What gives the SM57 the reputation of a workhorse? Maybe the fact that the Shure SM57 is versatile in application, durable, and reliable. It has been used by the President of the United States for the past 30 years, and put to the test on stage and on tour by artists such as Stewart Copeland, AC/DC, and the Stone Temple Pilots, as well as famed producer Daniel Lanois, to name a few. It can be dropped down six flights of stairs then dunked in a glass of water and still perform like it just came out of the box (please don’t try this at home).The SM57 has become a standard in the musician’s arsenal thanks to the extremely effective cardioid pickup pattern, which isolates the main sound source while minimizing background noise. It is ideal for close miking: guitar and bass amps; snare drums, toms, and congas; and brass instruments. The SM57 performs great on stage and in the recording studio.Ask most any recording engineer what the best microphone is for miking a snare drum and their answer will be the Shure SM57. Many believe that it is the baseline standard microphone for recording instruments.The SM57 demonstrates its versatility by also being ideal for vocal applications. Michael Jackson used the SM57 to record the famous Billie Jean in 1982; Cyndi Lauper sings into the SM57; and President Bush is still speaking to the country with the SM57.The SM57 is ideal for night-after-night touring and is deserving of its workhorse designation. But, if you really can’t relate to Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Stewart Copeland, AC/DC, Stone Temple Pilots, or the President of the United States, take it from consumers like yourself. Most people consider this to be the most versatile mic in their arsenal.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great for vocals or instruments!
People will try to tell you that the sm58 is a better vocal mic, it’s not true. The sm58 is designed to enhance only the sounds that fall within a certain range (the vocal range as decided by shure). This mic accurately portrays both vocals, miked instruments, acoustic instruments, and even some drums. I say some because we haven’t tried the bass drum, might work for that as well, or might be too much, I don’t know. Regardless, for a versatile mic that will last you as long as you need it to, buy the sm57.

1 Star Watch out for counterfeit Shure 57 Microphones!
I just recently bought two 57′s from two different Amazon dealers at a very cheap price of $70. After testing these microphones with other Shure 57′s and having a couple of expert local sound technicians spec-out the microphones, we discovered that these microphones were total counterfeits. True Shure microphones are typically very high quality microphones when they are direct from the Shure factory. If you go for the deal, check your microphone as soon as it arrives. If there are problems with your high-end being very sensitive and feeding-back and you have no low-end, it’s probably a counterfeit. Shure 57′s are pretty well balanced across the board with very little adjustments on your EQ.

Go ahead, pay a higher price and buy them from your local music dealer or from an Internet store that you trust. There are counterfeits out there…be careful!!!

I normally rate genuine Shure 57 Microphones as 5-stars.

4 Stars One Half Of Shure’s Long Lasting Dynamic Duo
Considering that the SM57 was introduced to the world in 1967, a year after the Shure SM58LC Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone, I guess the 58 gets Batman status, relegating the 57 to that of Robin. But that’s not really a fair assessment considering the 57 and 58 were developed at the same time, and except for the 58′s acoustic foam lined cage pop screen, the two mics are identical electrically.

The SM (Studio Microphone) 57 was designed to begin it’s life in a recording studio, as a dynamic microphone used to mic the ever increasing volume of rock and roll amplifiers, drum kits, etc. In that capacity, it had no use for the pop screen of it’s cousin the SM58, still one of the most sold vocal mics in the world to this day. So the SM57 slimmed down and even though it’s still a fine vocal mic, you’ll see it used mostly mic’ing instruments, which it excels at.

One of it’s long time and most important roles has been the official podium mic for the White House. A pair of SM57′s is always seen on various White House podiums for press conferences and there is even a VIP bundled kit Shure SM57 VIP Dual Microphone Kit you can buy for this exact type of use.

The SM57 is an extremely rugged mic, built to tough standards and can take lots of road abuse. That’s one of the things that makes it popular with touring bands and sound companies. And on top of that, it’s just a great sounding mic for the price.

There is a Performer Series Shure Beta 57A Microphone that looks very similar to the SM57 but the Beta 57 has a different mic capsule and transformer and sounds different. So make sure you try before you buy.

Bottom line is the Shure SM57 is one tough road mic that sounds awesome and is not overly priced. A best value for sound companies, home studio recordists and touring musicians.

4 Stars good of course
What else is there to say other than legendary? It is sturdy, but does not get as good of a sound as I expected. Maybe, it was too hyped up by everyone. I often use it for vocals during practice. When it comes to recording, I found my MXL condenser sounds warmer and more full.

5 Stars good price great mic
If you know the sure 57′s then you know the timeless quality of this mic for snare and guitar cab micking. Good price

Buy/More Info

A post from: Microphone Reviews