Connecting a Shure SM58 Microphone to a Computer: A Comprehensive Guide

Connecting a Shure SM58 microphone to a computer is a common task for audio enthusiasts, podcasters, and live streamers. Unlike some other microphones, the SM58 is an analog dynamic microphone that requires additional equipment to work with a computer. This article provides a step-by-step guide to help you successfully integrate your Shure SM58 microphone into your recording or streaming setup.

Step 1: Get the Required Equipment

To connect your Shure SM58 microphone to a computer, you'll need an audio interface or a mixer with XLR inputs, an XLR cable, and a USB cable. These pieces of equipment form the foundation of your setup.

Audio Interface or Mixer: Popular options include the Focusrite Scarlett series, PreSonus AudioBox, and Behringer UMC series.

XLR Cable: You'll need a standard XLR cable to connect the SM58 to your audio interface or mixer. Ensure that the cable matches the male XLR connector on the microphone with a female XLR connector that fits into your audio interface or mixer.

Step 2: Connect the Microphone

Plug the SM58 into the Audio Interface/Mixer: Attach one end of the XLR cable to the SM58, and connect the other end to an XLR input on your audio interface or mixer. Make sure the connections are secure to ensure a clean signal.

Step 3: Connect the Audio Interface to Your Computer

USB Connection: Once the microphone is connected to the audio interface or mixer, use a USB cable to connect the audio interface to your computer. Most audio interfaces will be recognized automatically by your operating system. macOS and Windows both support USB audio interfaces, making them user-friendly and straightforward to set up.

Step 4: Install Drivers if Necessary

Specific Drivers: Some audio interfaces may require specific drivers for optimal performance. Check the manufacturer’s website for any necessary driver downloads. The process typically involves navigating to the ‘Support’ or ‘Drivers’ section and downloading the required installation package.

Step 5: Set Up Your Computers Audio Settings

Select the Audio Interface: Open your computer's audio settings and select the audio interface as the input device. This can usually be done in the sound settings of your operating system. Windows users can find this in the 'Sound' settings, and macOS users can find it in the 'Sound' preferences.

Adjust Input Levels: Use the gain knob on the audio interface or mixer to adjust the microphone's input level. This ensures that the signal is not too low or too high, maintaining a good balance for an ideal recording.

Step 6: Test the Microphone

Open a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or Recording Software: Once everything is set up, open your preferred DAW or recording software to test the microphone. Ensure that the microphone is picking up sound and adjust the levels as needed to maintain clear audio.

Additional Tips

Phantom Power: While not necessary for the SM58, note that some audio interfaces provide phantom power. This is essential if you plan to use condenser microphones in the future. Ensure that phantom power is activated if required.

Monitoring: Many audio interfaces have a direct monitoring feature that allows you to listen to the microphone input without causing latency. This is particularly useful during live streaming or recording to ensure that you and your audience hear clear and accurate audio.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully connect your Shure SM58 microphone to your computer for recording or streaming purposes. Whether you're a professional audio engineer or a casual podcaster, understanding these basics will help you achieve high-quality audio results.