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Shure SM59 Facts: 121 Specifications & 32 Highlights

Before you commit to the Shure SM59 microphone, check out these 121 specs & features — especially top-voted ones like general information, dimensions & weight, audio performance & connectivity & interfaces from the Soundfindr community.

42 Points
Shure SM59

Highlights 32

No extras. Just what matters.
42 Points

Why is Shure SM59 better than other microphones ?

General Information

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Dimensions & Weight

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Audio Performance

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Connectivity & Interfaces

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Build & Design

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Package & Accessories

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Certification & Compliance

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Comparisons 1

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Quick Take

The essentials that matter—nothing extra

A fast snapshot of the Shure SM59, covering its standout specification and what you can expect right out of the box.

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

The Shure SM59 is a rugged dynamic microphone designed for capturing instruments with high transient energy, like drums and percussion. Its wide frequency response and built-in shock mount reduce handling noise while ensuring reliable performance.

Specifications & Facts 121

Specs measured. Drama avoided.

Looking to upgrade? Check the Shure SM59 microphone with full details: price, 121 features, pros and cons, and how it stacks up vs top microphones.

General Information 18

Shure SM59 Year of Release

What year was it released?

0 Shure SM59 0 Votes 1980

51 Microphones in this range 2023

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

First introduced in the early 1980s, giving it a proven track record as a dependable stage and studio microphone still appreciated today.

Indicates when the microphone was launched.

Shure SM59 Product Type

What is the product type?

25 Shure SM59 0 Votes Dynamic

48 Microphones in this range Condenser

Defines the basic category of the microphone.

Shure SM59 Model Name

What is the model name?

56 Shure SM59 0 Votes SM59

52 Microphones in this range Super 55 Deluxe

The specific product identifier from the manufacturer.

Shure SM59 Country of Origin

What is the country of origin?

85 Shure SM59 0 Votes United States

57 Microphones in this range China

Manufacturing or design origin.

Shure SM59 Intended Use

What is the intended use?

60 Shure SM59 0 Votes Studio, Live, Broadcast, Recording

55 Microphones in this range Studio, Live, Podcast, Broadcast, Instrument, Streaming

Describes the primary application area.

Shure SM59 Compatibility

Which devices or platforms are compatible?

45 Shure SM59 0 Votes PC, Mac, Mixer, Audio Interface

43 Microphones in this range Mixer, Audio Interface, PA System

Lists supported platforms and devices.

Dimensions & Weight 7

Shure SM59 Width

What is the width?

1.63 inch 0Votes
Shure SM59
2.31 inch (Average)

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

About 4.1 cm wide, similar to the diameter of a small drink can — easy to hold and fits most standard mic clips.

The microphone’s overall width.

Shure SM59 Depth

What is the depth?

7.75 inch 0Votes
Shure SM59
2.48 inch (Average)

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

Roughly 19.7 cm long, about the size of a typical handheld vocal mic, making it familiar and comfortable to use.

The microphone’s overall depth.

Shure SM59 Weight

What is the weight?

0.47 lbs 0Votes
Shure SM59
0.85 lbs (Average)

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

Weighs around 0.21 kg, light enough for long performances without hand fatigue.

The microphone’s physical weight.

Shure SM59 Cable Length

What is the cable length?

25 ft 0Votes
Shure SM59
22.69 ft (Average)

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

Approximately 7.6 meters long, giving plenty of reach for stage setups or studio use without needing an extension.

Length of the included or integrated cable.

Shure SM59 Mounting Thread Size

What is the mounting thread size?

85 Shure SM59 0 Votes 5/8"

59 Microphones in this range 5/8"

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

Standard 15.9 mm mic-stand thread, compatible with most microphone stands and clips on the market.

The thread size for mounting compatibility.

Shure SM59 Grill Diameter

What is the grill diameter?

1.63 inch 0Votes
Shure SM59
1.54 inch (Average)

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

About 4.1 cm, the same size as many popular dynamic mics, so replacement windscreens are easy to find.

The diameter of the protective microphone grill.

Audio Performance 14

Shure SM59 Frequency Response (Min)

What is the minimum frequency response?

50 Hz 0Votes
Shure SM59
37.32 Hz (Average)

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

Captures natural low-end tones while filtering out deep rumbles, making vocals and instruments sound clean and balanced.

The lowest frequency the mic can capture.

Shure SM59 Frequency Response (Max)

What is the maximum frequency response?

15,000 Hz 0Votes
Shure SM59
18,400.92 Hz (Average)

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

Extends up to 15 kHz, ensuring crisp detail and presence in speech or singing without harshness.

The highest frequency the mic can capture.

Shure SM59 Sensitivity

What is the sensitivity?

-83 dBV/Pa 0Votes
Shure SM59
-42.84 dBV/Pa (Average)

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

Offers moderate sensitivity, requiring typical preamp gain — great for close-mic’d vocals or instruments.

Output level relative to sound pressure.

Shure SM59 Output Impedance

What is the output impedance?

150 ohm 0Votes
Shure SM59
318.71 ohm (Average)

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

Low impedance design for strong signal quality, even with long XLR cable runs.

Electrical resistance of the microphone’s output.

Shure SM59 Output Level

What is the output level?

-61 dBV/Pa 0Votes
Shure SM59
-44.65 dBV/Pa (Average)

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

Provides balanced sound output that pairs well with standard mic preamps for studio or live use.

The output voltage relative to input pressure.

Shure SM59 Minimum Terminating Impedance

What is the minimum terminating impedance?

150 Ω 0Votes
Shure SM59
782.5 Ω (Average)

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

Works perfectly with most professional audio interfaces and mixers, ensuring clear, consistent signal.

The minimum load impedance required for optimal microphone performance and to avoid signal distortion.

Connectivity & Interfaces 10

Shure SM59 Connection Interface

What is the connection interface?

15 Shure SM59 0 Votes XLR

37 Microphones in this range XLR

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

Uses a standard 3-pin XLR connector for secure, noise-free connections to mixers and interfaces.

Defines the main interface for connectivity.

Shure SM59 Balanced/Unbalanced Output

What is the output type?

85 Shure SM59 0 Votes Balanced

60 Microphones in this range Balanced

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

Balanced output minimizes noise and interference, ideal for professional recording or stage setups.

Defines the type of electrical signal output.

Shure SM59 Cable Detachable

Is the cable detachable?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether the cable can be detached or replaced.

Shure SM59 Audio Output Options

What are the audio output options?

5 Shure SM59 0 Votes Analog

38 Microphones in this range Analog, Balanced

Lists output signal formats available.

Shure SM59 Phantom Power Support

Does it support phantom power?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether the mic supports phantom power.

Shure SM59 Multi-Device Pairing

Does it support multi-device pairing?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously.

Power & Battery 5

Shure SM59 Auto Power-Off

Does it have auto power-off?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether the microphone shuts down automatically when idle.

Shure SM59 Replaceable Battery Support

Does it support replaceable batteries?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Indicates if batteries can be swapped.

Shure SM59 External Power Supply Compatibility

Is it compatible with an external power supply?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Can the mic run on external AC/DC supply.

Shure SM59 Power Indicator Light

Does it have a power indicator light?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether a light shows power/battery status.

Shure SM59 Power Source

What is the power source?

5 Shure SM59 0 Votes Passive

46 Microphones in this range Phantom

Defines how the microphone is powered.

Controls & Features 17

Shure SM59 On/Off Switch

Does it include an on/off switch?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether the microphone includes a physical on/off switch.

Shure SM59 Mute Function

Does it have a mute function?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Ability to mute audio directly on the mic.

Shure SM59 Gain Control

Does it have gain control?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Ability to adjust input gain directly.

Shure SM59 Headphone Monitoring

Does it support headphone monitoring?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Direct monitoring via headphone output.

Shure SM59 Monitoring Mix Control

Does it have monitoring mix control?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Lets user adjust mic vs playback audio mix.

Shure SM59 Touch/Motion Controls

Does it support touch/motion controls?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Allows interaction via touch gestures or motion.

Build & Design 16

Shure SM59 Shock Mount

Is a shock mount included?

Yes 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

Built-in shock mount helps prevent handling noise, keeping recordings smooth and clear.

Whether a shock mount is included to reduce vibrations.

Shure SM59 Pop Filter

Is a pop filter included?

Yes 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

Integrated pop filter reduces plosive sounds like “p” and “b,” saving time on post-editing.

Whether a pop filter is provided for plosive reduction.

Shure SM59 Windscreen

Is a windscreen included?

Yes 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

Comes with a protective windscreen that helps cut down wind noise and breath pops during live use.

Whether a windscreen is included for wind noise control.

Shure SM59 Body Material

What is the body material?

75 Shure SM59 0 Votes Aluminum

47 Microphones in this range Metal

The main structural material of the microphone body.

Shure SM59 Finish/Coating

What finish/coating does it have?

65 Shure SM59 0 Votes Matte

52 Microphones in this range Matte

Exterior treatment or surface finish.

Shure SM59 Adjustable Arm/Stand

Does it have an adjustable arm/stand?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether the arm/stand can be adjusted.

Package & Accessories 13

Shure SM59 Stand/Tripod

Is a stand/tripod included?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether a stand or tripod is included in the box.

Shure SM59 Cables

Are cables included?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Indicates if connecting cables are provided.

Shure SM59 Carrying Case

Is there a carrying case included?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether a protective carrying case is part of the package.

Shure SM59 Adapters

Are adapters included?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

States if adapter(s) are included (e.g., XLR to 3.5mm).

Shure SM59 Mounting Clip

Is a mounting clip included?

Yes 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether a clip for attaching to stands/instruments is included.

Shure SM59 Extra Windscreen

Is an extra windscreen included?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Indicates if a spare windscreen is included.

Certification & Compliance 7

Shure SM59 Temperature Range (Operating)

What is the operating temperature range?

85 Shure SM59 0 Votes -20.2° to 165.2°F

50 Microphones in this range 32° to 104°F

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

Equivalent to about -29 °C to 74 °C, tough enough to handle hot stages or cool outdoor shoots.

Operating temperature window for reliable use.

Shure SM59 Warranty

What is the warranty period?

1 years 0Votes
Shure SM59
3.1 years (Average)

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

Covered by a 1-year warranty for peace of mind and reliable long-term performance.

Duration of manufacturer warranty coverage.

Shure SM59 Safety Compliance

Is it safety compliant?

Yes 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Indicates adherence to safety regulations.

Shure SM59 Environmental Compliance

Is it environmentally compliant?

Yes 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Compliance with eco/environmental regulations.

Shure SM59 FCC/CE Approval

Is it FCC/CE approved?

Yes 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Explicit FCC/CE compliance approval.

Shure SM59 RoHS Compliance

Is it RoHS compliant?

Yes 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive compliance.

Advanced Features 14

Shure SM59 Hum-Compensating Coil

Does it have a hum-compensating coil?

Yes 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Shure SM59
Shure SM59

Built-in hum-canceling coil reduces electrical noise, keeping your sound clean in challenging environments.

Indicates if the mic includes a humbucking coil to reduce electrical interference.

Shure SM59 Multi-Pattern Switching

Does it support multi-pattern switching?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Ability to switch between multiple pickup patterns.

Shure SM59 DSP Processing

Does it include DSP processing?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Built-in digital signal processing for sound shaping.

Shure SM59 AI Noise Cancellation

Does it feature AI noise cancellation?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

AI-powered suppression of background noise.

Shure SM59 Beamforming Technology

Does it support beamforming?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Uses mic arrays to focus on sound sources.

Shure SM59 Voice Tracking

Does it include voice tracking?

No 0Votes Shure SM59

Yes Microphones in this range

Automatically follows speaker’s voice.

Surveys

Because hot takes deserve votes.

Shure SM59 Sound Quality

How would you rate the sound quality of this microphone?

Crisp and professional 0Votes
Good and clear 0Votes
Average clarity 0Votes
Distorted and unclear 0Votes

Shure SM59 Noise Handling

How well does this microphone handle background noise?

Blocks out most noise 0Votes
Handles noise fairly well 0Votes
Reduces some noise 0Votes
Picks up everything 0Votes

Shure SM59 Battery Life

How long does the battery last on this microphone?

Excellent — Over 20 hours 0Votes
Long lasting — 10 to 20 hours 0Votes
Decent — 5 to 10 hours 0Votes
Short — 2 to 5 hours 0Votes
Very short — Under 2 hours 0Votes

Shure SM59 Durability

How durable is this microphone based on build and lifespan?

Highly durable — Over 4 years 0Votes
Solid — 2 to 4 years 0Votes
Average — 1 to 2 years 0Votes
Very fragile — Less than 1 year 0Votes

Shure SM59 Weight

How heavy is this microphone?

Ultra-light — Under 150 grams 0Votes
Lightweight — 150 to 300 grams 0Votes
Medium — 300 to 500 grams 0Votes
Heavy — 500 to 800 grams 0Votes
Very heavy — Over 800 grams 0Votes

Shure SM59 Design Appeal

How attractive is the design of this microphone?

Plain and boring 0Votes
Somewhat okay 0Votes
Nice looking 0Votes
Stylish and modern 0Votes

Shure SM59 Pricing

How do you feel about the price of this microphone?

Great value for money 0Votes
Pretty good price 0Votes
Fair deal 0Votes
Kinda pricey 0Votes
Crazy expensive 0Votes

Shure SM59 Sensitivity

How sensitive is this microphone to capturing sound?

Very sensitive — Detects quiet sounds clearly 0Votes
Sensitive — Captures a wide sound range 0Votes
Moderate — Picks up normal voice levels well 0Votes
Low — Needs to be close to sound source 0Votes
Very low — Struggles to capture soft voices 0Votes

Shure SM59 Frequency Response Range

What do you think about the frequency response range of this microphone?

Wide range — 20 Hz to 20 kHz 0Votes
Good range — 30 Hz to 18 kHz 0Votes
Decent range — 40 Hz to 16 kHz 0Votes
Limited range — 50 Hz to 14 kHz 0Votes
Narrow range — Above 60 Hz only 0Votes

Shure SM59 Connectivity

How stable and reliable is the connection of this microphone?

Excellent — Always stable, no dropouts 0Votes
Good — Works smoothly with rare issues 0Votes
Decent — Occasional minor disconnections 0Votes
Weak — Disconnects sometimes 0Votes
Poor — Frequently loses connection 0Votes

Guides 1

Yes, we brought proof.

Files 1

Shure SM59 Guide

coutant.org
coutant.org

Reviews 0

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