Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.6 (27)
$69.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (68)
$69.00
Amazon
4.7 (2984)
$69.00
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$69.99 New
$34.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (116)
$69.00
zZounds
5.0 (12)
$69.00
B&H
4.8 (33)
$69.00
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$58.00

Average Price: $64

Budget/Beginner

$75

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Shure SM48". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Discover the Shure SM48, a dynamic microphone that brings professional sound to your fingertips without breaking the bank. Ideal for live vocals, spoken word, and even miking instruments, this mic is a versatile tool in any musician's kit. Its cardioid pickup pattern is designed to focus on the sound source directly in front, minimizing background noise and ensuring superior gain before feedback. This makes it a reliable choice for both stage and studio settings.

The SM48 is crafted to withstand the rigors of regular use. It features a robust steel mesh grille and a shock-mounted cartridge, reducing handling noise and protecting the internal components. The built-in pop filter tackles unwanted plosive sounds and wind noise, making your performance as smooth as possible. With a frequency response tailored for vocals, it enhances midrange clarity and controls the proximity effect with a bass roll-off, providing a well-balanced audio output.

Whether you're a budding musician or a seasoned professional, the Shure SM48 is an excellent choice for those on a budget who don't want to compromise on quality. Its legendary Shure durability and sound quality make it a staple for any audio setup.

Key Features:

  • Cardioid pickup pattern for focused sound capture and feedback rejection
  • Frequency response: 55Hz-14kHz, optimized for vocals with bright midrange and controlled bass
  • Shock-mounted cartridge for reduced handling noise
  • Built-in pop filter for minimizing plosives and wind noise
  • Includes a stand adapter and protective storage bag
  • XLR Male connector for easy integration into audio setups
  • Renowned Shure durability and build quality

Product specs

Microphone Type Dynamic
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Frequency Response 55Hz-14kHz
Output Impedance 150 ohms
Connector XLR
Weight 0.82 lbs.

FAQs

What is the primary use of the Shure SM48 microphone?

The Shure SM48 is designed for professional sound reinforcement, studio recording, and broadcasting. Its cardioid polar pattern ensures high gain before feedback, making it ideal for vocal applications in live and studio settings.

How does the Shure SM48 compare to the SM58 in terms of sound quality?

The Shure SM58 generally offers higher sound quality and a wider frequency range compared to the SM48. The SM58 is often preferred for professional live performances, while the SM48 is a more budget-friendly option with solid performance for various vocal uses.

Does the Shure SM48 require phantom power to operate?

No, the Shure SM48 is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power. It operates using a standard XLR connection.

What is the frequency response range of the Shure SM48?

The Shure SM48 has a frequency response range of 55Hz to 14kHz, which is tailored for capturing vocals with clarity and presence.

Is the Shure SM48 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Shure SM48 is well-suited for live performances due to its cardioid polar pattern, which provides excellent feedback rejection and focuses on the sound source.

Podcastage

Podcastage

Shure SM48 Dynamic Mic Review / Test

Video thumbnail for Shure SM48 Dynamic Mic Review / Test by Podcastage

Shure SM48 Dynamic Mic Review / Test

Podcastage

Podcastage

Video thumbnail for Shure SM48 Review and Test by ReviewLamp

Shure SM48 Review and Test

ReviewLamp

ReviewLamp

Video thumbnail for I recorded an entire album with a $50 microphone! (Shure SM-48 vs SM58) by KJJ

I recorded an entire album with a $50 microphone! (Shure SM-48 vs SM58)

KJJ

KJJ

Video thumbnail for Shure SM48 Microphone Review (Including Comparison: Shure SM58 VS SM48) by Audio Hotline

Shure SM48 Microphone Review (Including Comparison: Shure SM58 VS SM48)

Audio Hotline

Audio Hotline

Video thumbnail for SM48 VS SM58 Mic Showdown by Dark Corner Studios

SM48 VS SM58 Mic Showdown

Dark Corner Studios

Dark Corner Studios

Video thumbnail for Shure SM48 vs Shure SM58 - Dynamic Microphone Comparison by Review Tech TV

Shure SM48 vs Shure SM58 - Dynamic Microphone Comparison

Review Tech TV

Review Tech TV

Video thumbnail for "SHURE SM48 VS. SHURE SM58" DYNAMIC "MICROPHONE REVIEW" (Epic Comparison Movie) by Stephen Saint-Felix

"SHURE SM48 VS. SHURE SM58" DYNAMIC "MICROPHONE REVIEW" (Epic Comparison Movie)

Stephen Saint-Felix

Stephen Saint-Felix

Video thumbnail for UNBOXING Shure SM48 LC by Ricard Bertomeu

UNBOXING Shure SM48 LC

Ricard Bertomeu

Ricard Bertomeu

Video thumbnail for Shure SM48 vs Shure SM58 - Dynamische Mikrofone Vergleich by Review Tech TV [DE]

Shure SM48 vs Shure SM58 - Dynamische Mikrofone Vergleich

Review Tech TV [DE]

Review Tech TV [DE]

Reviews

PROS

  • Functions well for both singing and spoken word

  • Warm sound with a small bit of brightness

  • Can sound like SM-58 with a little EQ and gain adjustment

  • Durable and reliable, with a solid build

  • Crisper overall than SM-58, less low-end boom

  • Good value for the price

  • Versatile for both vocals and instrumental use

  • Suitable for beginners and as a spare mic

  • Works well with different sound systems

  • Uniform sound quality when used with other mics

CONS

  • Not the best choice for recording applications

  • Requires proximity to avoid feedback in loud settings

  • EQ adjustments needed to tame Shure proximity effect

  • Not as loud as SM-57 or SM-58 at similar gain settings

  • Some users may find better upper midrange articulation in other brands

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure SM48.

Comparisons

  • The SM58 offers 3 dB higher sensitivity than the SM48, potentially crucial for low-volume vocal scenarios without preamp investment.

    Source
  • The SM48 lacks an internal transformer, unlike the SM58, affecting its sound and gain characteristics.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Guitar amps typically lack appropriate inputs for dynamic mics like the SM48, leading to inadequate gain and frequency response issues.

    Source
  • The SM48 lacks an internal transformer, affecting sound and gain, but can still serve well for non-professional online meeting purposes.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • In small venues, without mic-level inputs, a PA speaker is recommended over using a guitar amp for mics like the SM48.

    Source
  • The SM48 can be an acceptable temporary solution for backup vocalists in live settings, especially for bands with budget constraints.

    Source
  • In noisy environments, the SM48 is a viable dynamic mic option for online meetings, especially where USB mics have reliability issues.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The SM48 is a budget-friendly alternative to the SM58, yet lacks the longstanding reputation and slightly better sound quality of the SM58.

    Source
  • Used SM48s are available as low as $35, making them an economical choice for low-stakes or backup scenarios.

    Source

User experience

  • Users describe the SM48 as having a "boxier" sound compared to the SM58, which can be mitigated with a graphic EQ in digital setups.

    Source
  • Despite the drawbacks, some users report that in live settings, audiences often couldn't differentiate when SM48s were used instead of SM58s.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Position the SM48 at a 4-6 inch distance from the mouth and speak across the capsule for optimal sound quality during online meetings.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Shure SM48 review: Decent $50 mic for live settings

higherhz.com

The Shure SM48 is a budget-friendly dynamic microphone that performs adequately in live settings but falls short in studio applications. It’s durable and offers usable performance for the price, making it a suitable choice for budget-conscious venue owners. However, the absence of an impedance matching transformer results in a less balanced frequency response compared to the SM58, its pricier sibling. While it handles live vocals well, the high-end roll-off renders it less ideal for acoustic guitars and studio work, leaving sound somewhat lackluster. Overall, a solid economical pick for live gigs but not a studio standout.

Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 33 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ryanleu

Good Mic

Not sure if it is worth the price compared to the pga48. I haven't been able to compare the two, but I do like the looks of this one more.

meli_carvajal

Cheap and does the job

Cheap and does the job Is not a singers go to mic, but it is a great vocal mic.

dominicbauers

Good Mic for Band Practice

I use this microphone for my vocals at band rehearsals, i'm liking the sound so far.

joe_m_bettencourt

Good sound

Good little back up vocals mic with adequate sound.

lascoyt

Useful as both instrumental and vocal

Great for rehearsal and small instrumental applications.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tyler Sky uses Shure SM48

Tyler Sky

Singer, Guitarist

Tomato Soup

...
Verified via Photo

Tyler Sky uses the Shure SM48 as his primary vocal microphone during live performances, as showcased on his Instagram.

See how Rafael "Rafa" Barbosa uses Shure SM48

Rafael "Rafa" Barbosa

Singer, Bassist

Vinnce

...
Verified via Photo

Rafa using the SM48's Microphone for live recording.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Shure SM48, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1

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