Wondering which is the best mic where?

[wogster]

I have 2 Shure SM58's and 3 SM48's. 3 Mics are used for singing, and 2 for spoken word, just wondering which would be better assigned to which purpose. Currently they are mixed, I have a 48 for the pulpit mic, a 58 for the communion mic, and the rest for 3 singers (although sometimes I only have two singers).

[Cliff]

Best is to try each on in each application with each person and hear for yourself.

[Paris MkVI]

Here's info on the SM48.

Here's info on the SM58.

Comparing the two, I note the 58 has slightly better rejection behind it in the cardioid pattern. Response comes up quicker on the low end and high end roll off is higher, though no hugely so. The difference between the two mics are not huge by any means.

Cliff's suggestion is an excellent one, since in-room acoustics will also color the quality of the finished mix.