Shure sm58, getting more louder gain?

[3ptguitarist]

I use an SM58 for vocals. I plug the SM58 into a combination mic preamp + compressor and send the output of that into my audio interface. I have no issues getting a loud signal.

I happen to use this: https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/dr ... tation-ts1 They don't make them anymore but you can get something simpler and cheaper.

Do you get a harsh high end or any external noise or clipping from this?

[Frantz]

Do you get a harsh high end or any external noise or clipping from this?

No, a hardware compressor, in addition to the mic preamp, gives you a lot of control over signal levels.

[BertKoor]

Have you given any consideration to buying a small mixer which can also come in handy for other uses? I think Mackie has a 4 channel one for around $100 although I still own a VLZ 1202 and have no idea whether the preamps are of similar quality.

Not in a serious way. Do they have more gain for an sm58?

I know my old Mackie 1604 VLZ2 has enough gain for a SM-58 used on (loud) vocals. Probably it's not enough for acoustic guitar, but for guitars the SM-58 is not the mic to use. Better go shopping for a small electret mic if you plan to do this regulary.

But I looked up the specs of your interface, and it claims up to 59dB gain for the mic preamp. I know that the preamps Mackie uses provides 60dB gain, so the difference is not that much. But since gains are all relative, it's possible that in a true comparison your interface is only in the 50dB gain territory.

So finally, my advice, if you see other needs for a small mixer (e.g. monitoring routing, more inputs) that surely is something to consider!