Shure SM-57 great for recording guitar

[Robert]

Anyone else a big fan of SM-57 for recording guitar? I think it's a great workhorse, and it has stood the test of time for Shure (it was introduced in 1967)! :AOK:

I would heartily recommend it to anyone wanting to mic up their amp, whether for recording or live playing. It's a low impedance dynamic microphone. The letters "SM" stand for Studio Microphone.

 

[markb]

The phrase "industry standard" comes to mind. A few years ago I heard a radio programme on recording bands. Each engineer asked how to get a good guitar sound to tape (OK more than a few years then) replied "stick an SM57 against the grille". You forgot to mention "tough as old boots" in the description.

 

[Spudman]

I love the SM57.:AOK:
I have used it a lot on drums with great results too. I will say that the Beta 57 can withstand getting hit with drumsticks much better than the standard SM57.

 

[sunvalleylaw]

I love mine. When I put it on my Christmas list, I did so because I did not have any mics, knew the SM57 was an industry standard, and I have not been disappointed. I think I have gotten decent results for a newb, and figure I will get a whole lot of use out of it.

 

[oldguy]

20-25 yrs. ago when I was still a weekend warrior it's all I used........
stick it against the grill of the amph, get a good honest reproduction of the sound. Great mic, IMHO.

 

[Andy]

I have sm57 and sm58 among the studio mics , wouldn't be right without atleast those two.(and a good condensor)

 

[wingsdad]

ditto what all have said, and like Andy, a 'mic locker' has to start with at least one each 57 and 58. They're both far more versatile than their perceived 'specialties'.

The 58's a far superior bar-wars weapon, though. :rotflmao:

 

[tunghaichuan]

It seems to me that the SM57 and SM58 use the same element in the mic, it's just that the SM58 has a pop filter for vocalists.

tung

 

[wingsdad]

It seems to me that the SM57 and SM58 use the same element in the mic, it's just that the SM58 has a pop filter for vocalists.

I'm not sure what you mean by 'element', Tung. True, the 58 is conventionally more of a vocal mic than the 57 with not just the pop filter but also more sensitivity to proximity effect, but the 57 & 58 are very different, starting with their frequency response range. It's not the same thing, but it's kinda like the difference between a Tele & a Strat.

Have a look at the Specs for each here:
Shure SM Mics Overview

 

[tunghaichuan]

By element, I mean the transducer, or part of the mic that transformes mecanical vibrations into electrical impulses.

Could be hearsay:

http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=11852

If I'm not mistaken, but I'm pretty sure the Shure 58s and 57s are the same electronicly, but the grill and windscreen give a presence boost at I think around 3k.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end-theory/98421-shure-sm57-sm58.html

SM57 and SM58 are actually the same microphones. They share the same capsule, but the SM58 has some foam (=pop filter) build in for vocal use.

SM57:

SM58:

The slight boost in the treble could be attributed to the windscreen. The SM58 has one, the SM57 does not.

tung

I'm not sure what you mean by 'element', Tung. True, the 58 is conventionally more of a vocal mic than the 57 with not just the pop filter but also more sensitivity to proximity effect, but the 57 & 58 are very different, starting with their frequency response range. It's not the same thing, but it's kinda like the difference between a Tele & a Strat.

Have a look at the Specs for each here:
Shure SM Mics Overview

 

[markb]

The head design on the 57 allows closer positioning as befits its "instrument" status due to the lack of a pop filter. The SM58's presence hump is quite marked as is it's slight bass lift at close quarters (proximity effect). Those curves are pretty close though, it could be down to the physical differences as you say, Tung.

 

[Algonquin]

Really looking forward to trying one out

 

[sunvalleylaw]

I think you will enjoy it. Industry standard for a reason I guess. Nothing that fancy, just seems to work.

 

[sunvalleylaw]

David, also, my folks got me this mic boom at the same time as part of my Christmas gift along with the mic.

http://accessories.musiciansfriend....454312&src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=33500160

It works perfectly for putting the mic in a good spot in front of the Peavey C-30. Seemingly well built, and the base is very heavy and sturdy.

 

[Algonquin]

Well I rec'd my new SM57 in the mail (Canada Post) on Thursday afternoon. It came with a little leatherette carrying case and a mic clip too... didn't expect the clip. I had a chance to give it a test late yesterday and have to say I'm pretty happy so far. Now I need to experiment with placement for the best sound for what I'm trying to record. This is a very nice microphone for a very reasonable price :AOK: (Now to work on my playing :messedup: )
Thanks SVL for the Gearbox tips!
Cheers :beer:

 

[sunvalleylaw]

Yeah, receiving the clip was a surprise for me too. I almost mentioned that to you. Now I have an extra, because one was ordered separately when the mic and boom was ordered. Have fun with it this weekend!

 

[johnreelsound]

You will have fun with an SM57 and get some great results but now you should try out some other mics as well. Get hold of a Sennheiser 421 or one of the new GA ribbon mics and hear how they do it! Try using a couple of mics but be very careful to check the phase.

good luck

John