Shure - PG58-QTR

Yes, the SM58 is considered the "Standard" for vocal mics, especially for Live use. Thing is, it's been around for a very long time. Most budget mics makers try to imitate it as best they can. Even Shure tried to duplicate it's performance in more economical packaging. The PG58 is a good mic, but not quite the same feel of a SM. I think it may be just a matter of the weight of the casing that makes the difference, one heavy metal, the other lighter weight, more plastic. I suppose there may be some different resonance factors between the two, as I believe they use the same internal cartridge. The difference being the SM seems to be more resistant to noise than the PG. For the longest time, I used an SM57. I have a bit lower, softer voice and could put a touch more gain on it and it caught my voice well. If I backed off it and sang louder, it still worked well. But, after 40 odd years, it gave up. I replaced it with a Peavey PVi2, and so far I have been pleased with it. I don't expect it would last as long, but I also don't gig as much, so I think the trade off is okay. The PVi2 is Peavey's version of a SM58. If you are on a budget, I recommend them. Comparing dollars to donuts: (approximately) Shure SM58 - $100 Shure PG58 - $35 Peavey PVi2 - $50

The Yeti is a fine mic. But if your issue is background noise you should look at a dynamic mic vs condenser - SM58 is a good choice. If only speech a PG58 would work as well. Also, beyond the mic, what are the acoustics of the room? Any sound baffles to limit noise? The mic needs to match the room and the use. And as someone already said, this is a problem that can be solved for well under $1,000

Depends what you mean by ‘cheap’ because a $10,000 Neumann U47 tube microphone is ‘cheap’. Also depends on what you’re using it for as to if it’s a good fit. But extremely ‘budget’ conscious sub-$100 ‘new’ microphones… The Shure PG58 isn’t ‘bad’, but can have some handling noise. Not my favorite microphone but it works and has a metal body. The Fender P51 microphone isn’t bad. Metal body, but only comes with a switch on it. These were bundled with Fender PA systems years ago, and I used them for years at karaoke without any issues. Sound is similar to an SM58. The EV CO9 I picked up for $19 each and that microphone is worth a TON more. Wish I had picked up a few more when they were getting rid of them at Guitar Center years ago. As you approach the $100-$150 price range it opens up with the SM57 and SM58 falling into that range. The SM57 is what’s been used by every president since LBJ (Lyndon Johnson). The SM58 is routinely spec’d for touring because it’s darn near indestructible and the sound is consistent. I recently picked up a few microphones from Deity in this price range, but they’re lavalier microphones which are also waterproof (outdoor recording). But there are a LOT of great microphones at a wide variety of price points that fit a wide variety of different uses…

There is not really a 'standard' mic for studio recording, sadly. Every voice is different. Therefore, the mics, they all serve different purposes. The 7b is better for speaking voices, imho. Plus, spending all your budget one mic isn't always a good idea. Especially if you don't know how it sounds before you buy it. If you're an especially loud singer or your location is noisy, you might as well use a Shure 58 (which many would call the 'live standard'. But, if you sing softly, have a quiet place to record, and want all that gentle nuance, maybe use a Rode Nt1 condenser. Or buy both, and you'll still only spend 300 for two mics, and have more tools in your toolbag. Definitely use your line / direct out from the amp for the guitar tho.

I strongly recommend XLR into an interface, but I can recommend the Shure MovieMic lavalier wireless. I use them on internal company projects, but not lengthy podcast material. For that I use Shure MV7x into a Scarlett. I also use Shure 58 into Behringer Euphoria. If you insist on wireless, like I said, check out the MovieMic. Comes with a pair that are easy to use into laptop or into a camera if you are using one.

Neumann U versions AKG 414 Sennheiser 441 Electro voice RE 20 Shure 57 and 58 versions Beyer Ribbon mic. I'm from the 1980s era so that's why I have no modern mics in my list. I edited out some mics because I realized we were only talking vocal mics. There were some days in my 3000 plus sessions where I had time to set up all these mics for a vocalist and then let them run down some of the song in each one. The Neumann i had was a U87. All late 1970s era mics. Within just a few minutes i knew what mic fit their vocal pre EQ. Miss those days..

You’ll want to get an external microphone that connects via USB or use an audio interface with an XLR mic—something like the Focusrite Scarlett Solo. A USB mic will be the easiest and most affordable option. I personally use a Shure mic with XLR and audio interface but if you want USB only for simplicity. This one is highly rated and works great with Zoom: https://a.co/d/0kW94MC There’s also a higher-end version here: https://a.co/d/3dMutRA I’ve also heard great things about these mics: https://a.co/d/98s1aEP At the end of the day, any USB mic will work—it just depends on how high you want the audio quality to be and how much you’re willing to spend.