I am a semi-pro musician who plays solo acoustic, small ensemble and band gig in small to medium sized venues in Houston area. I have used SM 58's and Beta 58's for years and have always been happy with them. I bought this mic on through a desire to try something new from Shure. I read mostly great reviews for the microphone that spoke of its clarity and natural vocal reproduction. I did read a few negative reviews the spoke of "boxiness" and poor low-end response. I opted to be swayed by the overwhelming majority of the positive reviews, assuming that the negative reviews were written by novices with bad PA equipment or some other unconsidered variable. However, when I received the microphone, I was very disappointed. I often play venues with very nice PA's and house sound guys, and while I haven't had the mic very long, on the few gigs I've played with this microphone I've had the sound guys comment on the flatness and yes, "boxiness". They've had to boost the low end and scoop the mids to get a useable sound. On the gigs where I've run my own sound, I have found the same thing. I've had to turn the bass on the channel all the way up, while scooping the mids. And even then, it still doesn't sounds as good as a Beta 58. If this mic works for you, great. As for me, I'm wishing I'd not purchased it.

For a mic that boasts a reduction in proximity effect, you would expect a loss in low end. This is not the case.

This mic is actually pretty dark. The result is an incredibly smooth low and lo-mid response. You can be 3-4" away from the mic before the "body" of the source really drops off. Its wider polar pattern allows for a larger sweet spot too - great for anyone speaking off-axis into it (ex: a comedian.)

Is it the best choice for a punk band vocalist, lips pressed into the grill of the mic? Probably not. A delicate singer-songwriter show? Hell yeah. Proper mic technique will make all the difference with this microphone.

It's an excellent sounding microphone, with a super smooth bottom end response. It's "warmer" than an SM58, but can still be crispy. If that's the right thing, then go for it. You won't be disappointed. I love mine for my voice.

Man, I love the Electro-Voice RE20. Everyone I record and produce does too. For a while, I really thought I would never choose any other mic when I wanted a dynamic. The mechanically controlled proximity effect (Variable D) is a game changer in every kind of music and vocal production. The RE20 has some big weaknesses, though:

- Can't be handheld
- Large and heavy
- World's second clunkiest stand mount (looking at you MD421)
- Off-axis response is the best out there - a disadvantage when there's stray noise

So, here I am, frustrated that no other dynamic is useful in the same way the RE is, with that ruler-flat sound. When designing new mics to follow the SM58, sE, Audix, Shure, etc. "solved" the SM58's proximity effect issue by attenuating bass response. This approach is especially evident in the Beta58.

For FOH applications, this is not a bad trade-off, because you often don't need that low end response in the signal at all. For recording, though, the Beta58 and other mics like it are hard to like. They tend to sound thin and sibilant, and supercardioid polar patterns make the placement and performance sweet spot a lot smaller.

Now we have the KSM8, delivering 80% of what the RE20 does well acoustically, with 200% more ergonomics and visual appeal. If it matters to you, it's also a much "hotter" output mic that will play nicer with iffy preamps.

What does the '20 have that the 8 doesn't? Excellent plosive control, a "thicker" sound in the mid bass, and frequency response above 10k. The KSM8 does sound like a Shure: plosive control is OK but not great, and the low mids tend to "woof", but it flatters just about every source you could throw it at, and it sounds smoother, richer, and more "real" than SM58's do. Check it out!

For those that have embraced the SM58, it is time to trade up.

I live mix our worship band as I always do on Sunday. I intoduced the KSM8 to one of our female vocalists. Normally, she uses a SM58. The KSM8 is extremely well balanced for live mixing and it produces a clearly defined warm vocal. To really hear the details of this mic, that was in post as I recorded her.

The SM58 captured her vocal. But compared to the KSM8, the 58 is tinny sounding and thin and I cannot EQ it to make it better. The new KSM8 captures her vocal warmth and sensitivity and I can almost hear her vocal cords resonating. Pretty amazing mic.

My only disappointment is I didn't get one sooner! I will be back though. I need to replace more 58s!

Pure natural clarity.
I probably own 15 mics. This is hands down the best one if you're serious about your vocals. I like it wayyy better than the sm58, beta58, Audio OM7, sm57, beta 57, sennheiser 945, only a few mucs come close to the clarity one is the Telefunken M80, another is the Ev re520(phantom powered) there is NO comparison between it and the 58's it blows them away. I'm ordering another so I have a back up. After using this mic 2 years and playing over 600 shows with it, it still sounds amazing.

I decided to upgrade my mic for live shows. I've been using the 58 and the 935. Used it a couple of times and right before a big show, the sound guy said it sounded like an AM radio. Tried it again at another show and it kept feeding back and giving a poor signal.

I would stick with the 58 for go for an SE mic. Skip this one and save your $$.

As a multi-instrumentalist and singer, it is much easier to get a consistent vocal sound without also needing the skills of a contortionist. If you are a singing keyboard player, singing drummer, or singing upright bass player, this is your microphone. I have consistently relied upon the Rode M1 as my go-to dynamic mic for live vocals for its clarity and excellent output, but the KSM8 opens up even more possibilities.

Excellent vocal microphone with outstanding clarity and response.

This mic does not have the clarity of a beta 58 or even a sm58.Has the popping and proximity effect is horrible.I blame it on the design of the dual diaphragm.If your gonna spend this kinda money on a mic then go with a dpa 2028 cause the shure ksm8 is scrap.

Got this and stacked it up against the Aston Element, and the NT1 Black. My vocalist friend said the NT1 "sounded like me", and the Element "sounded interesting and expensive". (Note that I had a -4.5 dB shelf at 250 Hz running in DSP on me RME.) His comment on the KSM8 was that it was a little boring in comparison.

I hear something different. This mic is more mid-forward. Has that cut or bite to it that will cut through a mix. It has very little proximity, sounds great off axis, and people with less well developed mic technique will benefit. I'm likely going to buy a second one, mostly for use in my studio.

I don't think it's a "dynamic that sounds like a condenser"; I think the Element is the closest I've heard for that (except that MASSIVE prox boost!!) but this is basically a superior, much flatter SM58. I'm using them for cutting scratch vocals live with bands. Then, I usually replace them with overdubs.

Highly recommended, but don't think it's something it's not. It still has that midrange boost.

The main thing is that it has great off axis rejection so if you're in a kind of loud band it really helps you cut through the mix and be heard. The second biggest thing is you can be really close up on the mic or kind of far from it and it will sound closer in volume than most mics. I love doing big belts or yelling a little bit away from the mic and still being audible. It's miles above the sm58 as far as sounding really "pro" at a gig, it costs a lot more though.

The KSM8 is an acronym for "Killing 'em Softly w/ My song 8" and this mic does the job and more! The dual diaphragm feature of the Shure KSM8 is the unique secret behind this mic's performance. I have used it for several weeks now, long enough for me to come to know the microphone, and to know it is a great one. The high frequencies sparkle, giving this mic the edge in understandability. Another great attribute is that the KSM8's output is relatively loud. Thus one can turn the mixer's level control down which in turn provides less noise (the signal to noise ratio is just better!). All things considered, I definitely recommend the Shure KSM8 dynamic microphone.

This is a totally different Mic, It is very forgiving and every time I think the Proximity Effect is going to ruin my recording this mic saves the day every time. No pop filter required, Just straight out clean capture is what it is all about. Where has this mic been and why did it take so ling for someone to figure this safety net out.
I have not use it live yet but recording has me sold. I picked up 3 more for recording and taking on the road. Going to be fun!

I've been using a Shure beta 58 recently and wanted a bit more clarity. I saw a Sweetwater video of Matt Gallagher doing an excellent review of the Shure KSM8, so ordered it. Big difference from the beta 58, especially in the low end. I'm loving this mic! Seems well built, comes with a nice case, and for what you get, a good price.

I had been thinking about upgrading my mics from the ubiquitous SM58's I normally used. I tried a couple of the Hiel's and I bought some SM86 condensers. They sounded better but not enough to retire the 58's. I started reading about these last summer when they were released. It was really the price tag that prevented me from perusing it. Then on Christmas Eve I happened to have the TV on and I saw James Taylor using one on Good Morning America. Later that same day, I came home from a party and flipped on the tube. And their was the Pope using one. I figured it was a sign so I ordered a couple. Long story short, I now own half a dozen. They really do sound great! The "sweet spot" as it is called is much larger than the SM58's. That is important when you have inexperienced users. It also picks up a little better when the singer is a little off axis. Handy when they are looking over at anither band member while they sing. Buy one and try it and you'll be back for more.

Excellent mic with gracious sweet spot. Call Dan Overstreet for all your needs as I do. Thanks again Dan

The new KSM8 mic is amazing! Before I purchased it from Sweetwater i checked out every review I could find and read them all . They had me convinced to give it a try although the price tag was a bit high as everyone said . I have used 57,s and beta 58,s forever and they are the industry standard in microphones . It's hard to believe how much better this mic really is . Solid construction , great looks and amazing sound . It is as everyone has said ,worth the money . I use shure 535 in ears with custom sleves from sensaphonics and with them you hear every time you move away from the mic . This mic gives incredible freedom to move off axis from it and still sound great . If you truly care about your vocal sounding its best then go the extra mile or two and get it from Sweetwater !

Almost no eq necessary....

Wonderful! This microphone has the sensitivity of a condenser microphone with the warmth of a dynamic microphone! With most microphones you seem to get one or the other, but not both.

At the end of the day, singing is all about storytelling and sharing with the listener. When I sing I'm looking for clean clear articulation in my words so that my audience understands the message and the warmth and richness of my voice to artfully play on dynamics in telling the story. This microphone delivers and both counts. So thank you Shure, thank you for working so hard to help us artists in making the world a better and richer place. You hit a home run with this microphone.

Very very very good mic and the proximity effect is virtually gone, which is an amazing accomplishment, especially if you are used to singing into SM58s. Nearly 5 times the price, is that alone worth it probably not, but this mic is incredibly warm sounding and has great clarity at the top end as well with almost zero EQ needed. Add in the Shure history of making nearly indestructible dynamic mics and I think you have an investment that is work making here.

Sounds like a condenser but without the bleed (playing acoustic guitar & singing) like you'd get. Great big sweet spot (good for singing guitar players who move around alot), awesome proximity effect (just enough to still be able to get it when you want it). Dual purpose: live and studio -- or at least "project" -- recording. It's everything they say it will be in the promo videos. Very impressed.

I don't normally write reviews, but this mic deserves one. Over the years I have tried every vocal mic possible for our worship leader, unfortunately we have never both been happy with any them. The KSM8 is by far the best we have tried so far. With its very stable cardioid pattern and virtually no proximity effect, there is not much more we could ask for. Very pleased with the frequency response the way it lets the vocal fit in the mix. The only other mic that comes close is the Heil PR35, however proximity effect is still an issue with that mic. Pick one up and you won't be disappointed.

Thanks Sweetwater for a quick shipment and great customer service!