I was looking for the frequency response of both the Shure SM57 and SM58 to add to a growing PDF library of mic specs and saw this forum thread comparing the two mics.
QUOTE:
“The SM58 and the SM57 share the same mic element, the Unidyne III. The only difference between the these two models is the grill design.
The grill design does affect the high frequency response, particularly above 8,000 Hz.
The SM57 grill design allows more proximity effect because the mic diaphragm can be placed closer to the sound source. Proximity effect increases each time the distance from the mic to the source is halved. When a mic is placed very close, it is quite easy to halve the distance: 1 inch to 1/2 inch; 1/2 inch to 1/4 inch; etc. Remove the ball grill from the SM58 and it will be more similar to the SM57 in its low frequency response.
Any other differences you hear between the SM57 and SM58 are likely to be subjective (psycho-acoustic) or due to slight manufacturing differences due to part tolerance. ”
END QUOTE:
This should be something easy to see when measuring an SM57 against an SM58 with it’s ball windscreen removed. More soon…