Shure
Shure SM57
Best versatile workhorse for musicians recording instruments and live performances.
The Shure SM57 is a versatile microphone designed to capture the nuances of instruments and vocals. Whether you're aiming for a crisp snare crack, a rich guitar chord, or a powerful saxophone solo, this microphone delivers exceptional sound reproduction. It is built to handle the intensity of live performances and studio recordings, ensuring that the true power of your playing reaches every listener. Its robust design makes it a reliable choice for various acoustic conditions, providing a consistent and impactful audio experience.
$98.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
55
/ 1735
#55 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-81%
Below average
Type
Dynamic
/ Dynamic
Who it's for
- Touring musicians needing gear that survives constant travel
- Studio engineers seeking one mic for diverse instrument tracking
- Producers wanting a reliable, classic sound for every session
Who should skip it
- Vocalists looking for a smooth, polished studio sound
- Beginners struggling to manage low-end buildup during close miking
- Users requiring built-in filters for quick tonal adjustments
Performance breakdown
Build durability
Legendary construction capable of surviving decades of heavy stage abuse.
SPL handling
Effortlessly captures loud guitar cabinets and drums without signal distortion.
Versatility
A studio workhorse that sounds great on almost any sound source.
Off-axis rejection
Tight cardioid pattern effectively isolates instruments in noisy live environments.
Frequency response
Tailored presence peak brings clarity and punch to snare and vocals.
Ease of setup
Simple plug-and-play design requires no phantom power or complex configuration.
Key Specs
Type
Dynamic
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Connectivity
XLR
Intended Use
Instrument Recording, Vocal Recording, Live Sound, Studio Recording
Features
- Captures instrument and vocal nuances
- Handles high sound pressure levels
- Suitable for stage and studio use
- Delivers powerful sound reproduction
- Robust and reliable design
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Shure SM57 for its exceptional reliability and robust build quality. It is widely regarded as an industry standard, a true workhorse that withstands rigorous use in both studio and live environments. Users frequently highlight its consistent, clear sound reproduction across various instruments, making it an indispensable tool. Its remarkable durability combined with professional grade performance offers outstanding long term value, solidifying its reputation as a dependable and essential microphone for any audio setup.
Know before you buy
While it is legendary for miking instruments like snare drums and guitar cabinets, it is also a highly capable vocal microphone. Its frequency response is tailored to capture clear, punchy audio, making it a versatile workhorse for both applications.
No, the SM57 is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power. You can plug it directly into any standard XLR input on an audio interface or mixing console.
The SM57 is designed for both. Its robust, durable construction is specifically built to withstand the rigors of touring and live stage use, while its sound quality remains precise enough for professional studio recordings.
The cardioid pattern focuses on sound directly in front of the microphone while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. This makes it excellent for isolating a specific instrument or voice in a busy room or on a loud stage.
Yes, the SM57 is famous for its ability to handle high sound pressure levels without distorting. It is an industry standard for miking loud guitar cabinets and percussion because it maintains clarity even at high volumes.
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