Shure SM57 Microphone Review:
An exceptional dynamic instrument mic that does many things well, including vocals
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The Shure SM57 is a is a legendary and iconic instrument microphone with a storied history dating back to its introduction in 1965. The SM57 is one of the most popular, widely used, and respected microphones in the audio industry. It has a reputation for durability, versatility, and exceptional sound quality.
A Brief History of the Shure SM57
The Shure Model 545, launched in 1959, was the predecessor to the Shure SM57. It was silver colored but otherwise had a similar appearance. It made use of the new Unidyne III sound capsule that would also find its way into the SM57.
Shure realized that television was becoming increasingly popular. Therefore, they decided to modify the 545 to make it more rugged and non-reflective for use in tv studios. The result was the SM57, which soon expanded its reach beyond tv studios. It quickly found its way onto live stages and recording studios, as well as presidential podiums.
When it comes to microphones, versatility is a highly coveted trait. The Shure SM57 is one of the most versatile microphones ever made. For a microphone that also comes at a reasonable price point, its ability to shine across various applications is nothing short of remarkable.
In this review, we’ll explore the SM57’s versatility. First we’ll look at its performance in recording vocals, a lesser known capability of the mic. Then we’ll look at how it does recording various instruments – electric guitars, acoustic guitars, snare drums, and tom drums. We will also review it abilities in live performance, all while keeping an eye on its incredible value.
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Recording Vocals
While the SM57 is primarily known as an instrument microphone, it’s not to be underestimated in the vocal department. The microphone’s crisp midrange and pronounced presence give it a unique character. This unique character can work wonders for certain vocal performances, especially in rock, punk, or blues genres. It’s not your go-to choice for capturing delicate nuances, but it can add a distinctive edge to your vocal tracks when needed.
In our testing, which we conducted by running the SM57 through a Cloudlifter CL-1 mic activator to add clean gain (we believe this is important for the SM57), we were very pleasantly surprised by how well the SM57 did for vocals.
While it was occasionally a little darker sounding and slightly lacking in high end detail, most of the time, there was not a significant difference between the SM57 and the Shure SM58, which is used primarily for vocals. Overall, the SM57 did a very nice job on vocals, and you would not know that it was not something that it was not known for. We do not think it would do quite as well, however, if not being run through a mic activator.
Recording Electric Guitar
If there’s one instrument that is perhaps most closely associated with the Shure SM57, it’s the electric guitar. Placing this microphone in front of a guitar amp can deliver that classic rock sound. It captures the grit, warmth, and harmonics of your guitar’s tone, making it an essential tool for achieving that iconic rock ‘n’ roll crunch. It’s no wonder legends like The Edge and John Mayer have sworn by it.
In our testing, we found that the SM57 often did not produce as much as a “big” guitar sound as some other mics, such as the Sennheiser MD-421II. That may be something that would be more of a factor if you are trying to record hard rock or metal. With electric guitar, it has a very natural sound.
It does a very good job overall, and we personally used it exclusively to record electric guitar for many, many years. If you use one for electric guitar, you will perhaps never look around for a different mic to use. One option is to use one Shure SM57 and one other mic to record an amp at the same time to capture an interesting combined sound. The SM57 is a great mic to use in this type of set up.
Recording Acoustic Guitars
Acoustic guitars, with their wide frequency range and subtleties, require a microphone that can handle the nuances. While the SM57 may not be the first choice for purists, it can still deliver impressive results. It’s ideal for recording the percussive strumming or picking of an acoustic guitar.
We tested the Shure SM57 for acoustic guitar using 2 of them in a spaced pair set up. The set up here was one mic placed at the 12th fret and the other aimed at the bridge. Distance was 8 inches or so.
The combined tone of the 2 mics was well rounded, vibrant, and pleasant sounding, both for individual notes / argeggios and for strummed chords.
Recording Snare Drums
When it comes to snare drums, the SM57 is a trusted companion in countless studios. In fact, it is one of the primary mics used to mic snare drums, and quite possibly it is THE primary mic used for that purpose.
Its ability to handle high sound pressure levels means it can capture the sharp attack and snappy response of a snare with ease. Whether you’re tracking rock, pop, or metal, the SM57’s ability to record snare drums is second to none.
Shure sells a drum mic kit where you get 3 SM57s and one Beta 52 (for the bass drum). In a pinch, you could even use the SM57 to record bass drum.
Recording Tom Drums
When it comes to capturing the heart-pounding resonance of tom-tom drums, the SM57 once again proves its mettle. Toms are the foundation of rhythmic grooves and fills, and the SM57 ensures they sound punchy and well-defined. Its cardioid polar pattern minimizes bleed from nearby drums, allowing for clear and focused tom recordings.
From the punchy attack of the smaller toms, to the deep and thunderous rumble of the floor tom, the Shure SM57 translates the nuances of each hit with remarkable accuracy. Whether you are tracking rock anthems, jazz improvisations, or anything in between, the SM57 ensures that your tom drums are heard with clarity and authority.
Live Performance
Another area where the Shure SM57 shines is in live performance. When you step onto a stage, you need equipment that won’t let you down. The Shure SM57 embodies reliability in every aspect of its design.
Anyone who has ever picked up a SM57 knows how amazingly solid, well-built, and rugged it is. This “microphone toughness” and sturdiness makes it an excellent choice for the rigors of the road and live performance.
While it is a bit more of an unconventional choice for recording with vocals, the SM57 is much more commonly used for singing live. As an example, you can see Brad Delp of Boston singing into a SM57 in the rock band Boston’s official live performance video for “A Man I’ll Never Be”.
Similarly, the SM57 is commonly used to mic electric guitar amps and drums in live performances.
Live shows are loud, and the SM57 doesn’t flinch in the face of high SPLs (sound pressure levels). The Shure SM57 will capture the intensity of the sound without distortion.
The Shure SM57 also excels at reducing feedback. With its cardioid polar pattern, it focuses on what is directly in front of it, rejecting off-axis noise, and minimizing feedback from stage monitors.
In summary, the Shure SM57’s rugged construction, resistance to feedback, ability to handle high sound pressure levels, and rejection of off-axis noise make it a reliable workhorse for stage use.
Value – Affordable Excellence
What sets the Shure SM57 apart from many other microphones in its class is its exceptional value. Given its durability, legendary performance, and versatility, it’s no exaggeration to call it a steal. For a fraction of the cost of some high-end microphones, you get a versatile workhorse that can handle a multitude of tasks.
Considering its exceptional recording capabilities, the Shure SM57 offers remarkable value for its price. It competes favorably with microphones that are significantly more expensive. This makes it an excellent choice for musicians and recording enthusiasts on a budget. However, it is also a microphone that is so valuable and versatile that you will probably always use it even if you add more expensive microphones to your mic locker later on.
Versatility – A True All-Rounder
The Shure SM57 is often hailed as the “Swiss Army Knife” of microphones, and for good reason. Its dynamic, cardioid design allows it to capture sound with precision while minimizing background noise. This versatility makes it an invaluable asset for any studio or live sound setup.
Conclusion
The Shure SM57 microphone is the embodiment of versatility. It offers solid performance in recording vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, snare drums, and tom drums. Its unique character and ability to capture the essence of these instruments make it a staple in studios and on stages worldwide. When you factor in its affordable price point, the SM57 becomes an indispensable tool for musicians and engineers looking for professional-grade sound without breaking the bank.
The SM57 is the kind of microphone that you will find in every professional mic locker. You will likely find it a valuable and affordable addition to yours as well. Because it does so many things well, many people feel that the Shure SM57 is the “one mic to rule them all.” Certainly, if you could only have one microphone, this might be the one to choose.
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