Shure SM57 Microphone Review
Table of Contents
Durability. A dynamic range that can pick up both low and high frequencies. Portability. Practicality. Affordability. Power. All these are traits that musicians look for when shopping for a new microphone. At first glance, it may seem impossible for any microphone to match up to this, but you don’t have to worry— that’s what the Shure SM57 is for.
Shure is a legend in the recording world, and with good reason. Founded in 1925 as a radio parts kit manufacturer, the company soon expanded into microphones, wireless microphone systems, phonograph cartridges, systems, mixers, and even headphones and other listening systems. Shure boasts almost a hundred years of top quality, and one of the jewels of their collection is the SM57. Read on to find out more about this powerhouse of a mic and what it can do for you.
About the Shure SM57 Microphone
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz-15kHz |
| Sensitivity | -56.00 dBV/Pa – 1.60 mV/Pa |
| Transducer Type | Dynamic |
| Connectors | 3-pin XLR |
The Shure SM 57 is a giant on the market, said by many to be the industry standard when it comes to live performances and recordings. Many musicians and studios own two or more units, as its dynamic range, cardioid pickup pattern, and top-notch sound quality allow it to record multiple instruments at multiple ranges without sacrificing clarity.
This microphone is also built to last, with a die-cast steel exterior that’s drop-resistant and will keep your unit safe in case of an accident. Its compact size allows you to travel with it easily, and you don’t have to worry about packing it in with the rest of your audio equipment.
The SM57 mic isn’t just for musicians and performs just as well as its sibling the SM58. While the SM58 comes with a built-in pop shield, making it a first choice for podcasters on tour or doing live performances, installing a pop shield on the SM57 can land you the same results. Its design as a cardioid microphone will also help you eliminate external noise, making it the perfect companion for a live performance onstage.
The Shure 57 is designed with a contoured frequency response and presence rise, which allows your instruments to cut through the main mix and sound better. It performs well with guitar or bass amps, saxophones, trumpets, and even drums, and is used on stages and in studios all around the world.
Shure SM57 Microphone Pros
The Shure SM 57 was designed to be the perfect companion in the studio, but it has a range of possible applications as well. While it might not be the best handheld mic, it comes with a swivel stand that allows you to position it to capture the best of your instruments or voice.
You don’t have to worry about toning down your volume when it comes to this mic— thanks to its sensitivity of 94dBL, it can capture loud sounds easily without feedback or interference. If you’re wondering just how loud that is, that’s equivalent to a commercial truck passing just 10 meters away! The clarity of sound, durability, dynamic range, and affordable price all make this the perfect mic to have in your arsenal.
Live Master
The SM-57 is a workhorse in the studio, but what makes it stand out from other mics is just how well it performs on a live stage. The microphone’s design makes it so that sub-bass frequencies are attenuated, meaning kick drums or bass guitars won’t overwhelm more resonant sounds. In a studio setting, this means that you also won’t need to apply a high-pass filter during post-production. It’s also much easier to master recordings without creating excess distortion.
Jack of All Trades
The Shure SM57 microphone is the ideal mic for musicians, not least because of its affordable price and durability. Its dynamic range allows it to faithfully capture a range of different instruments without leaning too much toward the high or low frequencies. The SM57 frequency makes it a favorite for acoustic guitar players, but also performs excellently with kick drums, snare drums, bass amps, brass instruments, congas, harmonicas, percussion instruments— you name it.
Pros and Cons of the Shure SM57 Microphone
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Versatile for different recording purposes ✔ Industry Standard ✔ Good Value For Money | ✘ Older Model in a Competitive Market |
What People Are Saying
The Shure SM57’s affordable price, durable make, and incredible range make it one of the most popular mics on the market today. The SM57’s dynamic range and ability to capture faithful sound across instruments make it the perfect studio or stage partner for amateur musicians and professionals alike. The more compact grille also allows you to get closer to the sound source, and coupled with the SM57’s design, it makes for a more faithful recording.
“The SM57 is the first microphone that I ever bought and is still my #1 pick for a live vocal performance. You don’t get a lot of outside noise bleeding into the mix and the sound is warm, clean and crisp. It feels good in your hand, is easy to work and sturdy as a tank. I’ve had it since the early 90s and it sounds just as good as when I first bought it.”
Reviewer – SUe from sweetWater
Where to Buy the Shure SM57 Microphone
The Shure SM57 is an industry workhorse and with good reason. Its incredible recording capabilities and affordable price make it an indispensable part of the arsenal of any musician. Whether you work from the studio or on the stage, the SM57 is the mic that will help you bring your musical vision to your audience perfectly and without fail. Find the best deals for the Shure SM57 Microphone here.
Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 is an incredibly versatile microphone that excels in various recording applications. Widely recognized as the industry standard, it sets the benchmark for quality and reliability.
Moreover, it offers exceptional value for money, making it a great asset for both professionals and enthusiasts alike.
