For years I've been listening to my favorite records but have never been able to replicate exactly the best ones. I always felt stock Mexican-made 57's sounded as if someone put a blanket on my amp - and somehow cut off the transparency and natural sustain of the amp, making my left hand go stiff, especially when playing faster legato passages. Those passages sound perfect when I listen to the amp itself, but when mic'd - regardless of the numerous techniques I have tried - it's not the same. This has been a HUGE problem for me. No one talks about it - the folks from Shure won't admit anything about the inferior quality of the cheaper transformers they started putting in the Mexican-made 57s. Forums won't give you much info either. This microphone solves that problem. It is more open, more transparent and has more high and low frequencies than a stock 57. Its output is also much hotter. I am super happy I finally found a great sounding 57. Problem solved. P.S. No one paid me to say this.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
It's almost like the wild west in regards to figuring out if you got an actual SM57 or a knock off. The one I got was made in Mexico and has all the tell tale signs it's real; cap turns as it should, inner cap's bronze color is visible, etc. However, the logos on the box are yellow and white, not just yellow. I've noticed nearly all knock offs have a similar design. Then I ran a quick vocal test to ensure the mic worked, and honestly I wasn't all that impressed. The response seemed virtually identical to the radio shack mic I've been using out of laziness. Granted my old mic is actually decent for what it is but I expected some degree of a noticable difference since an SM 57 should be leagues better. A rule of thumb is that knock offs run approx. 1/3 hotter than legit SM 57s. American made SM 57s run approx. 1/4 hotter than Mexican made. The one I got comes across more like a passive mic but I haven't actually tested it with a cab so this may actually be a good thing. Hopefully..Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
The Shure SM57 remains the industry standard for general use instrument micing in both live and studio situations. It is not the most responsive, and it does not have the widest frequency range, but (for the price) it achieves the most useful reproduction of most instruments, as it captures all of the necessary frequencies for this purpose. It is also very consistent and predictable. Every SM57 I have ever used sounded and responded exactly the same. It is especially recognized as the standard snare drum microphone. The frequencies it captures, and the dynamic nature of the SM57 are perfect for this application, as well as for other drum types, hats, and guitar amps. Every sound engineer must have two, three or more of these microphones in his tool kit.
bought this based on other reviews and influence from professional musicians and audio engineers. Man, was I not disappointed. I had been exploring options to input the lead guitar into the sound system, and was becoming discouraged by the cost of inline effects and routing equipment to replace a guitar amp and provide the necessary outputs to connect to a sound board, when I just decided to try a good old 57! How simple and easy. I and my guitarist loves this thing! He comments to me how glad he is to be able to use his own amp and effects, and how much he loves the sound transfer he is getting into the mains. To quote him "this mic was made for this". I love it too! Can't believe one mic can so accurately replicate the lead guitar into the P.A. with such quality. I even used this as a vocal mic a few times, and it functioned adequately in that role, but not as well as my Audix OM2 or my 58's do. The 57 is just made to function better at higher SPL's(sound pressure levels - for you non-pro's out there). I am so glad I bought this mic, that I went and bought a second one. buy it - if you need to mic a guitar amp or other instrument.Read full review
Got a smokin' deal on a brand new mic. Thanks chumpchange!!!! Excellent microphone, for all around use live, but I'm using it on my hi-hat. Bright, yet thick.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Works well. I heard these were the industry standard for live recording; that's why I bought one. The guy at my local used music-equipment store told me that you can get better mics for the same price these days (The 57 has been around a while), but it works quite well. I've never used any more expensive mics, but using this w/ my ART usb dual preamp (solid state) to record tracks in my basement, I've had good results. Not amazing, but pretty darn good (I'm not a pro recorder).
You can't beat these mics for quality, sound, and durability. I use them for my guitar cabinets in rehersal and on stage. Their built to last and are the go to Mic for many musicians.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Opening and using this mic is table stakes for home recording of instruments, and it's clear why it is so highly recommended. Built like a tank, sounds are fantastic. It's definitely worth searching for and adding to your studio.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Love this mic it's got just what I want and all I could ever need. I bought mine used and there is some rattle that wasn't mentioned but it doesn't effect the sound and I'm not using it in a stage application so it's easily overlooked. But any instrument and this thing will take it, snare, horn, guitar, bass, or anything else you could imagine.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Okay, maybe not, but you'll be just as happy. I've been a live sound and small studio engineer for over 20 years now. The SM 57 has been my favorite dynamic mic since college back in the 80s. No feedback; clear, crisp vocals; economical; tough. I use it on vocals, drums, guitar cabinets, aux percussion - you name it, this mic works with it. And it lasts forever. That's probably why the mic has the reputation that is has
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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