Looking for a versatile and affordable microphone for your home studio? Check out my Shure SM57 review. This classic mic is perfect for recording vocals and instruments.
Introduction
We're often asked by sound engineers who are taking their first steps into the world of sound recording and production, what equipment I would recommend on a budget? While there’s lots of great options out there to get you started, with microphones there’s really no better budget choice than Shure’s SM57.
The SM57 by Shure is a classic studio microphone that has been used on countless recordings over the years. It’s versatile, rugged and most importantly, it sounds great. In this review, we’ll take a close look at the SM57 and see why it lives up to the hype.
A great performance is the essence of a great recording and not the recording equipment itself. Obviously the recording equipment needs to be in good working order and set up correctly. However, if a performance is there then a Shure SM57 will capture it perfectly well, whether that’s vocals, guitars, drums and much more.
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The Shure SM57 is a versatile mic
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It has a wide frequency response
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Its cardioid pattern
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It’s rugged construction
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Its affordable price
The Shure SM57 is a versatile mic
The Shure SM57 is a legendary mic, having been part of recordings since it’s release in 1965. What sets it apart as such a sought-after mic is its versatility, allowing it to be used with a wide range of instruments and vocals. It’s even used in the Whitehouse! Its cardioid pattern helps reject ambient noise and make the recording clear; but still picks up on the fine details that bring out the character of the performance. Similarly, its two frequency response settings let you adjust it easily to more accurately capture each instrument or vocal range that comes its way. This is largely the key to it’s success.
It has a wide frequency response
Studio mics must have a wide frequency response and be able to handle high SPLs (Sound Pressure Levels). This ensures that the sound it captures is representative of the full sonic spectrum, from low bass frequencies all the way up to high-pitched detail. It should also be able to tolerate higher than normal volume levels so that recordings can be made even in noisy environments. Combined, these features make for a better overall recording experience and a far superior quality of sound.
Its cardioid pattern
Its cardioid pattern helps to reduce bleed from other instruments
The cardioid polar pattern of a microphone can be beneficial to many recording and sound reinforcement applications. It picks up audio from the front, while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. This helps to reduce unwanted bleed from other instruments, such as drums or keyboards, making for a cleaner mix with less interference. In addition, it makes it easier to pinpoint the desired source when trying to pick up specific sounds in a busy environment. This makes the SM57 a great drum mic due to it’s ability to isolate the various drum sounds and cancel bleed.
It’s rugged construction
The construction of the system is designed to be extremely rugged, providing excellent durability even when subjected to daily wear and tear. This makes it ideal for live events where it must be highly reliable and able to withstand rigorous use. With its superb build quality, users can rest assured that their setup will perform well even in the most challenging situations.
Its affordable price
The audio industry is full of expensive options for recording engineers, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank! The stand-out budget friendly choice stands out from the crowd with its affordability - it has been designed specifically for the budget conscious engineering professional in mind. Featuring more than enough to get the job done yet still at an accessible price point, this mic is ideal for any engineer who wants to get excellent results without a significant financial outlay. It’s a great option to consider and provides unbeatable value for money. When you consider the price of most mics, the SM57 really is unbeatable on cost for quality.
Conclusion
The Shure SM57 is a versatile mic that can be used for a variety of instruments and vocals. It has a wide frequency response and can handle high SPLs, making it ideal for studio and live use. Its cardioid pattern helps to reduce bleed from other instruments, and its rugged construction makes it ideal for both studio and on-the-road recording engineers. Plus, at an affordable price, the SM57 is a great option for both professional studios and home studio owners.
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