Turn Your SM58 Into an SM7B!!
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- Опубліковано 6 чер 2024
- If you liked this video - You might like the time I made a Frankenstein Microphone - • Turning an AudioTechni...
The last time we tried this, we used EQ and compression to bridge the gap between the two mics.
This time we are actually actually making the SM58 as mechanically close to the SM7B as possible!
If you want to do this as well, it is super easy, but you are going to need a couple things.
NOT THE ONLY TIME I HAVE DONE THIS -
See what I did with my Frankenmic!! - • Turning an AudioTechni...
US Links for this work -
SM58 - amzn.to/3k7gLrT
Screwdriver Set - amzn.to/3kaO2SW
24 Gauge Wire - amzn.to/3qH5mRY
Wire Stripper - amzn.to/3kdOShF
Soldering Iron - amzn.to/2ZBptVN
Rosen Core Solder - amzn.to/2ZBgSlX
Helping Hands (Recommended by not needed) - amzn.to/3qSSFmY
UK Links for this work -
SM58 - amzn.to/3s8uEsq
Screwdriver Set - amzn.to/3k7SRwl
24 Gauge Wire - amzn.to/3kailZN
Wire Stripper - amzn.to/2NLMbb0
Soldering Iron - amzn.to/2NLMsL4
Rosen Core Solder - amzn.to/3sk2ZoF
Helping Hands (Recommended by not needed) - amzn.to/3aGvHtP
Canada Links for this work -
SM58 - amzn.to/3un98Cq
Screwdriver Set - amzn.to/3aDQlKV
24 Gauge Wire - amzn.to/3uin40n
Wire Stripper - amzn.to/3aCwpIz
Soldering Iron - amzn.to/3qSUf8o
Rosen Core Solder - amzn.to/3aDgN7u
Helping Hands (Recommended by not needed) - amzn.to/3qTokoJ
Timestamps -
00:00 Intro
00:50 Tools Required
01:35 Teardown
03:10 Putting it back together
04:25 Altered SM58 vs Unaltered SM58
05:17 SM7B vs Altered SM58
06:23 Compared with EQ
07:45 Mic Reveal
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My Gear -
Mics - RODE NT2A - amzn.to/2WWQTnn
- TZ Audio Products Stellar X2 - amzn.to/3gHTj0X
Mixer - Arturia Audiofuse Studio - amzn.to/33kSBnq
Secondary Boom Arm - amzn.to/2WBhveB
Camera - Canon T7i - amzn.to/2X3yTYi
Lenses - Canon 50mm 1.8 - amzn.to/2LxiI0k
Canon 24mm 2.8 - amzn.to/2zF96Ok - Наука та технологія
SM7 & SM5B were favorite broadcast mics due to the large foam windscreen/pop filter. It kept the DJ from getting too close to the capsule and reduced the plosives. The reason that not many made it to the used market is that the foam that Shure used degraded over time tended to crumble away. Replacement foam has never been readily available or easily installed.
The SM7 was originally developed as a movie set boom mic.
The transformer mod for the SM58 has been around for a long time. Typically, it's been touted for use on toms. The removal of the transformer does make the SM58 more sensitive to input impedance variations and it will effect the response.
BTW: I was a Broadcast and studio engineer from the mid 70's to the mid 90's.
Foam for headphones can be used in any dynamic mic. There are several good ones, in varying thicknesses, available, and sometimes the best installation is of two layers, either the same, or varied.
Great response, thank you. I think this sums up pretty well why gear choices aren't much about "what is the best", it's rather: what fits you and your individual use cases etc the best.
Hey Al, have you thought about chronically your experiences? I'm sure there are a ton of people that would be into learning about how things were done in the '70s and '80s. You did a great job summing things up about those mics in your comment. It'd be cool to learn about how equipment, technology, and the industry evolved over your career. Cheers!
@@BillRayDrums I would not buy any other studio gear from Amazon! No matter what it is. Always, always, always, it ends up being crap and something breaks on it. It's as if all the Amazon stuff is counterfeit. From TV's, cellphones, cords, headphones, to the RK345 SM7b replacement windscreen.... which took a dump in 2 months and the original lasted about 10yrs of moderate to heavy use (not daily, but weekly with some time off here and there). Instead buy from Sweetwater, as it's for sure a Shure product (which is guaranteed to last 2yrs from Sweetwater), and it's cheaper than buying directly from Shure! I promise you that chincing out on essential gear is NOT THE WAY TO GO, and that includes cords, popfilters, micstands, etc.! Even if your poor. Eat PJ's, and ramen for a month to save money or something. I did!
@@assshakerstudios549I've not had a problem with Amazon but I usually buy on eBay, noting the address of the seller, so I can take my revenge and burn them out if they scam me, which hasn't happened yet.
Sweetwater are just another online retailer I can't be bothered to sign up for. They all put mom and pop shops out of business..
The altered SM58 sounds very bright, almost to the point of abrasive. I love my SM58 for singing live, but I love the SM7B for voice-overs :)
That was my exact thought.
Yea, even without monitors it almost sounds like an NT1-A.
that's the word that came to mind, abrasive
You could hear some vibrations transferred through the table when SM58 was used. It also did not have a windscreen. So adding an arm, some shock mount and a windscreen could make it much harder to discern those two.
Yeah...working on a second boom and a different setup for shooting.
It's a pain otherwise
If it weren't for this fact I might not have been able to tell which was which.
I really think this Video and to me it was helpful cause I just busted my Mic and now I wanna try this out.. so in dumb terms we should just change the cables/wires cause I didn't see you doing much other than that
@@alexvanderkooy Same for me. :)
@@megaacersa3359 you need to remove the glued in transformer.
At this point, it doesnt really matter which mic you use. So I say just get the SM58, use it as is, and save yourself the cash and time. At the end of the day, both are going to be post processed anyway if you plan on using them for something meaningful like podcast or music production.
I love the sound of the modded 58, so thanks for sharing. What this video really made me realise though is how similar the microphones sound! turns out I probably don't need to upgrade!
Brilliant video. This inspired me to convert an SM57 and I’ve very happy with the sound. I found the Klark Teknic CT1 mic booster can fit inside the SM57 case after enlarging the internal hole in the mic, so now I have a converted SM57 with built in phantom powered “cloud lifter” style amp.
That is amazing...
I am considering doing something similar...both with an SM58...as well as an SM7B
Think I might be using a fethead for it though...
@@DarkCornerStudios It takes a little surgery with the soldering iron but the CT1 circuit board fits width-wise in the SM57 body. The CT1 is only £20 so a real bargain and to my ears sounds good.
@@davidsnoswell9172 I will see if I can get one here
@@DarkCornerStudios you have to enlarge the cavity inside the mic,, there is an internal flange which the transformer normally sits on and this has to be enlarged so the circuit board has room. Ideally it should be drilled out, although the case will need very firm clamping. I didn’t have a drill bit big enough so used a tapered reamer by hand. The die cast metal of the case is quite soft fortunately. For the CT1 you remove the case and both connectors, leave the circuit board bare. Then reattach the original shure XLR plug being careful to keep it completely central and aligned. Once reassembled there is no external sign of the mod, you just confuse people when they need to apply phantom power and it sounds different/better.
@David Snoswell Bravo! What are your experiences with the end product? Should have a great deal more pressure and resolution. Something very useful in a live setting for vocals?
I was happy to see how simple getting the transformer out is. I have been thinking of trying this mod on a 57, since I read about it being done in the era before specialized bass drum mics, to get more bottom out of a 57.
I found it pretty easy to tell them apart. The SM7b just has a smoother response from the high mids and onwards. In comparison, the SM58 has a slight 'crooked' high end response that sounds more unnatural to me. Bright S sounds will sound a little harsh and focused on a few frequencies on the 58 whereas they sound more like the desired 'white noise' on the 7b. I was surprised by how well the lower mids match the ones on the real SM7b.
Using my AirPods, I heard the same thing. SM7B sounded more natural and balanced throughout the spectrum. Altered 58 sounded crispy somewhere in the 4k range. I'd love to see a RTA response for the two SM58 configurations.
Was in radio for years, mobile DJ before that, I do voice-over's now, and you could take the actual knowledge I have over a microphone and it wouldn't even fill a pamphlet... This helped a little...
This video is great and informational. You can hear some differences between the two but either of the microphones are great sounding especially when treated and eq'd well.
I'm a wannabe audiophile (with wax ears) and I easily identified the modded SM58 but darn they were close. A great testament to the legend. Other than bragging rights for the SM7 the 58 is a real contender.
That was really cool. Yes, I can distinguish the sound of the 7B but since the mouth distance didn't provide that legendary close proximity effect we all have come to love about the 7B it was as apparent of a difference between the mics. Great job on making the mic mod!
I would love to hear you make a video with your mouth right on the mic for that proximity effect, and perhaps utilize an additional pop filter on the 58. This could be a really fun experiment that I'd love to see.
I love my transformerless 58 mods - it’s a go too for a flatter mid- high range and asks for a little bit more from the preamp which works out great for high dynamic range material. Love the branding of comparing this to a 7B - well done
I‘m happy having prefered the mic B during the comparison. To my ears the modded sm58 was ever so slightly rounder in the lows and less harsh.
Will modd mine!
that's fascinating to me, I had basically the opposite experience. I didn't hear much difference in the low end, but there was an edge to the 58 that tipped the hand, probably the same presence that makes it so popular on stage. Everybody hears things differently which is super cool
I'd say 58 has some nasty low mids...while sm7b has balanced frequency
Great, I am not a singer but I like to sing, I have an SM58 and every time I am happier with it when I sing through it and hear it back than any condenser I have used. The mod gives a really subtle push somewhere in the mids, like a super subtle twang, like the tone knob on the fender strat. SM58s to me are like musical instruments, really comfortable to perform with and you can move around a bit rather than being locked into a mic stand area, and connect to something physical. nice!
This transformerless mod to the 57/58 has been around for a long time. It just sounds like a brighter clearer 57/58 (kind of too bright IMO for vocals) not a SM7b.
The original idea of removing the transformer was to use the modded mic on a snare drum to get a brighter crack sound not as an SM7b replacement as you are suggesting here.
There are some things one can do to a 58 to make it better for voice over or studio vocals. One is to remove the ball windscreen and instead use either a high quality foam filter like the Shure A81WS or the Windtech Ultra Series. You can also use a standard metal or nylon hoop type pop filter.
Another useful trick is using a micpreamp that has an impedance lower than 1k. A Neve or Neve clone with 300 ohms input is best in my opinion. Loading the 57/58 like this rather than the usual modern micpreamp or interface mic input that tend to be in the 3k-6k range (and transformerless) make the 57/58 a bit more harsh while proper loading smooths things a bit and a micpreamp with transformer input helps as well.
I'd say leave your 57's and 58's alone unless you want to make it into a really bright sounding mic for your snare to crack more or maybe to make an electric guitar really cut.
Probably the best comment I’ve seen here. Couldn’t agree more. Especially with the preamp 300ohm loading.
Theres almost no difference dude quit your yapping
@@2ndearthagepromotions clearly your ears, brain, and bits in between need to practice more.
Definitely a difference and noticeable immediately to a well trained ear. The top end seemed a little to “loose”. Loading it will have a dampening effect on the diaphragm as it has to work harder into a low impedance. Smooth things out as the OP noted
@@MidlifeRenaissanceMan there is a difference but is the untrained ear of the casual listener or even yourself going to hear that 2% difference in a full mix. Can you listen to any professionally mixed track and determine what mic it was recorded on?
@@2ndearthagepromotions if you focus on the detail, you’ll pick up the difference. Doing blind AB mixes with untrained punters, they’ll often say something sounds better, or they prefer one mix over the other, but can’t tell you why.
The simpler the recording, the more care you need to take, and the more microphone choices will dictate your success in the outcome you’re looking for.
I liked the B mic on your voice best. crazy that it was the sm58! Great video
I dont know why... there is no answer but I love videos where I learn to do things I'll never need or can even think of a reason to do it. "Just because" is good enough for me. DIY culture ROCKS!!!!!
Lol...me too
Interesting. Will def try this. Love seeing sm58 videos. Thx
Cheers!
It was a lot of fun to do.
Thanks for watching!!
I've been around these mics +50yrs. and I never knew this, I'm off to the work bench......thanks
Thank you so much for sharing. Perfectly executed in every way!!
Thanks!!
Cheers and thanks for watching!!
The SM58 got extra high end, perfectly noticeable for me.
Listening through my HP laptop speakers, I could hear more treble (consonants, especially plosives) better with the modified 57 -- EQ-ed or not. Same with the unaltered 57. Definitely a nice sound, and comparable to the 7B, and a step up from the unaltered 57, IMHO -- at least for voice. I would love to hear their comparisons in other applications, although I don't know if a 7B is really a good choice for other applications (I am still learning about the 7 and its uses).
This is also the first video I've seen from you, so you may have actually made other videos that address the issue. Subscribing now! Thanks for your work!
Yes, I can hear the difference even on my HP laptop speakers. The SM7B is fuller and more balanced, overall but... I do really like the 58 without the transformer! It removes some of that cloudy sound and gives a nice presence to the mic. I will try it!
Seems like there's more top end emphasis on the modified 58, that's how I could tell them apart! Interesting to hear them back to back.
I could tell the altered SM58 - it was a bit brighter and with just slightly less body - close enough for me, I'll probably mod one down the road. Thanks for the video!
It seems most ppl guessed correctly with SM58 as B but mainly due to table noise and annoyances from recording making us assume that was a cheaper mic.
In a more straight test with pop filter and shock mount we might not know or prefer SM58 as it's low end is very nice.
The biggest problem is the look of the mic vs having your mouth near the comfy foam of 7B is a much more pleasant recording experience.
The biggest difference between the two mics is their construction. I didn't know their capsules were different at all though. The 7b gets its noise rejection quality from the acoustic properties of the geometry of its enclosure, and the capsule is probably internally shock-mounted.
DSLR Video Shooter just made a video about how to DIY 3D print a SM7B casing for the SM58, you might want to check that one out.
Dude...you saved me from spending R7000 in the near future. Looks like I will be using my SM58 to record vocals in my little home studio. Thanks man!
Bono has used a 58 forever. Most live stuff is probably 58. I left condensers and went back to 57/58 for vocals because of tighter direction focus in poorly treated rooms. Much better results.
Good project. This is also a demonstration of how much profit margin there is for many mics!
Nice video! Honestly, the only way I was able to know which is which is I could tell the SM58 was taking the shock from the table vibrations.
Got it, A was the 7B, thought its midrange was a little warmer, but not by a lot, thanks for the mod tip!
The brightness on the modified 58 was very noticable. It's subtle, but the sm7b has an ever so softer top end.
i would suggest making a note that removing the transformer does put your transducer at a slight risk of blowing with out voltage regulation, but can be worth the cost. I would also suggest adding a cloudlifter to the modded sm58 and the sm7b gain staging
Even cheap interface can power both mics comfortably. Cloudlifters are not necessary this day and age.
I was actually surprised that I was that sure that mic A was the SM7B, typically I'm not good at these subtle differences but to me, the difference was quite noticeable. B picked up much more sibilance, and has a higher frequency response it seems which makes it sound much harsher. A had that almost compressed, full sound with plenty of mid and low that you expect from a mic used for radio etc.
this!
Great stuff mate!
I guessed correctly, but it was a guess. The first thing that stood out to me was what I assume to be the slightly muffled sound of the 7b’s foam filter. I also think there was a slight dip in the midrange or a slight bump in the high midrange on the 58 that gave it a little more energy, but it was subtle (at least to my ears).
This video was excellent! Thanks for all the hard work! After much deliberation, I just purchased an EV RE320 over the 7b. This video made me feel a little more secure in that purchase! If I ever get the urge for a 7b, I’ll get a 58 and some solder.
Awesome!
Thanks for the compliment...it was a tonne of work but fun.
Cheers and good luck with the re320
Interesting. I think the unaltered SM58 sounds closer to the sm7b. I hear a 2/3k bump on the altered 58 vs the stock mic and that difference is a bit more dramatic between the altered 58 and the sm7b. Cool video either way!
Thanks for watching!!
Thanks for the video.
It would be great to compare the two mics on a vocal session.
I think the difference would be more noticeable.
I bet the rock and metal screaming sounds a lot better on the SM7B than the Mod.SM58.
Cheers!
🖖🤟
The 7b just has such a nice body too it, it’s a cool alternative but they both serve they’re own purpose from recording to live muisc
Great video.... did not know they shared the same capsule. I have both but only use the SM7B for live online shows. I have a WA-47 for recording.
Kudos to grinding out all these rad videos
Truly a grind.
An enjoyable grind albeit
You could tell based on the levels when your head was pointing towards one mic or the other. The SM7B sounds much smoother overall. Not night and day, but better for sure.
really cool vid! Great quick project. My question: why not do this to every SM58 you own? Are there advantages to the original design that are lost in the conversion? It seems like a win-win.
Reminds me of a grammy award winning mastering engineer story, talking about looking for a certain sound during a college recording process. He said he tried every high end mic in the studio non of them were what he was looking for...then he found it...an SM58.
I didnt figure it out, but I preferred mic A before the reveal, especially after the applied eq. Mic B felt a little boxy, but still totally usable. I was hoping A was the modded sm58. I've heard of modders removing the transformer from the sm57, but I would love to hear a side-by-side of that.
I have an SM58, Beta 58 and SM7B and I managed to spot the altered SM58 from the SM7B. I use my Beta 58 more than my SM7B but it's handy having both as I prefer having lead vocals and backing vocals down with different mikes.
Cool I didn't know the capsules were basically the same. I enjoyed the side by side real world test, just goes to show it isn't always about how much money you throw at something its how you use it that counts.
Modded sm58 definitely had more sibilant ssssss vs the darker sm7b. Maybe Eqing the sibilance out would lead to a better comparison but as is they are definitely discernable and the 7b sounded way better in my opinion. Thanks for the video!
I liked Mic B better. Nice lows, and somehow seems less congested. A while back I got a 50th Anniv. edition SM58, plus a spare grill that I pulled the foam out of, to see how much the top end might open up. Still haven't tested it out, tho. Might have to try that transformer-delete mod on a stock 58 sometime! Thanks for another great video!
I thought mic A was the SM7B but I wasn't sure until you told it in the end. I think it sounds just a tiny bit.. warmer? But that could just be my brain fooling me :P
They both sound really really good. I watched this video because I own a SM58 and have been thinking about the SM7B. (I use my mic for recording youtube videos, sometimes record some music and playing games with friends and these day's also for my teaching job)
Your video helped me to come to the conclusion I'm allready very happy with the SM58 and I don't need a new one. Maybe for the bigger proffesionals this difference is important but for me as a small bedroom enthousiast even the un-altered SM58 is good enough :)
Great video! Thanks!
Cheers and thanks for watching!
exactly! good conclusion and why not buy a nice mic preamp for the saved money... cheeeeeers
Easy to tell, thanks for the video.
Thanks. It would be interesting to hear the altered 58 with a wad of foam (like the 7B) as foam tends to darken and smooth a little.
I could instantly tell the difference. Mic A was the 7B. The difference for me was that the altered 58 sounded a little thinner and brighter and the 7B was a little richer/fuller sound. They were pretty close though. Thanks for the tip. 🙂
Yeah, the 7B was smoother all around, as though more naturally compressed, but the mod does make the straight 58 more smooth "in the manner of" the 7B. Nice! I'm curious *how much* more gain was needed on the modded one to match the transformer-ed straight 58. (Not exactly, but o'clock comarisons will do, unless you can say actual close db amounts!). And how similar were the gains on the 7B and the modded 58? Thanks! Great vid.
GREAT VIDEO! Now i need to learn how to actually do this, or get my friend to help haha
I did get them right, the SM58 is to bright compares to the other. Nice video, bro.
That eliminated transformer has a very important function that has little to do with gain, it is more for the correct impedance matching as well as allowing Noise Cancellation through the use of Balanced Microphone Wiring, especially when microphone cables are long.
It was easy for me to make out which is which but it's still very impressive. Thanks for the video.
Cheers!
Thanks for watching!
The best studio vocal sound that worked with my voice was an SM7 w/a windscreen. It wasc from the 70s. Superb sound. Lots of bottom end that's not natural to my voice. Did alot of jingle singing over the years. Background stuff and a ton of songwriter demos. Ended up buying the mic from the studio when they upgraded to a more contemporary sounding facility. It's obviously a prized possession and still in active use.
Yes and because it is a dynamic and not a condenser you can use it as a stage microphone as well.
The SM58 seemed to have a little bump around 5kHz, and the SM7B seemed to have a little more something at around 350Hz, but they were definitely quite close after the gain adjustments.
I picked it. Mic B is a tiny bit brighter, even when treated. I had an SM7B for years and it was a great mic for full band live recording or gigs. I do all my studio vocal recording using tube mics.
The altered SM58 sounds noticeably more distorted and abrasive in the highs... But in the 2nd part of the demo, after they were EQ'd, it almost started to sound slightly better -- but it was much harder to pick out any specific difference between the two.
i have to thank you a lot! i had 2 "broken SM58" (like someone give to me because they tear down the xlr connections , and want it to put it in garbage) i did your mod's on top of puting a xlr again... and it sound great...actually we compare both in a pro studio, on same preamps, on same take of my voice...and the signal look is almost exactly the same, suprisingly, sm58 modified got a bit more low end (we checked that on Pro Q3) , but truly that was about it, i tried on tom's, kicks, folk...and frankly, i won't buy a sm7 anytime soon...
Crazy! I guessed correctly, Nice formatted video.
Honestly, on UA-cam the difference between the two 58 was so negligible that in don’t think this mod is for voice like that. But this was interesting, I didn’t knew you could take out the transfo like that.
Also the 7B have its own EQ modifier switches which is great.
I could hear the difference pretty quick and parsed which was which after a little bit, the SM7B has a lot more low mids, and while I was initially impressed with the top end clarity on the mod58, I think that might cause me more trouble than anything. Still pretty close though, might have to snag a used 58 somewhere and give it a whirl!
I don't know if it's placebo but the Sm7B highs (to me) sounded less harsh and a bit more pleasing, still for the price the difference is so small that this is a no brainer! Great video
Thanks!
The difference is ever so slightly there...I thought it might be placebo as well...
Considering getting an SM7B shell...sticking the guts of an sm58 in it...and putting the real and fake on side by side to see if anyone can figure it out...
@@DarkCornerStudios That would be the ultimate trial!!
@@MrBeatUA-cam I shall look into this!
@@DarkCornerStudios That would be a great test!
Its like night and day to me @@DarkCornerStudios - there is so much more harsh detail and sibilance on the transformerless 58. the acoustic design of the body may be part of it. Certainly not as clear as the difference removing the transformer
I bought the PYLE PDM 78 - and I am very happy with them ...
yea, was definitely able to tell that mic B was the sm58, but it was mainly due to your different EQ settings making it noticeably tinnier, almost painfully so. When you had them at the same EQ I had more trouble differentiating them.
Flat out preferred the 58, thought it sounded “more expensive”
Are these the best mics on the market? Thanls for the video
B felt brighter all along, with a bit too abrasive top end, but still better than stock 58 for many purposes I'm sure. It could be great for snare and toms indeed, if I had more 58's I'd love to mod a few and try on toms. Also makes me wonder what if you replace the omitted part with something less effective that would still soften highs a bit but open it up as well some?
I was really hard pressed to tell which was which, but in the end i was right. Its such a small difference which could basically be negligible with some EQ. I have to say that there are 100% some people who are handy enough to do this little job, and they WILL as a result of this video. I have a friend with a fairly popular Rubiks Cube channel who does weird mods on them all the time, im gonna see if he wants to take a wack at this project. see if we cant get a bigger discussion going.
Ha HA! I only figured it out because of the sm7b’s wind screen sound!
Same here
There's actually a 3D printable case now that will make the SM58 look similar to the SM7B. Idk if I'm fully committed to the transformer mod but after watching your other side-by-side of the stock SM58 and the SM7B I'm really interested in trying the cosmetic mods.
Could you provide a link? I was not able to find it
@@connorazzarello5514 UA-cam is weird about external links sometimes so I'd rather not but if you search Camera Foundry it's on their main page. They sell the conversion kit but the 3d files are free.
@@connorazzarello5514 $30 DIY Shure SM7B Microphone!: ua-cam.com/video/tdt8GCBKEHk/v-deo.html
I could hear the difference through some headphones bundled with the phone, but it was not massive. The A (7b) was more naturally balanced to my ears and B was sounding sometimes 'boomier' and less 'consistent'. I've assigned the sound which I liked more to the more expensive 7b and it turned out to be a correct guess. But I also agree that for most people the difference would be really minor.
Just one tech note: Removing the transformer from the SM58 will lower its gain by 10 dB (decibels) per octave. It may shape the sound to equal the SM7B, but you'll get a quieter volume out of the mod. If you spend the extra $90 and order the T58 transformer from TAB Funkenwork, you'll gain back the original spec of volume of the SM58 and the EQ match of the SM7B. So there's something to consider...
This is a project that I’ll have to play with. I recently picked a used Studio Projects C1 and I’ve been considering the the mod from Mic Parts. Building interesting toys.
It is fun...
This was a small taste...I may be moving things forward next time...
@@DarkCornerStudios I may try this 58 mod while waiting for mic parts. I definitely want the iconic microphone in my collection but can’t justify the $$$ today.
If courts I could also sell off the mics I never use…naaaaaah
@@PhotoShap Yeah...I dont do that either...too painful to be separated from them
@@DarkCornerStudios the real question is how to choose which to use… is it proximity to ones position? A fair rotation so none of them are offended?
I’m basically all voiceover/interview/UA-cam use and I have my goto mics and much has to do with environment but I’m curious what motivates your mic choices project to project.
@@PhotoShap I am rather faithful...stick to my NT2A most of the time...
Or I become insufferably whimsical and go crazy with the Stellar X2...
This was with an SM58. I think SM58 and SM57 have the same capsule, and I have 2 of them around. Hmmm, maybe I can give it a try!
There was an obvious different in the last comparison. Mic B was obviously the altered SM58 because of desk rumbling noise. The SM7b is excellent with rejecting handling noise (and it’s on a boom arm).
As far as I know, the SM7B does in fact have the transformer inside of it, which is toggled with the switches on the back.
If I'm, reading the spec sheet correctly, a stock SM58 is roughly equivalent to a SM7B with the presence boost enabled and bass rolloff disabled. Removing the transformer should be comparable to switching off the presence boost - which should give it a flatter response and overall make it a better microphone for many voices.
Although, the different microphone bodies will also affect the frequency response.
No...you would see the transformer on the schematic.
You can even call Shure and check with their tech support.
It really isn't there
wow! i hear more of a tinny output on the stock sm58 over the modification. on the other hand it is pretty close to the sm7b. you can hear a slight difference, but for someone on a budget or someone who likes to get experimental over following the stanards, this is a great option!
Thanks for the video. Convinced me. I don't need a 7B, or modify a 58. A little EQ is the difference. What the video did not address was the differences is polar patterns. The 58 is designed to be hand held. The 58 has great side and rear rejection for use on stage with monitor speakers. The 78 is designed to be used in a studio without a floor wedge monitor. The 78 is designed to be in a stand used a littler farther away where the talent may move more off axis. Sound on axis is very similar. The transformer removal does nothing to the polar pattern.
When you put your hands on the table it was clear which one the SM 58 was.. should have use a stand :-P. But it is crazy how close they sound! Well done!
Yes, I was Sir. The SM7 always had more solid low end did not get harsh/thin. 58 sometimes did. Greetings. M.
The SM7 sounded warmer/smoother, the altered 58 sounded very bright and more sibilant.
It was so clear which mic was "darker" that I didn't feel like I'd "guessed" correctly even though you told me I was correct in the end.
Through the iPhone speaker and held close to my ear I couldn’t hear anything in terms of difference I will try again through headphones but I do gotta say this is looking to be a very worthwhile alteration to achieve a very similar experience
Kudos
The bumps were more audible on the SM58 due to it's mount. The sound was very similar after the mod was performed.
Yeah...working on a new system
I found that before the altered SM58 had a broader range of sound from the mids to the lows but kind of just made the highs really harsh compared to the original. After the EQ though it sounded excellent. It seems like a good choice for a budget option to get a nice good sounding hand held mic as long as you have a soldering gun, and a basic knowledge of how to EQ.
I think the SM7B is right in between the SM58 un-modded, and modded in terms of presence, and warmth. The original SM58 is pretty dark, and warm (and a little unclear for my tatstes. The SM58 modded is a little bright, and slightly brittle for my taste, while the SM7B splits the difference as the happy medium.
I caught it. Slight richness in the mids, but just in short flashes, most of the footage was identical. I also wonder how they perform up close.
Tip regarding 'Hot Glue' removal.
Isopropyl alchohol gets underneath it and loosens it's grip without making it gooey like some other solvents.
A nice mod could be to make a double circuit with a switch on the SM58 for by passing or not the transformer.
Yes, I could pick out which mic, was which. This is because the alteredd SM58 has more highs. The SM58 is probably designed to boost the highs a little bit because they are feeding the signal through an inductor (the primary side of a transformer.) We all know that inductors pass lows better than highs. So, Shure probably adds "brightness" to the capsule of the SM58 to overcome the mild filtering of the highs by the transformer. When the transformer is removed, all of this brightness shows up. That is why I could tell the difference. I actually like the altered SM58 better than the slightly muffled SM7b.
interesting, I got it right but only when I put on my slate VSX headphones and went into the archon studio on the mid field monitors. there was a slightly noticeable thin ness to the 58, on my M1 MacBook speakers, couldn't tell at all. which brings us to that point where if most people are sadly listening to music on sub par speakers such as AirPods and MacBooks this is a killer hack. ive been putting off shelling the sm7b money because I just can't drop 400+ on a mic owning things like the slate VMS ML1&2 where even the ML-2 version that I have emulates the sm7b. sadly without the perks which is the dynamic part that focuses the sound (its way to sensitive and sounds like an sma7b but dosnt behave like one). so since I have an sm58 lying around you just blew my mind man. time to bust out the soldering iron THANK YOU!!!
I could tell a minor difference, one sounded slightly more muffled, microphone A, the SM7B. But the level of muffled that I was noticing was consistent with a massive windscreen. Doing an A/B comparison with the windscreen off the SM7B may have made things even closer.
That is a fair point...
I do have a 3rd version of this on the way...that will be in the plans for sure!
Cheers and thanks for watching!
Yes, or put a windshield on the 58 and maybe take out it’s crappy foam
Figuered it out by the fact the the shure was on the table and the hand movement it's noticable in the audio :D \m/
This seems like a cool idea that I haven’t seen before. Do you think capsule swapping an SM58 with an SM7B capsule would be viable or would make a difference?
We shall see.
Not going to swap it in to an sm7b...I have other ideas!!
Coming soon!!