What is the primary use of the Shure SM57?

It is primarily used for miking loud instruments such as snare drums, electric guitar amplifiers, and brass. However, its versatility allows it to be used for speech and studio vocals as well.

How does the SM57 compare to the SM58?

Both use the same internal cartridge, but the SM57 has a compact grille for closer instrument placement. The SM58 features a round ball grille with a built-in pop filter specifically for handheld vocal performance.

Is the Shure SM57 a condenser or dynamic microphone?

The Shure SM57 is a dynamic microphone. This means it uses a diaphragm, voice coil, and magnet to convert sound into an electrical signal without requiring external phantom power.

What is the typical price for an SM57?

In the UK market, the typical price range for a new Shure SM57 is approximately £104. It is widely considered one of the most cost-effective professional microphones available.

Do I need phantom power for the SM57?

No, the SM57 is a passive dynamic microphone and does not require 48V phantom power to operate. It is safe to use with mixers or interfaces where phantom power is engaged, as long as cables are wired correctly.

Can the SM57 be used for recording vocals?

Yes, it has been used on famous vocal recordings and is the standard microphone for US Presidential speeches. However, users may need an external pop filter to prevent ‘plosive’ sounds since it lacks the ball grille of the SM58.

How durable is the SM57?

The SM57 is famous for its 'unbeatable construction.' It is designed to withstand the physical abuse of touring, including being accidentally hit by drumsticks or dropped on stage.

What famous albums have used the SM57?

It was famously used to record the snare drum on AC/DC's 'Back in Black' and the guitar cabinets on Nirvana's 'Nevermind.' Its use is documented across nearly every genre of modern music.

What polar pattern does the SM57 have?

The SM57 features a cardioid polar pattern. This unidirectional pick-up pattern focuses on the sound directly in front of the microphone while rejecting sound from the rear.

Why is the SM57 preferred for snare drums?

Its ability to handle extremely high sound pressure levels and its mid-range presence boost make it ideal for capturing the 'crack' of a snare drum. Its small size also makes it easy to position between pieces of drum hardware.

How does it compare to the Sennheiser e945 or e935?

The Sennheiser e900 series microphones are often tailored specifically for vocals with different frequency lifts. The SM57 is more of an 'all-rounder' with a flatter response in the high-mids compared to the more 'hi-fi' sound of the Sennheisers.

What is included with a new Shure SM57?

Standard packaging typically includes the microphone itself, a swivel stand adapter (mic clip), and a zippered storage bag. It does not usually come with an XLR cable.

Gear article

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

The Shure SM57 is a professional cardioid dynamic microphone predominantly used for instrument miking in both live and studio environments. Renowned for its durability and distinct frequency response, it has remained a global industry standard for over 50 years.

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Background and History

The Shure SM57 has a heritage spanning over half a century, establishing itself as a foundational Tool for audio engineers worldwide. Originally released in the 1960s, it was designed as a robust studio microphone capable of handling high sound pressure levels (SPL) without distortion. Over the decades, it has earned a reputation for 'unbeatable' construction, becoming a permanent fixture in virtually every recording studio and live music venue globally.

Its legacy is cemented by its presence on seminal recordings, including the guitar tracks on Nirvana’s *Nevermind* and the snare drum on AC/DC’s *Back In Black*. Beyond the music industry, it has also served as the primary microphone for the President of the United States for several decades, highlighting its reliability and vocal clarity.

Technical Design and Features

The SM57 utilizes a dynamic moving-coil design with a cardioid polar pattern. This pattern is highly effective at isolating the main sound source while minimizing background noise and feedback, making it ideal for loud stage environments.

Key design features include: * Pneumatic Shock Mount: A built-in system that reduces handling noise and mechanical vibrations. * Contoured Frequency Response: Specifically tuned to provide a clean reproduction of instruments and a rich vocal presence. * Standardized Build: Featuring a rugged metal housing and a resilient grille designed to withstand the rigours of touring.

Sonic Character

The 'iconic sound signature' of the SM57 is characterized by its mid-range presence boost and a gradual low-end roll-off. This frequency response helps instruments like snare drums and electric guitars ‘cut through’ a dense mix without requiring extensive equalization. Because it is a dynamic microphone, it possesses a natural compression-like quality when capturing loud transients, which contributes to the punchy, aggressive sound associated with rock and pop recordings.

Application and Versatility

While marketed primarily as an instrument microphone, the SM57 is celebrated for its unrivalled versatility. It is the 'cornerstone' of drum miking, specifically for snare drums, and is the standard choice for miking guitar cabinets. Notable artists such as Erham Alman have utilized the microphone's consistent performance. Engineers often suggest that if a studio could only own one microphone, the SM57 is the primary candidate due to its ability to handle everything from brass and percussion to loud vocal performances.

Comparative Analysis

Within the Shure ecosystem, the SM57 is frequently compared to the SM58. While both share the same internal capsule, the SM58 features a ball grille designed for vocal use to reduce plosives, whereas the SM57’s smaller grille allows for closer positioning to the sound source.

Against high-end alternatives like the Sennheiser MD 441-U or the Electro-Voice RE20, the SM57 is significantly more affordable and compact. While the RE20 offers a more 'broadcast' ready tone with less proximity effect, the SM57 is preferred for its specific mid-range 'honk' and durability. Compared to the Shure Beta 57A, the standard SM57 has a wider cardioid pattern and a smoother high-end response.

Artists who play it

Erham Alman
Guitarist

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary use of the Shure SM57?: It is primarily used for miking loud instruments such as snare drums, electric guitar amplifiers, and brass. However, its versatility allows it to be used for speech and studio vocals as well.
How does the SM57 compare to the SM58?: Both use the same internal cartridge, but the SM57 has a compact grille for closer instrument placement. The SM58 features a round ball grille with a built-in pop filter specifically for handheld vocal performance.
Is the Shure SM57 a condenser or dynamic microphone?: The Shure SM57 is a dynamic microphone. This means it uses a diaphragm, voice coil, and magnet to convert sound into an electrical signal without requiring external phantom power.
What is the typical price for an SM57?: In the UK market, the typical price range for a new Shure SM57 is approximately £104. It is widely considered one of the most cost-effective professional microphones available.
Do I need phantom power for the SM57?: No, the SM57 is a passive dynamic microphone and does not require 48V phantom power to operate. It is safe to use with mixers or interfaces where phantom power is engaged, as long as cables are wired correctly.
Can the SM57 be used for recording vocals?: Yes, it has been used on famous vocal recordings and is the standard microphone for US Presidential speeches. However, users may need an external pop filter to prevent ‘plosive’ sounds since it lacks the ball grille of the SM58.
How durable is the SM57?: The SM57 is famous for its 'unbeatable construction.' It is designed to withstand the physical abuse of touring, including being accidentally hit by drumsticks or dropped on stage.
What famous albums have used the SM57?: It was famously used to record the snare drum on AC/DC's 'Back in Black' and the guitar cabinets on Nirvana's 'Nevermind.' Its use is documented across nearly every genre of modern music.
What polar pattern does the SM57 have?: The SM57 features a cardioid polar pattern. This unidirectional pick-up pattern focuses on the sound directly in front of the microphone while rejecting sound from the rear.
Why is the SM57 preferred for snare drums?: Its ability to handle extremely high sound pressure levels and its mid-range presence boost make it ideal for capturing the 'crack' of a snare drum. Its small size also makes it easy to position between pieces of drum hardware.
How does it compare to the Sennheiser e945 or e935?: The Sennheiser e900 series microphones are often tailored specifically for vocals with different frequency lifts. The SM57 is more of an 'all-rounder' with a flatter response in the high-mids compared to the more 'hi-fi' sound of the Sennheisers.
What is included with a new Shure SM57?: Standard packaging typically includes the microphone itself, a swivel stand adapter (mic clip), and a zippered storage bag. It does not usually come with an XLR cable.