Paul McCartney performing on stage during a "live" concert appearance with his solo band.

John Atashian/Getty Images

There’s an old adage about good ideas never going out of fashion. In the case of the Shure SM58 microphone, it’s actually true. For six decades, this humble and affordable microphone has been at the center of some of the most important moments in the world of music and culture.

From emerging artists to modern headliners and the most influential performers, the SM58 is without a doubt the most popular dynamic microphone for stage use and live performances. It’s as ubiquitous as a stack of Marshall guitar amplifiers on an Iron Maiden stage. It’s almost indestructible and that is part of the reason for its longevity.

Introduced back in 1966 and still in production today, the SM58 is probably the world’s most recognizable live vocal microphone and is used in clubs, theaters, arenas and festivals all around the globe. The SM58 remains firmly rooted in the present because some of today’s most innovative artists across a range of genres are using it.

For example, British singer-songwriter and Best New Artist at the 68th GRAMMY Awards, Olivia Dean, is just one of a new generation of artists using the SM58 as part of their live sound.

“The SM58 has been a staple of my live show for years. Having the right microphone is so important to me, I need something reliable, durable and the SM58 has that warm, crisp and classic sound that I love. We ended up going with a chrome finish for The Art of Loving Tour, which fit perfectly with the show design,” says Dean.

So, what is the reason for a piece of technology staying on top for 60 years. The tech industry sees innovation and new products daily. The tech landscape is littered with failures or products that were once popular, but no one remembers anymore. How did a microphone manage to stay in production for 60 years?

The SM58’s longevity is rooted in its original design. The microphone was designed for live sound, which means it had to be exceptionally durable and capable of delivering clear, natural vocals under almost any conditions. Reliability is probably the most important aspect of any piece of tech for live performances.

The SM58 features a cardioid pickup pattern that reduces feedback and background noise, while its internal shock mount and rugged construction mean it can withstand the kind of punishment meted out by life on the road. The original design has been tweaked and improved in several ways over the decades to ensure it still meets the needs of performers and modern production systems, but it still looks and sounds much the same as it did 60 years ago.

“Very few products remain relevant for 60 years, let alone become the industry benchmark,” claims Chris Schyvinck, president and CEO of Shure. “The SM58 has been trusted across generations not because of trends, but because it works, night after night, show after show.”

Over the decades, the SM58 has made an appearance on stage at a variety of occasions, from presidential addresses to global concerts. Its familiar and unmistakable spherical grille has become a symbol of live performances and it helps artists connect with audiences, whether they are at an amateur open mic night or performing at a globally televised concert.

To mark the occasion of the SM58’s 60^th anniversary, Shure is offering a 10% on some of its most iconic microphones, including the SM58 for $98,as well as deals on the Shure SM7B, MV7+ and others. Visit www.shure.com to find out more.