Shure SM58 vs Warm Audio WA-87 R2
A side-by-side look at Shure SM58 and Warm Audio WA-87 R2 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Shure SM58
The world's most gigged dynamic mic, now in your home studio
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Warm Audio WA-87 R2
U87-style FET condenser with three polar patterns at a fraction of the price
See site
Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Shure SM58 | Warm Audio WA-87 R2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Podcasters who need a dead-simple, road-proven dynamic mic that handles poor room acoustics | Studio-focused podcasters who want professional multi-pattern condenser flexibility without spending on a Neumann |
Key features
Shure SM58
- Dynamic cardioid XLR, no phantom power needed
- Frequency response 50 Hz to 15 kHz
- Output impedance 300 ohms
- Built-in spherical wind and pop filter
- Weight 298 g, all-metal construction
- Industry-standard clip and stand adapter included
Warm Audio WA-87 R2
- Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and -10 dB pad
- Large-diaphragm FET condenser XLR, requires 48V phantom power
- Three polar patterns: cardioid, omni, and figure-8
- NOS Fairchild transistor and Cinemag USA output transformer
- Maximum SPL 125 dB (132 dB with pad engaged)
Pros and cons
Shure SM58
Pros
- Extremely forgiving of close-talking and plosives
- Near-indestructible build, lifetime warranty on cartridge
- Works with any interface, mixer, or preamp - no fuss
- Consistent off-axis rejection for noisy rooms
Cons
- Frequency response rolls off above 15 kHz - lacks airiness of condensers
- Needs a decent preamp for adequate gain at normal speaking distance
- Designed primarily for vocals, not instruments or acoustic sources
Warm Audio WA-87 R2
Pros
- Three polar patterns enable cardioid, omni, and figure-8 recording configurations
- Premium passive components (Fairchild NOS transistor, Cinemag transformer) at accessible price
- U87-inspired voicing with full, present character
- High SPL ceiling handles a wide range of sources
Cons
- Condenser sensitivity demands acoustic treatment
- Requires 48V phantom power
- Multi-pattern capability is underutilized in basic solo podcast setups
The verdict
Choose Shure SM58 if
Podcasters who need a dead-simple, road-proven dynamic mic that handles poor room acoustics.
You will not find a more field-tested vocal mic for the money. The SM58 rejects off-axis noise aggressively, which saves inexperienced podcasters from room reflections destroying their recordings. The caveat is its 15 kHz frequency ceiling - modern condensers go…
Choose Warm Audio WA-87 R2 if
Studio-focused podcasters who want professional multi-pattern condenser flexibility without spending on a Neumann.
The WA-87 R2 is the most honest U87 homage on the market - Warm Audio builds it with premium passive components and does not hide what they are doing. The cardioid pattern sounds full and detailed, with the characteristic presence…