Shure SM57 Review: The Industry Standard Instrument Microphone

The Shure SM57 has recorded more hit songs than any other microphone in history. Since its introduction in 1965, this unassuming dynamic microphone has become the default choice for guitar cabinets, snare drums, and countless other applications. At $99, the SM57 represents one of the best values in professional audio equipment.

Build Quality and Design

The SM57 shares its internal components with the legendary SM58 vocal microphone but uses a different grille design optimized for close-miking instruments. The slimmer grille allows positioning closer to sound sources than the SM58’s ball grille permits.

Shure’s pneumatic shock mount system suspends the capsule within the microphone body, isolating it from handling noise and mechanical vibration. This same system protects the SM57 from damage when dropped, a common occurrence in studio and live environments.

The zinc alloy die-cast body withstands years of professional use without deterioration. SM57s from the 1970s continue functioning perfectly today, testament to the design’s durability. The dark gray enamel finish resists scratches and corrosion.

Weight distribution feels balanced for handheld use, though instrument applications typically involve stand mounting. The XLR connector locks firmly into cables without the looseness that plagues cheaper microphones.

Sound Characteristics

The SM57 exhibits a presence peak around 5-6kHz that adds bite and clarity to instrument sources. This characteristic helps guitars and snare drums cut through dense mixes without excessive EQ manipulation. The presence peak that makes the SM57 distinctive also divides opinion among engineers.

Low-frequency response rolls off gradually below 200Hz, reducing proximity effect compared to flatter microphones. This characteristic helps when close-miking guitar cabinets and drums, preventing excessive bass buildup that requires corrective EQ.

The cardioid polar pattern rejects sound from the sides and rear effectively, isolating close-miked sources from bleed in live and studio environments. Off-axis coloration remains well-controlled compared to many competitors.

High-frequency response extends to approximately 15kHz, adequate for most instrument applications though lacking the extended air that condenser microphones provide. This limitation rarely matters for typical SM57 applications.

Guitar Amp Applications

The SM57 has defined recorded electric guitar tone across genres and decades. Its presence peak adds cut that helps guitars compete with drums and bass in dense arrangements. Positioning the microphone on-axis at the speaker cone center captures maximum brightness.

Moving the SM57 toward the speaker edge softens the high frequencies for warmer tones. Angling the microphone off-axis further reduces brightness. These positioning variations provide significant tonal flexibility with a single microphone.

Distance from the cabinet affects bass response due to proximity effect. Close placement (within 2 inches) maximizes low-frequency capture while pulling back thins the sound but captures more cabinet resonance.

Many engineers combine the SM57 with ribbon or condenser microphones for additional tonal options during mixing. The SM57’s presence and attack complement the smoothness and depth that other microphone types provide.

Snare Drum Applications

Snare drum miking with the SM57 has become so standard that many engineers never consider alternatives. The presence peak emphasizes the crack and attack that modern productions demand. High SPL handling accommodates powerful drummers without distortion.

Positioning typically involves aiming the SM57 at the drum head from 1-3 inches away, angled to avoid stick interference. The cardioid pattern helps reject hi-hat bleed when positioned carefully.

Top and bottom snare miking with two SM57s captures both the head attack and snare wire sizzle. Phase alignment between the two microphones requires attention to maintain punch.

Other Applications

Tom drums, brass instruments, and acoustic guitar sound boards benefit from SM57 characteristics. The microphone’s versatility explains why professional studios stock multiples. Even vocals recorded through SM57s appear on classic recordings, though the SM58 remains the preferred choice for most vocal applications.

The SM57 handles high SPL sources that would overload sensitive condenser microphones. This makes it suitable for close-miking loud sources where condensers struggle.

Value Proposition

At $99, the SM57 costs less than dinner for two at a nice restaurant while lasting decades of professional use. The microphone pays for itself within the first session in most professional contexts. Every studio and gigging musician needs at least one SM57.

The consistent performance across decades of production ensures that an SM57 purchased today matches one from forty years ago. This standardization simplifies remote collaboration and rental equipment scenarios.

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The Shure SM57 is available at Guitar Center, Musician’s Friend, ProAudioStar, and Amazon, often bundled with cables and stands for additional value.