Shure SM57

Presentation of the Shure SM57

For more than 50 years, the Shure SM57 has established itself in music as an excellent vocal microphone for professional studios. Very versatile, it has established itself as a benchmark in wireless microphone design. Indeed, it can record voice, condense, mix and capture sounds from different sound sources.

A priori, the Shure SM57 pro microphone has characteristics similar to condenser microphones . Indeed, just like the well-known condenser microphones and condenser microphones, it is good studio equipment. You can therefore use it to capture sounds in a home studio and make various interesting recordings.

The directional microphone offers a unique and original voice recording by reproducing sound waves as they are. Thanks to its integrated amplifier, attenuator, converter, it can power the dynamics and amplify the dynamics. This ambient microphone and external microphone can help you improve your recording technique in treble or bass.

At high frequencies or low frequencies, the Shure SM57 singing microphone limits handling noise. cardioid polarized response curve and remain stable under phantom power. You have proof that this is recording equipment with higher than normal audio quality.

For my part, I tested it with an analog dynamic instrument. I got good sound pressures and a satisfactory sound wave pattern. This is probably the result of a high-level moving coil and pop filter .

Features and Features

exceptional sound quality . But it is mainly designed for instrumental sound recording. Featuring an extremely effective cardioid polar pattern, it perfectly isolates the sound source while minimizing any background noise.

Like the new Shure SM58 version , the Shure SM57 offers quite specific characteristics from its design. As an example, we can cite the position of the reduced-size grid. Moreover, this particularity gives it a much more elaborate use with musical instruments.

Which makes it the microphone of choice for recording acoustic instruments . However, avoid using it for recording cymbals. Its design itself does not require any external power source to operate.

Also, you can directly plug the SM57 microphone into a mixer or other media without resorting to phantom power.

Versatile, the Shure SM57 will be your ally whether on stage or in a recording studio. Thanks to its cardioid polar pattern, the microphone delivers clear, crisp sound. This also allows you to use it in many applications.

A beautiful voice recording in the studio

I especially appreciate the voice recording quality of this studio microphone to reproduce live sound pressure. But in addition to being a live boom microphone, it is also the ideal studio recording equipment.

So, you benefit from both a good dynamic microphone-style lapel microphone, and a condenser microphone level. The microphone on a stand offers perfect restitution of the electrical signal while being adapted to outdoor shooting conditions.

Its directional and bidirectional recorder can capture fragile sounds in stereo as well as high-pitched vibrations, exactly like the Sennheiser MK4 . Its magnetic field transformer under rigid capsules improves the quality of voices captured in gooseneck.

The Shure studio microphone will allow you to capture vocals (spoken/sung) or as a bass guitar amp, percussion, saxophones and so on. On stage, singers, voice-over artists and musicians will be free to have fun with it.

In addition, the omnidirectional recording it offers does not require an external sound card. Buying a microphone and using an SM57 microphone means enjoying a kind of superior quality microphone with good value for money.

Shure SM57, spectacular sound reproduction

Zoom on the sound reproduction of the Shure SM57 stereo microphone. A priori, this handheld microphone and omnidirectional microphone returns static, dynamic and electrostatic frequencies faithful to the original.

In addition, for beat box performances, the sound produced is simply spectacular . In monitoring or in the studio, interference is almost non-existent. In all cases, the amplification in front of microphones and magnetic wave instruments remains largely appreciable.

In short, it offers different recordings adapted to the situation, it is an all-purpose recording tool. At any time, you can use the micro-USB switch to access the functions of its audio interface.

Over the last few decades, he has managed to establish himself as a reference, even a legend. Present within the majority of groups for sound or oratorical purposes , it is also used for the speech of well-known political figures such as the President of the United States.

From the White House to recording studios, the Shure SM57 has convinced more than one professional. Whether in terms of performance or resistance, it has been rigorously tested to ensure its durability.

Technical specifications of the Shure SM57

Regarding the SM57 , the distance between the grille and the diaphragm is quite small. This then allows it to pick up sound vibrations much more easily and to hear an instrument more closely. As a result, the proximity effect is very marked and the closer the sound source is, the stronger the bass will be.

Around 5 kHz, the Shure SM57 has a slight peak . Which then explains the much more open tone produced. With a frequency that starts at 40 Hz, the SM57 mic lets you hear sounds more deeply.

This even gives it additional clarity without modifying it. You can then capture the authentic sound of your instrument. Place it in front of your acoustic guitar cabinet and experience it.

Furthermore, the output impedance is one of the main characteristics to take into account when purchasing a microphone. Indeed, a low impedance microphone such as the SM57 can work directly with mixer inputs from 150 ohms to 4000 ohms. As a result, it fits the majority of tape recorders or mixers currently on the market.

The dynamic capsule and cardioid polar pattern of the Shure SM57 allow it to achieve excellent results in any scenario. Placed in front of an instrument, he concentrates on the sound in front of him while rejecting, or ignoring, all ambient noise.

In addition to this, Shure did not fail to place an anti-shock suspension in the SM57 to minimize vibrations and handling noise .

Shure SM57: its technical characteristics

In summary, here are its technical characteristics:

• Unidirectional cardioid polar pattern
• Frequency: 40 Hz to 15 kHz
• Output impedance: 310 Ohms
• Output level (at 1000 Hz): -56.0 dBV/PA (1.6 mV)
• Dynamic capsule
• Weight: 284 grams
• Dimensions: 157 x 32 mm
• Connector: 3 pin XLR male
• Body :
  • Cast steel
  • Polycarbonate grille
  • Stainless steel windbreaker.
• Color: dark gray varnish.

In addition, this little gem of technology will be delivered to you with its carrying case, a microphone clip and sometimes multiple connections. Depending on your needs, it is possible to purchase other accessories such as pop filters, tripods, cables, plugs, microphone booms, etc.

Very resistant

Just like the Shure MV7 microphone , the Shure SM57 is a microphone that has already been tested in every possible way. Moreover, this manufacturer has endowed it with extraordinary tenacity. Indeed, we can see epic videos on YouTube which can testify to its resistance.

Even with heavy use of the mic, it doesn't affect its capacity and frequency response at all. Indeed, the microphone remains faithful in terms of performance. This makes him a reference and a legend for all sound professionals .

Applications and installation of the Shure SM57

The Shure SM57 is a wired microphone. It plugs directly into your soundboard. It can also be used to transplant an instrument . We then place it as close as possible to the source: in front of the amp, at the saxophone output... it is optimized for this type of use.

Its cardioid diaphragm captures front-focused sound. Also, it reduces ambient sound entering from the back and sides. With a meticulously designed frequency response, it reproduces your source clearly and cleanly. Robust , it also withstands intensive use.

Application at the Toms level

To have a balanced sound and a medium attack, you can place the mic on each tom or between each pair of toms at a distance of 2.5 to 7.5 centimeters above the head. Then, for double rimmed toms, you can put the mic inside the barrel facing upwards.

Application for a snare drum

For a percussive sound, the microphone can be aimed at the head at a distance of 2.5 to 7.5 centimeters above the rim of the striking head. For more tone, a second microphone can be placed above the rim of the skin below.

Application for guitar and bass amps

For enhanced bass and maximum attack, place the mic 1 inch in the center of the speaker.

For a medium attack, a full and balanced sound, place the microphone in the center, at a distance of 15 to 30 centimeters.

Placed between 50 centimeters and one meter from the speaker (in the center), we obtain a result with reduced bass and less sound attacks.

Then, directed towards the edge of the membrane, we obtain a fine sound with reduced bass.

Wind instrument application

For a clear, crisp sound, place the microphone in line with the instrument's bell. For reeds, the distance is 2.5 to 15 centimeters. And for brass instruments, the distance is 30 centimeters to one meter. On the other hand, for a softer and more subdued sound, you can place the microphone at a distance of 90 centimeters from the bell of the instrument.

Voice application

For a warm, full sound, place the mic 1 to 6 inches (2.5 to 15 centimeters) from the singer's mouth.

Note : Also discover the best Audio-Technica AT2020 USB . This guide contains a complete test, design, application and user guide, microphone setup, technical specifications, verdict, review, and demo of this USB microphone.

Recommendations for use

To take full advantage of the features of the Shure SM57 , it is important to follow certain rules:

• Place the microphone away from unwanted noise
• Point the microphone at the main sound source
• Place the microphone next to the sound source
• The closer the source, the more bass is present
• Use only one microphone per sound source
• Respect the minimum distance between microphones
• Use as few microphones as possible
• Use a windbreaker if microphones are used outdoors

Also avoid any unnecessary manipulations to limit the capture of mechanical noise.

My verdict

The Shure SM57 is one of the essential recording equipment . It is the best microphone for all artists , as it has managed to establish itself as a professional microphone thanks to its extremely clear and brilliant sound. Furthermore, its versatility results from its great adaptation to studio recording and live instrument capture.

Equipped with a very effective cardioid directivity, it perfectly isolates the sound. In fact, it highlights it and limits all that is background noise. This makes it essential equipment for amplifying string instruments (an acoustic guitar), percussion (a drumset) and wind instruments (a saxophone). This is what makes it a truly usable microphone.

The Shure SM57 is a microphone that has proven itself over time. And then, it offers its users impeccable sound. In addition, it is a very versatile and robust microphone . Its bandwidth is adapted to instrumental recovery and vocals. Considering its characteristics, its value for money is simply unbeatable.

In fact, it can adapt to all needs whether you are amateurs, beginners or experienced. In the studio or on stage, we will always find a use for it.

Mainly designed for transplanting musical instruments, Shure's special windscreens or filters Using its filters will prevent noise during recordings and increase sound quality.

Shure SM57, a reference microphone?

Generally speaking, the Shure SM57 is a benchmark on the market. It stands out for its versatility and its ability to sound almost all musical instruments (except cymbals).

It is not primarily recommended for use on vocals, but the result is still stunning. This little marvel will never cease to dazzle you. You will even be tempted to test it on instruments such as the piano or the violin and many other instruments.

Our opinion on the Shure SM57

With its signature sound and unbeatable construction, the Shure SM57 remains a benchmark in microphones. This is why it can be found in almost all recording studios and in the largest halls in the world.

Shure SM57 Demo

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