For nearly 60 years, the Shure SM58 has been one of the most recognisable and trusted microphones in professional audio.
What many people don’t realise, however, is that one of the most successful microphones ever made almost disappeared before it had even begun.
When the SM58 launched in 1966, sales were unexpectedly slow. In its first year, only 145 units were sold worldwide, and annual sales barely reached 1,000 units until 1971. At one stage, it was reportedly close to being discontinued altogether.
Fast forward to the early 1990s and Shure had sold its one millionth SM58. More than 30 years later, that figure is likely to have doubled several times over, cementing the SM58’s place as arguably the most widely used live vocal microphone in history.
Part of its success lies in its remarkable consistency. In an industry shaped by constant technological change, the SM58 earned its reputation not through hype, but through reliability. For generations of engineers, performers and venues, it simply became the microphone that worked. Time and time again.
“I’ve seen SM58s dropped, kicked, thrown into flight cases and used night after night for years - and they still work perfectly. There’s a reason you still see them on stages everywhere.”
That durability has become part of the microphone’s legendary status. Whether on major world tours or grassroots live music stages, the SM58 has remained a constant presence in professional audio for six decades.
Today, it’s difficult to imagine live sound without it. Few products in professional audio have achieved the same level of trust, longevity and universal recognition - especially one that very nearly never made it past its first few years.