Setting Up a Shure M58 and M57 Mic to Record with Focusrite Scarlett

Because the Shure M58 and M57 connect the same, this tutorial addresses both.

The Shure M58 and M57 are rugged dynamic microphones well-suited for vocals and instruments, with the M58 optimized for clear speech or singing and the M57 commonly used for instrument amplification or versatile general-purpose recording. When paired with a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (3rd Gen) audio interface, they can be connected via XLR cables to separate preamp channels, with adjustable gain, direct monitoring, and flexible USB routing through Focusrite Control, allowing simultaneous multi-track recording to a computer while hearing zero-latency playback, making the combination ideal for podcasting, music recording, or small studio setups.

What you're working with for this tutorial:

• Shure M58 (dynamic vocal mic)
• Shure M57 (dynamic instrument/utility mic)
• Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (3rd Gen)
• Two XLR cables
• Computer (Surface Pro-Windows)
• Recording software (DAW) such as Ableton, Audacity and Adobe Audition.
  • What's a DAW? A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is software used to record, edit, mix, and produce audio on a computer.
• Speakers/Monitors

NOTE: Both the M57 and M58 are dynamic microphones and do not require phantom power.

1. Inputs 1 & 2 – Combo XLR/¼” Sockets: Connect microphones, instruments (e.g., guitar), or line-level signals. XLR is for microphones (preamp gain adjusts automatically), and ¼” TS or TRS jacks are for instruments or line-level sources. Do not connect high-level outputs to XLR or enable phantom power with non-mic devices, as this can cause distortion or damage.
2. Inputs 3 & 4 – Combo XLR/¼” Sockets: Accept microphones or line-level signals only. Direct instruments should be connected to Inputs 1 or 2.
3. 48V Phantom Power: Two switches provide 48 V phantom power in pairs (1&2 and 3&4). Red LEDs indicate when phantom power is active.
4. Gain 1–4: Adjust input levels for Inputs 1–4. Tri-color LED rings indicate signal status: green = signal present (-24 dBFS), amber = near clipping (-6 dBFS), red = digital clipping (0 dBFS).
5. INST (Inputs 1 & 2 Only): Selectable via Focusrite Control for direct instrument input (TS jack). When enabled, input impedance and gain are optimized for instruments; red LEDs indicate active INST mode. When off, inputs accept line-level signals via TS or TRS jacks.
6. AIR: Selectable in Focusrite Control for Inputs 1–4. Yellow LEDs indicate AIR mode is active, which emulates the frequency response of classic transformer-based Focusrite ISA preamps.
7. PAD: Selectable in Focusrite Control for Inputs 1–4. Green LEDs indicate PAD is active, reducing the input signal by 10 dB for high-level sources.
8. USB LED: Illuminates green when the Scarlett 18i8 is connected and recognized by the computer.
9. ALT / Speaker Switching: When activated via Focusrite Control, diverts the main monitor mix from Outputs 1 & 2 to Outputs 3 & 4 for secondary speakers. The ALT LED illuminates green when active.
10. MIDI LED: Illuminates green when MIDI data is received at the MIDI IN port.
11. MONITOR: Controls the main monitor output level (Outputs 1 & 2) and follows ALT mode selection. Also adjusts outputs assigned via Focusrite Control’s Hardware Control.
12. Headphones: Two ¼” (6.35 mm) TRS outputs, each with its own volume control. Headphone outputs carry the signals routed to analogue outputs 5 & 6 and 7 & 8, respectively, as stereo pairs in Focusrite Control. 
      

    

    
    

13. LINE INPUTS 5–8: Balanced ¼” (6.35 mm) jack sockets for additional line-level sources. Use TRS jacks for balanced connections or TS jacks for unbalanced signals.