Today marks the global launch for the 50th Anniversary of the Shure SM58 – the world’s most popular microphone has been a part of live performances since 1966.

Designed originally to be a much more robust studio microphone that would overcome durability and design problems of 1950s and 1960s studio mics, Shure’s  innovative SM58 became a live vocal microphone that has traversed the 20th and 21st centuries.

With its legendary reliability, the ball-shaped cardioid dynamic mic has long been a live industry standard. To celebrate and honour five decades of the renowned sound, design, and durability of their iconic mic, Shure has announced the introduction of a 50th Anniversary model, the SM58-50A Limited Edition, along with a variety of initiatives to inspire SM58 fans around the world.

As well as the anniversary model, Shure will auction specially-designed SM58 artist microphone editions online, with the proceeds going to the charity of the artist’s choice.