slight filtering from the extra windscreen.

[mrbluetone]

I have always used a 58 and think it works fine.

[bandofthieves™]

Both Mics work fine.Their Freq curves are pretty much the same. The only advantage the sm58 has over the sm57 is the Proximity effect.(Placing mic close to source) The SM58 will give a boost at 100hz of between I think 4-6db with a roll-off at 50hz.

[daddyo]

Wow. I asked this question here a few years ago and everyone thought I was an idiot for even thinking about miking an amp with a SM58.

[bandofthieves™]

Originally Posted by daddyo

Wow. I asked this question here a few years ago and everyone thought I was an idiot for even thinking about miking an amp with a SM58.

[TimH]

Originally Posted by daddyo

Wow. I asked this question here a few years ago and everyone thought I was an idiot for even thinking about miking an amp with a SM58.

That's because people are largely ignorant. Straight from the horses mouth is that the 57 and 58 are EXACTLY the same mic except for the capsule which means the 57 is more directional than a 58. That's it. Period. A 58 will probably pic up more reflections and more of the room and yes, the proximity thing is true, but internally the mics are identical and as such is a perfectly acceptable mic to use on an amp so long as you want the addded reflections and proximity and such.

Tim

[Funky Monkey]

Yes, they're the same capsule- that's no secret. It is the housing and the screen that are (obviously) different. But the screen on the 58 (and even the foam in it) make it sound different than a 57. That is not arguable. That's why both are available. It is not ignorance or trying to pull one over on the consumer. They both sound and react differently from one another.

When tracking, the 57 will catch dynamics and air in my playing that a 58 won't. On stage with the full band or in the mix on tape, I doubt I would ever be able to discern a difference. So The Edge probably chose it simply because of the windscreen since they do play outside a lot.

I do like a 57 on vocals, but after a couple rounds of personal trial and error, I will never use a 58 by itself on a guitar speaker again. Regardless, since I tried the Blue Ball, I've not used a 57.

The only answer to your post, Axe, is to try them both for yourself.

[Axe_78th]

Thanks folks.