Shure SM57 Reviews

Brian
from Tulare CA
April 30, 2013Music Background:
Recording engineer

SM 57

Blown away...no. I wouldn't expect any less. I have owned several 57s . They are the industry standard and are a reliable choice for the working studio professional. And they are a great choice for home recording.They are versatile and can be used for all studio and live applications.

Floyd Gorham
from Ocala, Florida USA
April 29, 2013Music Background:
Pro Musician

Shure is an old Standard for Mic's

Great traditional microphones with Shure Quality, can't beat a SM57.
I have two of them for live recording for Yamaha Tyros 4 keyboard.
All from a great supplier "Sweetwater". Mic's do an excellant job, light weight and a great price.

Russ
from FL
April 12, 2013Music Background:
Guitarist

Needed Work Horse

It has been said before, and I will restate it. Every studio needs a Sure SM 57. I like to mic the amp. It is excellent for that. I also like to use it on acoustic guitar. I point it at the end of the fretboard, but you can change it around to get different colors of sound. It also works great with classical guitars. It is a solid workhorse in the studio, be it home, or professional. You cannot beat the price. I have been using it through the new Aphex Project Channel. I have also used it through a 1818VSL using Auria on the iPad. It just works.

Maggie\ "O'Connor"
from Fort Wayne, IN
April 12, 2013Music Background:
car singer

Love this Mic!

Totally Awesome-made my horrible voice louder!

from Houston, TX
April 11, 2013

Perfect.

No wonder why this is the undustry standard... produces perfect sound for recording and live gigs. Picks up everything you want out of an amp.

I play an American Strat through a Blues Junior (NOS) and this mic captured all of my tone.

Vinny
from United States
March 20, 2013Music Background:
Home Studio, Singer Songwriter, Hobbyist

Just what you expected

Throw it on a snare drum and your cabinets. This is the mic that all your favorite albums were recorded with. It you need to spend more, consider that the problem may be your mixing. Simple, cheap, built well.

Raf
from Orlando, FL
January 2, 2013Music Background:
local band, played shows, record stuff at home, hobbyist mostly

its a standard for a reason

Not much to say about these mics. They are a standard for a reason. I love mine. Every one that does any kind of guitar recording should have at least 1 of these. I record my own stuff at home, and the only limits to my recording capabilities are my own abilities. Great mic.

Judy Mullen
from AR, USa
December 26, 2012

Oh the excitement...

My grandson was thrilled with the microphone I got him for Christmas.
He said he had done lots of research before requesting this specific one and it was the best. He assured me that this microphone would be the only one any aspiring musician would need. I bragged repeatedly to everyone about the good service and free shipping. He said he had ordered from "Sweetwater" numerous times and had never been disappointed. I gave him the catalog that came with the microphone, knowing that their would surely be something else he needed sometime in the near future. Thank you for a good buying experience. P.S. He was delighted with the stand adapter and zippered carrying case that came with the microphone.

Sanjay Gera
from Mahwah, NJ USA
November 27, 2012Music Background:
Sound provider

Shure SM57

Best mic for Tabla Indian insturment

Angelo Shelton
from Wildwood, NJ
July 9, 2012Music Background:
Recording engineer, Live Sound engineer..

SM57

just awesome! equaled to the customer service this company provides

Pags
from New York
June 21, 2012Music Background:
Engineer, musician, builder of electronic devices.

Does this really NEED a review?

This mic has been a staple in the recording industry for over 30 years now. Is it the best sounding mic in the world? Clearly not, but what it does, it does well and it's built like a tank! There is no one that has listened to music in the past few decades that hasn't heard one of these on a snare drum somewhere. If you're doing live sound, or studio recording you are OBLIGATED to have at least one in your mic locker... so get 2 now!

Jim Horenburg
from Maryville, TN
June 8, 2012Music Background:
Decades of recording

NOTHING beats the '57!

If you're micing a guitar cab, it has to be the '57! EVERY mic review says "with a little work, it can sound like an SM57" Just start with the real deal.
Even so, these mics are great for LOTS of other things: drums, horns, vocals, etc., even used in tandem with other specialy condensers. I've got LOTS of great mics that have their own special uses, but the '57 is ALWAYS used somewhere. Everyone needs at least a couple of them.

Lynn Bidlack
from Akron Ohio
April 30, 2012Music Background:
Musician

Super Mic

I'm a sax player. Been using my trusty SM58 for 30 yrs plus, and was time to upgrade. It deserves 5 stars! The difference was amazing, especially in the mid-range, clearity and dynamics are great, and it was crisp through the full range of the horn. Should have done this years ago. What a awsome mic. for the money.

from
March 21, 2012

Standard or a reason.

Amazing mic for a variety of uses. I can't say anything more than what's already been said.

bob sloan
from demotte in usa
January 26, 2012Music Background:
hobbyist

the shure sm57

this mic works great not any feed back,picks up loud& clear.built really solid too. thanks

Steve Szambaris
from Central Illinois
September 14, 2011Music Background:
Working musician, live sound engineer for 35 years

Shure SM-57s for mic'ing guitar amplifiers

If there's a better way to mic a guitar amp, it's gotta cost more! These things just work - from moderate to high SPLs, right up against the speaker grille, these workhorse mics faithfully get your guitar tone into the house system. With one of these in its face, my Princeton Reverb can fill up any venue, and any sound guy can tell you that an SM57 will ALWAYS work just fine with any amp. Makes the Dobro and the J-45 sound great, too, on acoustic gigs.

from Monticello, IN
July 30, 2011Music Background:
Songwriter/Home Recordist

Best All-around Mic

Thanks to the special deal at Gearfest on these mics I now have 2 more. The SM57 is a workhorse. From micing guitars to vocals to drums and percussion they do it all.

Tony
from Texas
June 24, 2011Music Background:
Singer/Songwriter and Studio Owner

If I Could Go Back In Time.....This Should Have Been My First MIc!

I've been seriously recording music for the last 7 years...and tinkering around with recording on old 4 tracks for many years before before that. I purchased a pair of SM57's to use on snare since I've read so many times that the SM57 was used to record snare on so many classic albums. Somehow, against all odds, I've managed to never use a SM57 in my lifetime. I used SM58's for live vocals many times (I never cared for the muddyness) and the beta58 which was not a match for my vocals at all. Because of these experiences, I never really wanted to buy Shure microphones. The only other Shure mic that I own is an SM7 which is an absolutely fantastic mic in every regard. Anyway back to the SM57...it arrived in the mail...I hooked it up to a very clear, neutral, and natural pre (focusrite isa) so I could just hear the response of the mic....I tried some vocals first...WOW!!!! I recognized the classic sound immediately from old albums. The SM57 rolls off the unusable lows but retains warmth, it has an unbelievably SMOOTH and musical midrange, and the highs are smooth and present without making your ears feel like they are being stabbed by large daggers (like every cheap Chinese condenser I've ever heard). Honestly, the SM57 fits my vocals better than the majority of the far more expensive mics that I own. I'm not knocking Neumann because they obviously make fantastic microphones, but I'd rather use the SM57 for vocals than my TLM103. Does it matter that the specs on the SM57 are less impressive the TLM103...nope....it only matters how the mic handles the task that you throw at it. The SM57 chops off more lows and highs, but it sure does sound good doing it. Next I grabbed an old Gibson Southern Jumbo acoustic and started strumming away....the mic was 12 to 18 inches away and pointed in the vicinity of the 12th fret.....again, I immediately recognized this sound from classic albums....it's a very nice, smooth and forgiving midrangy sound that sits really well in a dense mix. If i was going to fingerpick, I'd prefer the Neumann, but the SM57 does a surprisingly respectable job on that as well. I can't wait to try these on snare and guitar amps where they have the most proven track record. In closing, I am absolutely shocked at how great this mic is! I'm even more shocked that it only costs 99 bucks. I finally get why some people are so into Shure microphones. If I could go back in time, I should have purchased this as my first microphone (actually I should have gotten a pair of them). A person could record a whole album with just SM57's and it would sound darn good. Anyway, if you're just starting out, BUY THIS MIC!!!!!! It is far better than a condenser if you are working in an untreated space because it has a tight cardioid pattern that rejects most room noise and other problems. If you have a cheap preamp and are having trouble getting enough gain to this mic (or even if you're not), buy a Cloudlifter by Cloud Microphones, it uses phantom power to generate up to 25 db of super clean FET pre-preamplification...that gives any old dynamic or ribbon mics low noise and high gain and interfaces them perfectly with modern recording systems. If you're thinking (just as I was a week ago) that this mic is far too common and old to sound as good as some people say...You are wrong...just buy one...it's only 99 bucks new or around 50 used. They are built like tanks to boot. Good Luck and Happy Recording. I wish I would have read this review 15 years ago:)

Samuel
from
May 2, 2011Music Background:
Producer, Engineer, Writer, Composer

The best

It's the classic mic. Every studio should have several!

from
February 8, 2009

you need it if you want to record

its a 57. what can i say, you need it to start recording. any profesinal studio has at least 5. and beginer as one. dont go with a condenser if you are just starting off. just put this sucker off center to the cone and you will get exacctly what the guitar amp sounds like. run it thru a tube pre it will give u troouble standing up its so good.

Andy H.
from Parkersburg, WV
October 28, 2008Music Background:
Musician, recording engineer

Got to have it.

The most used and versitle mic. Can be used on every thing. Drums, guitar amps and even vocals. Carry it on your person as a mugging deterent. Crack muggers upside the head, block bullets and sword attacks with it. Put a long mic cable on it and use it as a grappeling hook or a boat anchor. No matter what you use this for or how you treat it at the end of the day when you are back in the studio to record that elusive hit song this mic will work and sound great. I was going to say that every studio should have 2, but I'm thinking I would like to have 4 or maybe 6.

note: Don't try using this as a boat anchor....really!....it's not heavy enough! :)

Bradley White
from Gilbert, AZ
September 30, 2008Music Background:
Pro Musician, Recording Engineer

Your first mic. Period.

If you are into studio recording and you don't own an SM-57, you are missing out. These mics are cheap and can be used to record anything. Vocals might need a pop filter and a little EQ, but that's not too much to ask for such an affordable, durable, and universal microphone. Every home studio should have at least a couple.

Jordan
from USA
September 15, 2008Music Background:
Recording Engineer and Musician

SM57

Clearly the reasons should be obvious. An industry standard that has been used by practically everyone in the business for years. This mic is nothing but practical.

Chris Flesner
from Little Rock, AR USA
September 13, 2008Music Background:
Student

If You Can Only Afford One Mic Get This One!

This is my first real mic, so I don't have much experience with others. But, I can tell you that when I record with this mic the recording sounds the same as the live source, which is exactly what I wanted from my first mic (besides affordability!)

So I say, if you're getting your first mic and you want something that sounds great on everything and is actually affordable then get this mic!

Kenny
from Virginia
July 25, 2008Music Background:
active musician/singer

SM57

I use the sm57 on vocal (with windscreen) and guitars. It is really hard to beat. I've tried other high priced mics that sound good but i seem to always come back to the 57's. Very warm/clear sound for vocals. I have seen them being used for vocals by many popular singers including Elvis. They knew what a good thing was. Treat yourself and buy!!

Brandon
from Dallas TX
November 24, 2007Music Background:
Audio Engineer

The One Mic Wonder

I've always known this mic was great, and have often used it for drums and guitar. But today I was in a session and the ONLY condenser I had brought started doing some goofy things. So I busted out a good old 57, and recorded all the vocals, harmonies, and guitars with it. And it heres the kicker... it sounded AMAZING. Not just GOOD, but it blew me away. It DID take work though. For use on vocals you really have to crank up your upper mids (3k or so) to clean it up, roll off some lows, and maybe add a dash around 100Hz for some extra body. I used it through an LA-610... for money, it doesn't get any better than that. Don't buy into all the imitations out there. there are some good mics, but this is a workhorse.

Nate
from Miami, FL
October 30, 2007Music Background:
Recording Engineer, Drummer

This is it.

Listen kids...the SM-57 microphone has been around forever, and it's been used by everyone.

You can use them on virtually anything with great results (that is...if you know how to play your instrument, write good music and put the microphone in the right place!)

And guess what - you can pick one up for less than $100!

You could get a set of 12 for less than the price of 1 "Rolls-Royce" condenser mic and be set for life.

Craig Whipps
from Arcata, CA, USA
October 2, 2007Music Background:
Playing the fool, and bass since 1964

Shure SM57: The "Semper Virens" of Microphones

I bought a pair of SM57's in 1974. They were the lead singer's mics, and when the band split up, I kept 'em. They got stuck in a suitcase with a bunch of cables until I got a gig with a disco band in '78. The lead singer would twirl it around (ala Roger Daltry) and I'm sure he hit the stage with it at least once.

In '84, I drug them back out, and used them in a bunch of different jazz bands. They became horn mics. (Fabulous tenor sax mic.)

Then I lost one, and the one I had left turned out to be a really great live string bass mic. I rolled it inside a piece of foam and stuck it in between the legs of my bridge. (Make sure you deal with the feedback.) Turned out it worked really good on cello live, too.

Then, in '94, (after I got clean and sober) I produced a live album and we used it with my piezo on my stand-up bass going into an ADAT. When we mixed down the tracks, I begged the guy to kill my piezo channel, but he liked the edge on my solos. (He's a rock player, no offence) but, it ruined the tracks. (The 57 sounded much better by itself.)

About eight years later (2004) after I "retired" (or, got to fat to want to carry a $10,000 instrument into a restaurant only to make enough money to buy my girl friend a meal,) I decided to find out what recording on a computer was like.

So I drug out my SM57 again and used in on bass, nylon string guitar, and some vocal overdubs. The client on the vocals asked me to do it again with a pop filter (hey, how I was I supposed to know, I'm a bass player) He was right, and, I've noticed you really have to pay attention to the "proximity effect" with these mics. It doesn't just get boomier, it gets... compressed, sort of.) It's probably why they sound good on electric guitar amps, off axis.

Anyway, a friend of mine (who is a real sound guy) was storing my stuff for me, and when I went to pick it up, he offered to trade me his brand new 57 for my old one, which didn't make sense because his new one (same exact mic) sounded EXACTLY LIKE my old one. And I couldn't figure it out until recently, since I've started really getting into recording and reading what engineers always say about microphones.

This one recording guru says: "My favorite microphone ever made is the Shure SM57. It's rarely ever "genius" but it never ever totally sucks. You can point one in the general direction of a sound and you'll get a pretty decent representation of that sound that can be recorded and pounded to death later."

I realize now, that my friend just wanted to have a 57 that looked "that old" because... it would make him look like he'd been "that smart", for "that long". (It's got some major rust on the screen and the grey part on the barrell has worn off where it slides into the stand adapter.

Anyway, I nixed the trade. The memories alone would make me keep it, even if it didn't sound so good. This mike will be making someone else happy long after I'm long gone.

Buy five, (trust me.) You won't be sorry.

Joe
from NJ
October 18, 2006Music Background:
home recordist

A classic

I got this mic back in 1997, and I still use it on every session. At this point, I am only using it on guitar cabinets. I used to use it close up on snare, but I now only use 3 mics on a drum kit, so it doesn't get used in that application anymore -- but it does a decent enough job on snare.

Combined with a 421 or a Royer 121, you can get some really nice guitar sounds happening. My 57 seems to have gotten better with age. Since mine is now almost 10 years old, it's hard to say whether a brand new one will have the same magic...but there is a good chance it will. I don't honestly know how you could NOT have at least one of these laying around. A great mic to have around...

Jimi Krystofiak
from san Leandro Ca
September 11, 2006Music Background:
recording enginer w/ BA

the cornerstone

IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE OF THESE AND YOUR IN AUDIO, WELL YOU SHOULD NOT BE IN AUDIO. IF YOU GOT ONE, GET SOME MORE CUZ YOU'LL SWEAR BY THEM, ESPECIALLY IF YOU DO LIVE SOUND. THEY WORK GOOD ON EVERYTHING AND TAKE A BEATING. WHEN DECIDING WHAT MIC TO USE WHEN RECORDING, I ALWAYS TRY THE 57 ALONG WITH ALL THE OTHERS AND IT IS USALLY ONE OF THE TOP 3 PICS. SWEET MIC AND FOR THE PRICE PICK UP 2

Tom Castonzo
from Chicago, Illinois
June 21, 2006Music Background:
Freelance guitarist & studio musician

The All Time Best Electric Guitar Mic!

I've had the opportunity to hear this mic in several different live musical settings and I'm always pleased with the way the 57 represents the sound coming from my speaker(s). It's a very accurate mic and I know that my sound from the stage will most likely be the same as the PA mix.

JET
from MI
February 24, 2013Music Background:
Pro Musician

Great little mic!!!

Very well made, rugged enough for lots of use. Great sound for this price range. You really cannot go wrong with this. Every studio, large or small should have one and its affordable. It does not break up easily and its what I use to mic my tube amps. You do have to use more volume to mic guitar. It may just capture the sound you are looking for in your recordings.

Mitch
from Manchester, NH
February 12, 2013Music Background:
Engineer

SM57

It's a 57... It sounds great!

Lewis
from South Carolina
January 25, 2013Music Background:
Play for Enjoyment, Gear Head

SM57

You know what you are getting with this. Not the best at anything, but very good to great at just about everything you stick it in front of with proper positioning and EQ. Sweetwater's service, as usual, was excellent.

Casey
from I can see for miles, Indiana
July 21, 2012Music Background:
Semipro

Sm57

The industry standard workhorse. If you're not using one of these, chances are you're using a clone of it. Try this mic with your favorite ribbon for a great composite sound. I've also had great results with this and a Neumann Tlm.

gregg
from van nuys, ca
June 21, 2012Music Background:
studio owner/pro musician

a must have mic

if you record live music at all-you need this. snare drum, electric guitars, etc... there always "new and improved" b.s. products out there. this is a proven, time tested weapon of choice for many of my studio friends. Just ask Mick and Keith. (rolling stones for you new guys)....

david
from summerfield, florida
April 23, 2012Music Background:
musician

mic

its everything i thought it would be

Noah Feldman
from United States
March 19, 2012Music Background:
Musician, Live Sound Engineer

Great, and versatile

This is a great microphone- My favorite for snares, and great for guitar cabs, too. I often use it to mic acoustic guitars, and in a live setting, it gives a great tone, with less feedback problems than any other microphone I've used. But the biggest surprise for me was that I preferred it for vocals over the SM58- I found that for darker voices, this brings out the high end and gives a more crisp sound. Built like a rock, too, it's been used and abused on gig after gig, and just keeps kicking.

from Wapakoneta, OH
February 8, 2012Music Background:
Worship Leader, Pro Musician, Singer/songwriter

Can't Go wrong

Just a great mic to have. Affordable, great balanced sound. I've used it on amp cabs, snares and vocals and it works great for all of it.

from Boston, Mass USA
December 21, 2011Music Background:
Student

Standard

First mic i ever owned. One of those mics you will see everywhere. Its a standard in any studio. Sounds good (not spectacular but good) on everything. Well worth the price.

Steve Newman
from United States
September 30, 2011Music Background:
Recording student

Everything it's supposed to be.

A classic for a reason. Hard to go wrong with this. Get one.

Ben Schuhart
from Nottingham, MD
September 19, 2009Music Background:
Professional Musician and Music Educator.

SM-57 a must have but even better is the G-5790

G-5790 is a SM-57 shaped on a 90 degree angle. Gets in tight to a snare drum with out getting in the way. Great on amps too. Worth the extra 50 bucks! Get a G-5790

from
October 24, 2012Music Background:
Live sound engineer

Great all purpose Mic

Used it on Drums, Guitar, Accoustic, Banjo, it is a great all purpose Mic

Dave Blackwell
from Fort Wayne, IN
October 12, 2012Music Background:
Music Educator, Semi-Pro Jazz Clarinetist

Review Of Shure SM57 Microphone

I am a clarinet player. The SM57 works well since it brings out the beauty of my instrument and seems to take out a little of the shrillnes of very high clarinet notes while bringing out the lows. I noticed an improvement in sound the first time I used it. It was well worth the price.

Tim
from west lafayette, indiana
March 30, 2012Music Background:
live sound for 25 yrs, hobby recording

sweet clarity

I'm not sure what I can say that hasn't been said. Thankfully I've not tested the robustness of this Mic but its performance is great and worth probably twice its price. I'm using it on a grand piano and find I can get great response across the whole board with careful placement. It's clarity and tone are far better than most "piano mics" I've used. My other typical use is on a violin. Positioned above (pointing down toward the openings), I have never heard a microphone reproduce this instruments tone any better. Well worth the money.

Nicholas Hardy
from Metro-Detroit, MI USA
November 28, 2011Music Background:
Musician, Disc Jockey, Live Sound Engineer

Consistent Workhorse

The Shure SM57 delivers a consistent sound that many sound engineers know well. There are many good alternatives to this mic, but sometimes it seems that I just need the consistent sound of an SM57. It is recommended to have a few of this in your mic locker or studio or live work.

Sean Millspaugh
from Norman, OK
October 10, 2011Music Background:
Hobbyist/Recording Musician

Quality and Bulletproof

This microphone could survive the apocalypse and sound just as good. People typically use them for recording snares and guitars, but they do well with vocals, depending on your voice (like all microphones.) If you don't have the money for a $400 condenser microphone, this will probably work for you. The Shure SM57 picks up my vocal dynamics fairly well, picking up my deep end as well as it picks up my higher ranges, so I have no complaints. However, do note that you will be shipped the Shure-SM57-LC. This means it does not come with a microphone cable, so I took off one whole star because I had to go buy a mic cable as soon as my shipment arrived. Naturally, it isn't made clear that you are buying the LC version, so just be aware.

That being said, it's always a good decision to pick up this microphone. It's reputation is well deserved.

Warren
from So Cal
September 1, 2011Music Background:
Living room musician

A classic

What's to say? This is a classic all purpose mic that will please. Yes, you can spend hundreds or thousands to fulfill the audiophile need for perfection, but if you're looking for an all-around general purpose mic that sounds rich, this is it.

The main reason I purchased this mic is because of a veteran audio engineer friend who told me to get it. I trusted his advice and now I know to trust it in the future.

clamup1
from Virginia
August 29, 2011Music Background:
hobbyist

great bass amp mic

i bought this mic after reading reviews for miking bass amps. if you dont have a bunch of money this mic can fill in where DI'ing fails. you can choose the 57 or the 58.

Ron Beckel
from Mena, AR
July 28, 2011Music Background:
Percussion and audio engineering

Great on cajon

Love the 57. I recently obtained a great full sound while recording a cajon when using an EV 122 on the back and the SM 57 on the front

Daniel Rago
from Mount Prospect, IL
September 16, 2008Music Background:
Engineer

Renaissance Mic

This mic has every attribute you could possibly want in a piece of gear. Its an incredible value, its virtually indestructible, and---oh yeah--it sounds great! Every studio I've worked in has at least 3 of these. Its the perfect mic to get your studio going because it can be used on anything and sounds pretty damn good on anything. Everyone know its great for snare and guitar, but I'd easily take one of these or an SM58 over those cheapy large diaphragm condensers if I'm recording vocals. No studio is complete without a 57.

Not posting my name
from Greensboro, NC
January 21, 2008Music Background:
Hobbyist? Aspiring musician?

Square One

I've just recently started building a home studio, and this has been my first real mic. I'm SO very glad I did the reaserch and came out with this instead of Guitar Center's "Let me sell you this AMAZING MXL Mic Starter Pack! Only $85! Buy it! BUY IT! BUY IT NOOW!"

All of you who have been out to GC know what I'm talking about. You walk in and say, "I'm looking for a microph-" "OH! HERE"S the thing for YOU! MXL 990/991!!!!! DO IT!"

Alright, most of you are not that stupid, but three months ago I was! ALMOST bought it. Almost. Then I read up at places like tweakheadz.com (great site) and came out with this. It is such a good starting point. I've been using it for acoustic, electric, vocals, etc. Give it some attention in editing, and it can sound amazing!

Cody
from Denver, CO USA
April 5, 2007Music Background:
Recording engineer, musician

SM57 mic

i think this mic is a must for every musician and engineer, it is tough as hell and can be used on practically anything

IMAGO RECORDING STUDIOS
from Lexington, Ky
February 28, 2007Music Background:
Recording Engineer, pro musician, and Independant producer.

What can I say...

The 57 is a traditional utility mic. It's not made to make anything pop or stand out. It just is what it is. A trusted workhorse mike that gives great results especially when blended with other mics of better tonal quality.

John B
from Nashvile, TN
September 12, 2006Music Background:
Recording/Mix Engineer

I Mean, C'mon, it's a 57

So it's the Shure SM57. It's a great mic that works for pretty much everything. Almost every snare and electric in the past... long time... have been recorded with this. Great for live too. It handles pretty much anything you can throw at it and has a little midrange bump for that grit you been longing for.

Kevin
from pittsburgh, pa
November 24, 2011Music Background:
just for fun

home recording

the new microphone helped out a lot with my home recording of my son's band. it helped minimize feedback in the monitoring systems.

Dean Drake
from Bellingham, WA
July 15, 2006Music Background:
Semi-pro musician/recording engineer

Everybody's got at least one, don't you?

Studio and live sound staple. I have three, maybe four of these. I'll probably pick up a few more in my lifetime. I mostly use them on guitar cabs, snare and toms. They are as tough as nails and just keep doing the job.

Honestly, there's nothing really exciting about an SM57, they're just there, they always work and they sound good. I've picked other more "exotic" mics for guitar cabs and drums, but for some reason I keep coming back to them.

Clayton
from St. Louis MO
July 8, 2006Music Background:
Live and Recording Engineer and student

A druable reliable microphone found everywhere in the world.

I have used many SM57 microphones in my life, and see them everywhere. They wear really well, and when they do get broken, can usually be fixed, or replaced at any pro audio store. They work well and last a long time, but they dont sound great. They are good but not as good as my Audix i5 that i recently bought. I've been using my i5 for everything i use to use my 57 for, and it has been working out better than i thought it would.

abe tolow
from nc, usa
August 1, 2005

The most trusted mike in the biz

toured three years with 5 57's.one for lead and 4 for backup singers two bose 800 and a shure vocalmaster not one problem not one.

Trevor George
from San Diego, CA USA
September 1, 2004

Sound Manager/SilverFlair Entertainment

If it was legal to marry a microphone, I would have little baby 57's running all around. Go with the $1500.00-$2000.00 mic's if you wish, but if you want the best of the best, get the SHURE SM57. Can't beat them on snares, overhangs, Piano, and in some situations can do a great vocal pick-up. (If the U.S. President uses it there must be something good about it) SM57's are like a dream come true to me. Hope they will be with you.

Mike Pope/MixCritique.com
from SoCal
March 1, 2004

A Must Have...

Every studio needs at least a couple Shure SM57's. Simply great on snares, toms - even as overheads (if you're on a budget!). Countless recordings have been made through the years with a '57 draped (hanging by the cable), against the grille cloth of guitar amps, and it also does an impressive job on acoustic guitars and vocals.

Last year, on a location gig, I realized I had left the overhead condenser pair back at the studio (2-hours away!), so out came a pair of 57's doing duty as drum overheads. People still comment on the depth and clarity of the cymbals on that project. Hard to figure...

If you're reading this and already own '57's; you know it's all true. If you are looking to buy - buy 2...you'll use them, and they'll serve you well for years. Sure = quality, performance & reliability, remember that.

Sweetwater Advice

Customer Reviews

SM 57

Shure is an old Standard for Mic's

Needed Work Horse

Love this Mic!

Perfect.

Just what you expected

its a standard for a reason

Oh the excitement...

Shure SM57

SM57

Does this really NEED a review?

NOTHING beats the '57!

Super Mic

Standard or a reason.

the shure sm57

Shure SM-57s for mic'ing guitar amplifiers

Best All-around Mic

If I Could Go Back In Time.....This Should Have Been My First MIc!

The best

you need it if you want to record

Got to have it.

Your first mic. Period.

SM57

If You Can Only Afford One Mic Get This One!

SM57

The One Mic Wonder

This is it.

Shure SM57: The "Semper Virens" of Microphones

A classic

the cornerstone

The All Time Best Electric Guitar Mic!

Great little mic!!!

SM57

SM57

Sm57

a must have mic

mic

Great, and versatile

Can't Go wrong

Standard

Everything it's supposed to be.

SM-57 a must have but even better is the G-5790

Great all purpose Mic

Review Of Shure SM57 Microphone

sweet clarity

Consistent Workhorse

Quality and Bulletproof

A classic

great bass amp mic

Great on cajon

Renaissance Mic

Square One

SM57 mic

What can I say...

I Mean, C'mon, it's a 57

home recording

Everybody's got at least one, don't you?

A druable reliable microphone found everywhere in the world.

The most trusted mike in the biz

Sound Manager/SilverFlair Entertainment

A Must Have...