Today, we’ll be comparing two dynamic microphones with the same pickup pattern. We expect that this will be quite a fierce battle. This is because both mics are made by respectable companies and offer so much.
This article will compare all the intrinsic details of both devices, as this will help you make the right choice for your musical needs. Because of the amount of detail, it’s quite a lengthy article.
If you don’t have the time to read through the entire article, check through the next three sections. You should find enough information in these sections to help you make a better decision.
Table of Contents
Sennheiser E835 vs Shure SM58 – Comparison Overview
Overall Review of Sennheiser E835 vs Shure SM58
The Sennheiser E835 is one of the renowned microphones in the Sennheiser E800 series. Released in the year 1998, this mic offers so much for vocals. It has its cardioid pattern as one of its impressive features. This is because it’s great for handling breathing irregularities while singing or talking, has limited handing noise, among other qualities. Also known as Evolution 835, this mic is way past average.
The Shure SM58 best selling status says a lot about its quality and durability. In the world of live performances, this microphone needs no introduction. It is often used because of its bass roll-off and brightened mid-range which guarantees a clear and warm sound. It also comes with an inbuilt filter that helps deal with breathing irregularities and wind noise.
As both are dynamic microphones, the major differences (slight or massive) between the Sennheiser E835 and Shure SM58 are down to the structural design, sound quality, and frequency response.
What are the Differences Between the Sennheiser E835 and Shure SM58?
The differences between the Sennheiser E835 and Shure SM58 include:
1. Frequency Response
2. Look and Frame
3. Sound Quality
The Sennheiser microphone has a wider frequency response. This is about the range of sounds by the measure of frequency that a microphone can pick up. So, with its wider response, this microphone would be able to pick up both low-ends, as well as high-ends better than the Shure SM58.
In terms of looks, the Sennheiser has something like an oval design with grey and black as the main colors. On the other hand, the Shure SM58 has a more spherical shape with black and silver as its main colors.
The Shure SM58 has a lower impedance. This ensures better sound quality over long wires. With an impedance as high as 350 Ohms, the Sennheiser can easily lose the richness of its top-ends over a wire distance of about 30 feet.
The Sennheiser E835 weighs slightly more than the Shure SM58. This is a bit surprising, especially because the Shure SM58 is considered to be more rugged and durable. Maybe being rugged isn’t about weight after all.
What are the Similarities Between the Sennheiser E835 and Shure SM58?
Both the Sennheiser E835 and Shure SM58 have good sound quality. Although, to get the Shure to sound as good as the Sennheiser does, you would need to EQ the track. Once you EQ both tracks, both microphones sound very similar and have great quality.
As dynamic microphones, they require no external power. They are also great for loud sounds, as well as more durable and versatile. This is of course compared to their arch-nemesis: condenser microphones.
Finally, both of them have a cardioid polar pattern. As a result, they pick up sounds best from the front, a little on the sides, and nothing from behind. It’s important to note that proximity is a bigger deal with the Sennheiser than it is with the Shure SM58. You have to be as close as possible to the former to get the best sound.
What Is the Cost to Performance Ratio of the Sennheiser E835 and Shure SM58?
About the cost to performance ratio of the Sennheiser E835 and Shure SM58, it’s really hard to complain about their prices. They provide great quality for their price and are similar in both price and quality.
So, we cannot pick one over the other in this category. However, if you’re looking for the best quality on a budget, you’ve seen two of them right here.
What Brand Comparative Advantage Does the Sennheiser E835 and Shure SM58 Have?
The brand competitive advantage of the Sennheiser E835 and Shure SM58 bothers around areas such as brand prestige and edge in certain locations. Both of these companies are very well-respected when it comes to making microphones. Shure has been very popular since it’s inception in 1925. Sennheiser is a European brand with its headquarters in Germany, while Shure is a North-American brand that originated in the USA.
Although both of these are worldwide brands, it doesn’t come as a surprise that one is favored over the other in its home region.
If you’re in Europe, Sennheiser products will be cheaper to ship, will arrive faster. You’ll also be able to get your complaints heard in good time. If you’re in North America, the same applies to Shure.
If you’re in any other part of the world, then either of these brands would work just fine.
Sennheiser E835 Vs Shure SM58 – Comparison Table
Sennheiser E835 | Shure SM58 | |
| Frequency Response | 40 Hertz – 16,000 Hertz | 50 Hertz – 15,000 Hertz |
| Color | Grey with Black Screen | Black with Silver Screen |
| Output Impedance | 350 Ohms | 150 Ohms |
| Weight | 0.73 lbs. | 0.66 lbs. |
| Versions Available | E835E835-S | SM58SSM58-LCSM58-CN |
Sennheiser E835 vs Shure SM58: Circumstances They are Best Suited for
Because these microphones are so similar, either one would work as well as the other for most of these scenarios.
However, where one outperforms the other in a certain scenario, we would definitely point that out.
Sennheiser E835 | Shure SM58 |
| They’re great for speaking. If you run a podcast, render poetry, conduct interviews, give lectures, or any kind of affair that requires speaking, these two microphones work well for it. This is because they both are very clear and have great mid-tones. | This microphone is great for micing instruments. Because they are both dynamic microphones, they work best with already loud sounds, such as drum snares or a blaring horn. However, this is slightly better because of its lower impedance. You can use this to mic an acoustic guitar across the room without worrying about losing the high-ends. |
| For singing, experience has proven this mic is a tad bit better, especially for live performances. The thing is that, out of the box, this microphone has a wider frequency response than the Shure SM58. This means that it would be able to capture a wider dynamic range in terms of a singer’s voice. Also, to get the Shure SM58 to sound as good as this mic requires some equalization. This is something you may not be able to do when you’re singing live. | The cardioid polar pattern that these two microphones come with makes them great for use with multiple people. If you have a choir, you can have one person hold the equipment while two others sing from the sides. Because of the polar pattern, the microphone would be able to pick up all three voices. This microphone does better with accepting sounds from the side than the Sennheiser. |
What are the Features Common to the Sennheiser E835 and Shure SM58?
There are some features common to the Sennheiser E835 and Shure SM58. Some of them include:
1. The Type
2. Cardioid Polar Pattern
3. Case Design
4. Connector
5. Accessories
Type – Dynamic
Both of these microphones are dynamic microphones. Depending on what you want to use the microphone for, this quality can be a great thing. The major competition for dynamic microphones is condenser microphones.
What is the major difference between a Dynamic and Condenser microphone?
Compared to dynamic microphones, condenser microphones are more suited to picking up tiny and delicate sounds. If you’re looking to record a singer with a high pitch, a condenser microphone might be more beneficial for you.
To provide great output with relatively low input, condenser microphones require some power from an external source. This power is referred to as “phantom power”. This is something that you have to take into consideration because of its extra cost. This is because it is sold separately.
On the other hand, dynamic microphones are better for louder sounds. Unlike condenser microphones, dynamic microphones don’t need phantom power because of their wire coils. The wire coils in it help to amplify the sound it receives.
If you’re looking to mic some drums, other instruments, or a singer with a loud voice, then you should definitely pick a dynamic microphone.
Dynamic microphones are a lot stronger and durable than condenser microphones. In fact, you can use one dynamic microphone for years, even after dropping them several times.
Finally, dynamic microphones are more affordable. It is more economical considering that you don’t need to buy any external power, microphone, or anything like that.
For more comparison between dynamic and condenser microphones, watch the video below.
Video: Dynamic vs Condenser Microphones, What’s the Difference?
Cardioid Polar Pattern
What is a cardioid polar pattern?
A polar pattern describes the shape around the microphone that best enables it to pick up sound. For example, omnidirectional microphones have a sphere polar pattern because they can pick up sound excellently from all directions.
The two microphones we’re looking at today both have cardioid polar patterns. Cardioid refers to a heart-shaped curvature. This means that these two microphones would accept sound from around the front of the microphone, but reject every sound coming from the back.
This gives the singer a lot of wiggle room without the sound cutting off. Also, because of the wide pickup range, two or more people can use the microphone at the same time.
To understand the pickup pattern of a cardioid microphone properly, we suggest you watch the video below. It basically shows how much sound the microphone would take from a sound source. This is in relation to its position around the microphone.
Video: Cardioid Microphone Polar Pattern (Part 3 of 6)
Case Design
Although both microphones are produced by different brands, they have very similar case designs.
Which Microphone is more durable: Sennheiser E835 versus Shure SM58?
The Shure SM58 is more durable than the Sennheiser E835. In terms of durability, there are very few microphones that fare better than the SM58. So, the Shure SM58 would be able to hold itself a lot better than the Sennheiser E835.
However, both microphones are great in this regard. This is because of the hard metal casing they have.
Furthermore, both microphones come with a built-in pop filter.
Do you need an external pop filter for a mic with an in-built pop filter?
You need an external pop filter to get the best output. This is even for a mic with an in-built pop-filter. This will help to reduce the effects of plosives from a singer to the barest minimum. It is no doubt a good accessory for microphones.
Built-in pop-filters are not the best at granting noise reduction. To get the best effect, you definitely need to get an external pop-filter.
You can either buy one by clicking here or make one yourself with the help of the DIY video below:
Video: DIY Mic Pop-Filter (Using Home Supplies)
Connector
Both the Sennheiser E835 and Shure SM58 come with the same external connector: a three-pin male input connector. This connector, otherwise known as XLR, is very popular for microphones.
It’s great that many microphone companies decide to use this type of connector, allowing the possibility of using just one connector for every microphone you’ve got.
Accessories
Finally, straight out of the box, both microphones come with the same accessories. This is one similarity we’ve noticed with a lot of these microphones. They often come with the same set of accessories.
The three accessories that the base model of these microphones come with are the microphone, a stand clip, and a carrying pouch.
Sennheiser E835 Vs Shure SM58 – Features Unique To Each Microphone
Now, let’s look into the features unique to either of these microphones. The aim is to highlight the edge one has over the other.
What are the Features Unique to the Sennheiser E835?
The features unique to the Sennheiser E835 are:
Frequency Response – 40 – 16,000 Hertz
Impedance – 350 Ohms
Versions Available
Frequency Response – 40 – 16,000 Hertz
This is one edge the Sennheiser E835 has over the Shure SM58. While the Shure SM58 frequency response is 50 – 15,000 Hertz, the Sennheiser E835 has a wider range of 40 – 16,000 Hertz.
In a microphone, the frequency response range implies the range of sounds by frequencies that your microphone can pick up. The wider the frequency range of your microphone, the more it’ll be able to pick up low and high sounds.
Impedance – 350 Ohms
This is one area that the Sennheiser falls short. Most professionals feel a top-quality microphone should have an impedance of at least 200 ohms.
Sadly, the impedance of this microphone is very high at 350 ohms. With a higher impedance, the sound tends to lose its top-end when the wiring gets a bit long. So, if you’re going to be on stage with wires crossing the entire stage, you might want to get something that has lesser impedance.
Versions Available
What versions does Sennheiser E835 have?
The Sennheiser E835 microphone is available in two different versions. This is the E835 and E835-S. The basic difference between these two versions is that the first one does not come with an on/off button, while the second one does.
As a result, the first version is slightly more affordable. Now the real question is, Should you spend money buying a microphone with an on/off switch?
Getting a microphone with an on/off switch should depends on what you need the microphone for. If you do not record in front of your sound system, then it would be advisable to invest in one with the on/off switch
This way, you can easily mute the device without any other audio leaking into your recording. On the other hand, if you’re a sound engineer getting the microphone for a singer, then the more affordable one without the on/off switch is better for you.
That way the problem of mistakenly switching off the mic would not come up.
At the end of the day, it would be unwise to buy a microphone without testing the sound. So, with that said, we suggest you watch the video below to know how one of these microphones sound.
Video: Sennheiser E835 Dynamic XLR Microphone Review / Test
What are the Features Unique To The Shure SM58?
Some of the features unique to the Shure SM58 are:
1. Frequency Response – 50 – 15,000 Hertz
2. Impedance- 150 Ohms
3. Versions Available
Frequency Response – 50 – 15,000 Hertz
Compared to the Sennheiser microphone, the frequency response of this microphone is slightly disappointing. As a result, sounds in the range of 40 -50 Hertz, as well as, 14,000 – 15,000 Hertz, would not be picked up by this microphone.
On the other hand, these sounds would be picked up clearly by the Sennheiser E835. Although you would hardly be able to tell the difference as most natural human voices belong in the range that the Shure SM58 covers.
Impedance- 150 Ohms
The impedance of this microphone is excellent at 150 Ohms. Like we mentioned when we talked about impedance earlier, the ideal value you need is under 200 Ohms.
With this, you can easily stretch your wire as long as you want. You can do this without getting worried that you would lose the top-end of your voice.
What are the Shure SM58 Versions Available?
The Shure SM58 microphone is available in three different versions. These are the SM58- LC, SM58- CN, and the SM58S. The “LC” in the SM58-LC stands for “Low Cost”. That is exactly what it is. It is the most basic version of the three and only comes with the normal accessories: an adapter and a carrying pouch.
The second version comes with a few more accessories than the first. It comes with a swivel adapter, a carrying pouch, as well as a 25 feet XLR cable. The swivel adapter is slightly better than the normal adapter because it has more wiggle room.
The third and final version comes with a swivel adapter, a carrying pouch, and an on/off switch.
Buy checking out the video below, you’ll be able to hear what a Shure SM58 microphone sounds like. It’ll be too risky to buy a microphone you’ve never heard before.
Video: Shure SM58 Dynamic Mic Review / Test
Sennheiser E835 Vs Shure SM58 – Unique Pros
What are the Advantages of the Sennheiser E835?
The advantages of the Sennheiser E835 microphone include the following:
1. With a wider frequency response, this microphone would pick up high and low note better. This gives it a more natural-sounding acoustic.
2. It’s great for cymbals, high-pitched vocals, as well as other acoustic instruments.
3. Straight out of the box, the Sennheiser E835 sounds great. It doesn’t need to be EQ’d.
What are the Advantages of the Shure SM58?
The advantages of the Shure SM58 microphone include the following:
1. It’s better for loud vocals.
2. You don’t have to be so close to the microphone because it has an excellent pickup quality.
3. It’s a more durable device, able to outlive a lot of knocks.
4. It has an impressive impedance, so you can use a much longer wire with the mic. You can do this without getting worried that the high-ends would fade off.
5. It’s lighter.
6. It is available in 3 versions. More variety compared to the Sennheiser E835.
Sennheiser E835 Vs Shure SM58 – Unique Cons
What are the Shortcomings of the Sennheiser E835?
The flaws of the Sennheiser E835 include the following:
1. You have to be directly in front of the microphone to ensure it picks up sound.
2. There are only two versions available.
3. It’s slightly heavier than the Shure SM58.
What are the Shortcomings of the Shure SM58?
The flaws of the Shure SM58 include the following:
1. It does not have a wide frequency response. As a result, it is not too good for musicians with high-pitched voices.
2. To get this microphone to sound as good as the Sennheiser, you would need to EQ the track. Once the track has been EQ’d, the two microphones sound very similar.
“What are the Shortcomings of the Shure SM58”
What are the Common Advantages Between the Sennheiser E835 and Shure SM58?
Sennheiser E835 | Shure SM58 | |
| They’re Dynamic Microphones | Because both of these microphones are dynamic microphones, they are great for musicians with big vocals, for interviews, for loud instruments, among others. Also, dynamic microphones are great because you don’t need to get an external phantom power. This saves you the additional cost. Finally, because both equipment are dynamic, they are very durable. | The same applies to the Sennheiser E835, although, it’s slightly more durable. |
| Good Sounding Clear Audio | They have impressive sound clarity and audio quality. | Same as the Sennheiser E835. |
| Good Input Connection | They both come with an XLR connector, which is a very good thing. Almost all microphones in this day and age come with an XLR cable. And so, if you have anything to do with audio, you would definitely have one of these cables lying around. Rather than using an audio interface, if you want to connect it directly to your PC, you can get an XLR to the USB connector. It is pretty easy. | Same as the Sennheiser E835. |
| Good Polar Pattern | The cardioid polar pattern of this mic is one that is helpful. Because of the 180 degrees sound pick up range, two people can use the microphone at the same time. This can be done comfortably. Also, when performing on stage, you can easily place the monitor directly behind the microphone, and right in front of the singer. This way, the singer gets the best feedback while the microphone gets no feedback. | Same as the Sennheiser E835. |
What are the Common Disadvantages Between the Sennheiser E835 and Shure SM58 – Common?
Sennheiser E835 | Shure SM58 | |
| Might pick up some unwanted sounds | Although being a cardioid microphone has more benefits, it still has some downsides. The biggest of these downsides is how it can pick up unwanted sounds from the sides of the microphone. If you’re going to be singing live with instruments and other singers, you have to position the microphone perfectly. It has to be such that no other sound can get in from the sides. | Same as the Sennheiser E835. |
What Do People Think About the Sennheiser E835 and Shure SM58?
Sennheiser E835 | Shure SM58 |
| Many professional sound engineers like this microphone a lot. Many call it the “standard vocal mic” and it is very popular with worship bands. People who have bought the microphone attest to the fact that it has a clean and clear audio, great response, as well as effective noise rejection. This is basically all you need from a microphone. In fact, one customer went ahead to compare this product with the Shure SM58, stressing he would pick it over the Shure SM58 any day. | This microphone is a very popular microphone. In fact, it’s one of the most popular dynamic microphones. This is mainly because of its quality and fair price. Apart from its price, people love it especially because of its durability. One of these devices will last you a very long time. This sorts out the possibility of replacing your mic sooner than expected. In fact, a customer was blunt enough to mention how you can hit it on something hard and still have your device intact. |
| For many, the edge this microphone has is its vocal quality. This is as a result of its wide frequency response range, making it a great choice for people with baritone voices, as well as high-pitched voices. | With this product, you can choose to opt for one with the power switch button or not. It is widely believed that sound engineers shouldn’t spend so much getting a version with the On/Off switch. |
| Some people claim this microphone doesn’t capture the volume as well as the more expensive E935 model. | Especially compared with the Sennheiser, people think it isn’t so good for vocals. In fact, some people have used it for vocals and switched eventually. This is because of the better vocal quality. Furthermore, you get this quality without so much effort in EQing. |
What Do We Think about the Sennheiser E835 and Shure SM58?
We think that the Sennheiser E835 and Shure Sm58 microphones are really good. If you listen to them side by side, you might be able to tell the Sennheiser E835 sounds brighter and is slightly better for vocals. However, when you EQ the track produced by the Shure SM58, they sound almost the same. On the other hand, the Sennheiser needs little to no EQ to sound excellent.
In terms of sheer durability, the Shure SM58 is a beast. It can and will stay strong for years. This is not to rule out the Sennheiser E835 as weak. However, it’s important taht you know the Shure SM58 is better with durability.
Should you buy the Sennheiser E835 or Shure SM58?
If you are particular about vocal quality, you should buy the Sennheiser E835 as it is the slightly better option. The fact that you don’t need EQ to get it sounding well is great. However, if the focus is durability, you should instead opt for the Shure SM58.
Deciding between the Sennheiser E835 or Shure SM58 microphones should be tied to your preference. Whichever one you prefer, it’s fine and you would have made an excellent purchase.
Which do you think is better for you?
Sennheiser E835 Vs Shure SM58 – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sennheiser a good Microphone brand?
Sennheiser is a good microphone brand. The brand has a wide range of products that meet various needs. It also has a good track record for a good number of years. This is proven by their presence for over 75 years.
As a result of these years of experience, they have learned well enough to top the game. Other than microphones, the Sennheiser brand is also notable for producing top-quality headphones. One of their most notable microphone products is the E835 version. It is one of the most celebrated products in the E800 series.
Where Are the Sennheiser Products Made?
Sennheiser Products are not made in one single location. The place of production is usually determined by the model and quality. Places like Ireland, Germany, and China are known to have Sennheiser factories.
Usually, for the Chinese plant, lesser models are made there. On the other hand, Germany and Ireland have plants that produce high-quality products. For Ireland, an example is the HD 600 and 650 models. The Germany plant makes the HD800. Definitely, every product made by this company has a lot to offer.
Why Is the Shure SM58 So Good?
The Shure SM58 is so good because it is carefully made to help amplify various kinds of sound. Whether you are talking or singing on a high pitch, the SM58 is great at projecting your voice. Also, the ability to effectively pick up sounds from the side is great. The sound amplification is clear and warm because of the well-constructed bass infusion and mid-range. With the Shure SM58, the problem of unnecessary echoes and background noise is well addressed. To ensure that it is top-quality, the products are put to the test.
What Is the Best Sennheiser Microphone?
The E835 is the best of the Sennheiser brand microphones. It has been widely acclaimed as the best of its kind from the Sennheiser brand. As a matter of fact, it is usually considered at par with the Shure SM58, which is a force to be reckoned with. The Sennheiser E835 is a part of the E800 series.
Other than the E835 microphone, there are other products with standout qualities in the E800 series. The E845, E835S, E865, E845, and E845S all fall into this category.
Do You Need a Pop Filter for Your Microphone?
You do not need a pop filter for your microphone. Some microphones come with in-built pop filters that help amplify sounds without noise. Also, if you are trying to be economical, you do not need to get a new pop filter. You can use a sock stretched properly for this purpose. For some mics, you can also talk from the side. This reduces the amount of noise that gets into the mic. Depending on the product, room acoustic, and purpose, you may or may not need a pop filter. However, this inbuilt mechanism will not act as good as an external pop filter.
Should a Singer Put the Microphone Close or Far from the Mouth?
A singer can put the microphone close or far from the mouth. This position is determined by the pitch and breath control of the singer. When singing uncomfortable low notes, you need to be very close to the mic. As a result, some singers will allow the mouth to have contact with the mic. This is so that every diction and note is picked up by the mic. On the contrary, singing difficult high notes requires that the mic be far away. This is to prevent the mic from picking up saliva breaks and breathing inconsistencies for some.
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