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Spec drill · Max SPL

MD 445 vs SM58

A side-by-side readout for max spl.

Sennheiser · MD 445
157dB
▲ Lead
Shure · SM58
150dB
VerdictMD 445 wins on max spl.
Context

Understanding max spl

Max SPL is a numeric spec measured in dB. On this metric, higher values are generally better, but returns diminish past category-typical thresholds — going from a low value to a mid value usually matters far more than going from a mid value to a high one. When comparing two products, focus on the percentage gap rather than the raw delta: a 200-unit lead means something very different at the low end of the range than at the high end. Pay attention to the unit, too — manufacturers sometimes quote peak or burst figures that are not sustained in real-world use. Cross-check the published number against independent measurements where possible, especially for performance and battery claims. Finally, remember that a single spec rarely tells the whole story; the Mars Score weighs max spl together with the rest of the spec sheet so one outlier doesn't distort the verdict.

This matchupMD 445's 157dB is roughly 5% higher than SM58's 150dB (a 7dB gap). Whether that gap is noticeable depends on workload — small percentage gaps rarely change day-to-day experience, while gaps of 20% or more usually do.

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Other specs on this comparison

See the full Microphones category for all products ranked by Mars Score.