Audacity 2.3.0 ~ Windows 10
I borrowed a SM58 microphone from a friend to try with my computer setup and I could not get a signal. The cable ends in a 3.5mm plug which I connected to my computer through a small USB adapter. Would this microphone “absolutely” have to have a preamp to work with this setup or should I still get a signal without a preamp. I am thinking that maybe the microphone is defective.
Thank you,
yeto
Stage/studio* microphones use a [u]balanced audio connection[/u] (with an XLR connector) and they are not directly-properly compatible with regular consumer soundcards/laptops.
You can get a [u]USB adapter with a proper microphone connection[/u] or there are lots of [u]USB audio interfaces[/u] with mic inputs.
Or, a [u]transformer[/u] can also convert from balanced to unbalanced but it has a high impedance output which is a mismatch (It’s made so you can plug into a guitar amp) and that could alter the sound (and maybe give you a weak signal).
If you could find the “right” adapter you can convert a balanced mic to an unbalanced input but again you’ll get a weak signal and you’d probably have to build it yourself. The wrong wiring can give you a “dual mono” recording with left & right channels out-of-phase.
BTW - Dynamic mics like the SM57/58 put-out a low signal compared to condenser mics. Most preamps/mixers/audio interfaces have enough gain but some don’t so you might need a strong (loud) signal and/or you might need to get close to the mic.
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Not “absolutely”, but definitely “highly recommended”.
IF the XLR to mini-jack cable is wired up correctly for the microphone and the mic input of your computer, then you should get a signal but it will be very weak and a lot of hiss. If you appear to be getting a flat line recording, try applying the Amplify effect to the recording to see if any signal is present.
Note that SM58 mics are designed to be used very close to your mouth with loud singing.
SM58 mics are extremely robust. It’s very rare for them to fail.
Thank you for taking time to reply. This helps a lot.
Thank you,
yeto
Thank you for helping. Looks like I am going to have to spend some money.
Thank you,
yeto
You are 100% correct. I tried your suggestion(Amplify) and I got a lot of hiss and I could barely hear my voice. It looks like for me to use this microphone I am going to have to spend a minimum of $100 to get some type of audio interface.
Thanks for your help,
yeto
It’s very rare for them to fail.
One of ours went out on an evening gig at a club. It came back in two pieces. Still running.
There are some rules and tricks about adapting that kind of microphone. This is the sound card adapter, and only this one.
Note the 1.8" plug only has one black band. That’s correct. There is a much more common adapter with two black bands. Run the other way.
Your microphone should work plugged into a soundcard with the right adapter. It will give slightly low volume, but it’s usable if you speak loudly or used oblique, tight spacing (B) … or both.
If it’s a complete disaster, then you either have the wrong XLR adapter cable, a poor USB adapter—or both.
Koz
My cable has the 2 rings. I will get a mono cable and try. Thank you for helping. This tip will save me a lot of money.
Thank you,
yeto
I have ordered a mono/XLR cable. On the back of my computer tower is a red 3.5mm microphone jack. Would I plug the microphone into that jack or would I use the 3.5mm jack that is on my USB adapter?
Thank you,
yeto
Use the red connection. This is what it was designed for.
To be clear, it’s still not going to be Academy Award® winning sound. This microphone was designed to have a rock singer screaming into it and the connection cable really is a mismatch, but this does work.
You might recognize this cable as a mini version of the 1/4" cable that rock bands use to plug their SM58 into their amp. That might be this microphone’s day job.
Also, one black band.
The forum is accustomed to posters demanding broadcast/audiobook quality and struggling to get it. This setup will be more of a struggle than most.
People using a desktop computer to shoot sound have to worry about the desktop computer cooling fans getting into the show. Can you tell if the computer is on just by listening? If so, that’s not good news. You can’t put a blanket over the computer because it will overheat and die.
You might be able to help a little with blankets and a kitchen table sound studio.
I borrowed a SM58 microphone from a friend
Do they smoke? If they smoke around their microphone, then the sound may be a little muffled compared to a new microphone. That brown film does affect the sound.
Koz
Unless the SM58 is really ancient, there will be a thin piece of black foam lining the wire ball. Over time that black foam becomes grey / brown and crusty (yuk). The wire ball may be (carefully) unscrewed from the mic and the black foam removed. I stress “carefully” because the foam is quite thin and can tear quite easily, especially as it tends to stick to the wire. If it is stuck, it can be released by soaking the wire ball in water (after it has been removed from the mic). The foam can be cleaned in a hand basin of mild soapy water. After cleaning, it should be rinsed thoroughly in clean water and dried thoroughly.
The wire ball may be cleaned (after removal) with soap and water with a toothbrush.
IMPORTANT: The foam and wire ball must be completely dry before being reassembly.
The thread on the wire ball is a normal (right hand) thread, but may be very tight.
(Warning: some SM58 copies have the wire ball glued in place rather than screw fix. The ball is not removable from these cheaper mics.)
Thank you. I am going to give it a try.
The mic is somewhat new and it has been in a clean environment but good to know what to look for to improve the sound if needed. Thank you for taking time to share.
good to know what to look for to improve the sound if needed.
I don’t know if taking the front of a microphone apart is that good an idea. Behind the grill cap are the hair thin wires and foil of the sound sensor. One touch in the wrong place and that’s the end of the microphone.
You can destroy a microphone by blowing on it. This is an expensive place to be a beginner.
Koz
I have this problem and i’d tried everythings
Not really a problem with a genuine SM58. The mic capsule is securely attached to a rubber mount which is pretty secure in the body of the mic. Neither the wire ball or the thin foam touch the mic capsule.
Also, yeto wrote “The mic is somewhat new and it has been in a clean environment” so it’s not relevant - if it’s not broken, don’t fix it 
Neither the wire ball or the thin foam touch the mic capsule.
You wouldn’t damage it intentionally, no. But then you’re not a Polish engineer.
Koz
I have this problem and i’d tried everythings
The original problem is connecting a Shure SM58 to a soundcard. Is that your problem? Read through the thread. Do you have the right adapter cable? There are two slightly different and only one works right.
Koz
