Finally a guy who knows how to mic a cab and get it right! Straight to the point, fantastic comparison. I was very surprised by the SM58 and have to agree with Ola that overall it has the best combo of grit and body without over hyping any one way. I also was surprised how different it and the 57 sounded but then when you figure the 58 has a large windscreen on it, it would actually be sitting a bit further back than the 57 while seemingly in the same position so that would impact the sound. Either way though, there fore sure are small differences between 57/58 and I think i might just go with a 58 on my cab next time and see what I think. It almost is perfect on it's own where I think the 57 can be too snarly and scooped a bit. I have a 906 and I felt the same here too.. it is a great neutral mic but just doesn't blow me away in any one direction. I always try it, like it, and then compare to a 57 off axis and I just don't use it. The one I liked most was the Beyer M160 but for the price, I don't like it THAT much more than the 58. One I really think is not mentioned as much and that I am interested in trying is the beta 58. I have liked the sound of that in head to head comparisons on guitars and even vocals. Dual mic'ing is cool but ultimately if you can get away with just one and then double tracking, I think it is the way to go for most of us bedroom warriors.
