I have owned my 58A for about 7 years. I use it at home alongwith my other equipment as a hobby. My other equipment includes amp, 2 speakers, Cd player and a tape recorder all run through a mixer. I play R&R, country & blues in my spare bedroom which is very small (12ftx9ft) and I play it quite loud and never suffer feedback or bass reaction. In fact the quality and pick-up ability is excellent. This Shure mike handles everything and anything I throw at it. Forgot to mention my equipment is stage use quality. (260w stereo amp and 2 x 500w speakers.)

The Shure Beta 58 microphone is a great instrument of choice, i have used one for the last 4 years with nothing but the best results, i sing most styles and types of music and this microphone can handle it all. it is best used at close proximity with a maximum of about 2 inches distance from the grill. this microphone is also extremly reliable too with fawtless performance gig after gig at £109 get one soon.

I have used SM58's for years and always been very happy with there sound. I desided to treat myself and "upgrade" to the Beta58A. I used it in the next rehersal and that was it. I went back the my SM58. The sound was just too course with too much top end. I had to use heavy EQ, mainly on bass, to get the desired effect. There was even a metalic sound to my voice!

I'M NOT SAYING THIS IS A BAD MIC. What I am saying is different voices suit different mic so make sure you try before you buy! £100 odd is alot of money to waste if you don't like to sound. I resently tries the SM86 and Beta87a. Again the Beta just didn't suit my voice where as the SM86 was amazing! If you like the overal sound of the SM58 chances are the next step up would the the SM86 condenser mic. If you find the SM58 and bit too bassy for your voice and as such a little muffled, the Beta58a is probably the mic for you with it's higher sounding output.

Do remember though that a mic is a very personal thing and just because someone sounds great on a certain mic doesn't mean that it will suit your voice the same way.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!