Mic Help: Shure SM58 - Low Output

[awilkie84]

Hey,

I played a show on Saturday night and noticed that my mic level was quite a bit lower than it should be, especially compared to the 3 other vocal mics in my group.
I use an SM-58 and was getting maybe half the volume of the other SM-58s used.

Settings on the board were tinkered with, channels changed, etc. Changed mics out to a backup 58 and BAM...twice as loud.

What can I look for as far as repairing my existing SM-58?? Is there anything that can be done? I don't have the cash to replace it right now.

 

[Ulf_Hansson]

I'd check if one of the hot/cold leads (there are two "active" +/-, normal/inverted signals and ground from a balanced source) is broken. Most likely near the connector itself.
Invalid Link Removed
If you have a cable checker (something like this) you could easily find out.

 

[friskinator]

Hey,

I played a show on Saturday night and noticed that my mic level was quite a bit lower than it should be, especially compared to the 3 other vocal mics in my group.
I use an SM-58 and was getting maybe half the volume of the other SM-58s used.

Settings on the board were tinkered with, channels changed, etc. Changed mics out to a backup 58 and BAM...twice as loud.

What can I look for as far as repairing my existing SM-58?? Is there anything that can be done? I don't have the cash to replace it right now.

I was just looking at Shure's website to figure out how much it would cost to repair my Beta 58. Looks like it's around $65 with tax, not counting the price of shipping it to them. They charge a flat fee for each product. If it's under 2 years old and you have the receipt, it's free.

 

[filmtex]

I was just looking at Shure's website to figure out how much it would cost to repair my Beta 58. Looks like it's around $65 with tax, not counting the price of shipping it to them. They charge a flat fee for each product. If it's under 2 years old and you have the receipt, it's free.

I sent my 20 year old beta 58 in to Shure last year. For the $65 fee I received a brand new one. I thought it was a heck of a deal.

 

[awilkie84]

I bought mine second hand from Long & McQuade. It was a previous rental unit. Served me very well. For $65 US + Shipping, though, that's almost at the price of a new 58 in Canadian funds.

 

[seamonkey]

What could go wrong, the mic capsule? the transformer? solder joints? connecting wires.
A quick reflow of the solder joints might just fix it up.
Looks like Sure doesn't even do that - just replace it.
These mics have actually changed through out the years, they only look the same.

 

[beans-on-toast]

If you are handy, they detail various repairs here: Shure SM58 Repair

You would have to examine it to see if anything looks amiss. I would start by removing the screen. It could be very dusty. Examine the capsule for contamination. If necessary clean with a soft brush. A clean makeup or lens brush works.

Next look at the XLR pins at the other end. Look for oxidation. Try cleaning with a Q-tip and isopropyl alcohol (pharmacy) or failing that, vodka. The best oxidation cleaner is Deoxit.