There are so many microphones out there – and a lot of them are from Shure. Choosing one, though, can be a little bit confusing. Our quick comparison of Shure microphones is here to help you pick the best one for live vocals.  

Shure has a few different microphone ranges – PGA, SM, BETA, and KSM. We’ll break down the microphones in each series so you know exactly what you need.  

PGA Range

PGA48 

• Handheld microphone 
• Clear, detailed sound for live vocals  
• Cardioid polar pattern to reject unwanted background noise
• On/off switch  
• Hardened plastic housing to withstand the demands of different venues and practice rooms 
• Dynamic mic

Shop now | Shure PGA48 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone

PGA58 

• Handheld microphone 
• Tailored specifically for live vocals  
• Rounded sound for the perfect vocals 
• Cardioid polar pattern to reject unwanted background noise  
• On/off switch  
• Hardened housing with a metal grille to withstand the rigors of touring
• Dynamic mic

Shop now | Shure PGA58 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone

PGA31 

• Headset microphone  
• Detailed, clear, crisp sound  
• Comfortable and lightweight  
• Flexible microphone arm  
• Comes with windshield to reduce plosives  
• Cardioid polar pattern  
• TQG connector for use with Shure Wireless Systems  
• Condenser mic

 Shop now | Shure PGA31 Headset Microphone 

SM Range

SM48

• Great overall detail and quality  
• Cardioid polar pattern  
• Bright midrange  
• Reduced bass  
• Incredibly robust  
• Built-in pop filter  
• Available with or without the on/off switch  
• Dynamic mic

 Shop now | Shure SM48 Dynamic Microphone 

SM58 

• Handheld microphone 
• Frequency response is tailored for vocals  
• Brightened midrange and bass cut  
• Cardioid pickup pattern to minimise background noise
• Built-in pop filter to block out plosive sounds  
• Shock mount to reduce handling noise  
• Built to last forever
• Perfect for everyone and anyone who needs a microphone
• Available with an on/off switch  
• Dynamic mic

Shop now | Shure SM58 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone

SM86

• Handheld microphone  
• An incredibly detailed microphone that picks up vocal character
• Accurate, natural sound  
• Two-stage pop filter to reduce plosives 
• Cardioid polar pattern 
• Condenser mic

Shop now | Shure SM86 Condenser Vocal Microphone 

SM35 

• Headset microphone 
• Sweat-resistant design perfect for performers that move a lot
• Flexible gooseneck design for perfect positioning 
• Super lightweight  
• Provides warm, clear audio
• Cardioid polar pattern  
• Condenser mic
• Available as XLR or TQG for compatibility with Shure wireless systems

 Shop now | Shure SM35-TQG Cardioid Condenser Headset Microphone 

Shop now | Shure SM35-XLR Cardioid Condenser Headset Microphone 

BETA Range

Beta 58A 

• Handheld microphone
• Higher output  
• Extended frequency response  
• Hardened grill to withstand any knocks or drops
• Natural presence boost at 4Khz helps vocals cut through a live mix
• Super-cardioid polar pattern  
• Dynamic mic

Shop now | Shure Beta 58A Dynamic Microphone 

Beta 87A 

• Handheld microphone 
• High output  
• Extended detailed frequency response  
• Smooth bass roll-off for a clearer vocal  
• Helps give studio quality vocals on stage  
• Wide dynamic range for more control over your vocal tone 
• Super-cardioid polar pattern  
• Condenser mic

Shop now | Shure Beta 87A Vocal Microphone

KSM Range  

KSM8

• Handheld microphone  
• Dual diaphragm removes any unwanted boom from the proximity effect  
• Vocals will have a consistent tone throughout the performance
• Carbon steel grille  
• Pneumatic shock mount and diaphragm stabilisation to minimise any handling noise or rumble  
• Moisture-resistant fabric inside the mic to keep components safe  
• Cardioid polar pattern  
• Dynamic 

Shop now | Shure KSM8 Dual Diaphragm Dynamic Microphone

KSM9HS 

• Handheld microphone  
• Perfect-sounding vocals every time  
• Incredibly detailed sound especially in the higher frequencies
• Extended frequency range  
• Subsonic filter removes any sound below 17Hz
• Switchable polar patterns:
  • Subcardioid polar pattern – perfect for acoustic gigs as it’s wider than the regular cardioid pattern  
  • Hypercardioid polar pattern – this is a narrow version of super-cardioid for incredible voice isolation and louder stages  
• Condenser mic

 Shop now | Shure KSM9HS Hypercardioid and Subcardioid Condenser Microphone

Find out more

There are so many microphone options out there – this is only the start! Shure provides incredible audio with every mic, which is why they’re the go-to brand for any vocalist looking for a live microphone.

If you’re after some more in-depth info on mics for live settings, have a read of our guide to choosing the perfect microphone for your vocals!