At almost half the cost, the Shure SM48 may seem like an attractive alternative to the Shure SM58. While the SM48 shares very similar specifications, the SM58 boasts industry best build quality, and, as I discovered, the SM48 may cost you more down the road.
Both mics come equipped with a protective grill designed to crumple and protect the element. Gigging musicians will eventually dent these screens. and they meant to be replaced.
The SM48’s grill currently retails for around $30 more than the SM58’s grill. While you may save some money up front, you will likely spend more in the lifetime of the SM48.