Shure
Shure PGA57 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone
Best dynamic microphone for capturing live instruments and drums.
The Shure PGA57 is a versatile cardioid dynamic microphone engineered for the rigors of live performance and studio recording. It excels at capturing amplified instruments, drums, and guitar/bass amps with clarity and reliability. Its robust design ensures durability in various environments, while the cardioid pickup pattern effectively minimizes background noise and feedback for cleaner sound.
$71.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
672
/ 1735
#672 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-86%
Below average
Type
Dynamic
/ Dynamic
Who it's for
- Touring musicians needing gear that survives heavy stage use
- Budget-conscious home recordists building a reliable studio setup
- Live sound engineers managing noisy stages with multiple instruments
Who should skip it
- Critical listeners requiring high-frequency detail for professional recordings
- Vocalists seeking a microphone optimized for clarity and presence
- Advanced engineers needing removable grilles for specialized miking techniques
Performance breakdown
Instrument Clarity
Captures crisp, punchy transients for drums and amplified guitar cabinets.
Build Durability
Rugged metal construction handles the daily abuse of touring and gigging.
Off-Axis Rejection
Cardioid pattern effectively isolates your source from stage bleed and noise.
Versatility
A reliable workhorse that performs equally well in studios and live.
Feedback Resistance
Maintains a stable signal even in high-volume, high-gain stage environments.
Ease of Setup
Simple plug-and-play design makes mic placement quick and hassle-free.
Key Specs
Type
Dynamic
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Response
50-15,000 Hz
Output Impedance
150 ohms
Sensitivity
-56.5 dBV/Pa
Dimensions
1.909" Diameter, 6.458" Length
Connector
XLR
Warranty
2 years
Features
- Clear sound reproduction for instruments and drums
- Cardioid pattern rejects unwanted noise and feedback
- Durable construction for demanding use
- Optimized for stage and studio applications
- Provides excellent off-axis sound rejection
- Dynamic microphone design for robust performance
What customers say
The Shure PGA57 is celebrated as a highly reliable and cost effective workhorse for musicians. Customers consistently praise its rugged, professional build quality, confirming Shure's reputation for durability. The primary appeal is its exceptional value; users report that the PGA57 delivers professional grade sound capture, especially on loud sources like guitar amps and drums, at a much lower price. The sound is described as clear and punchy, making it an excellent utility microphone. Its dynamic design simplifies setup as it requires no phantom power. For budget conscious buyers seeking dependable performance that exceeds expectations for its price, this microphone is a top recommendation in the entry level market.
Know before you buy
The PGA57 is specifically voiced for high-SPL sources, making it an excellent choice for snare drums, guitar cabinets, and bass amplifiers. Its dynamic design handles loud volumes without distorting, ensuring a clean capture of your instrument.
No, the PGA57 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 cardioid pattern focuses on sound directly in front of the mic while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. This is particularly useful on stage, as it helps isolate your instrument and reduces the likelihood of feedback from nearby monitors.
While the PGA57 is optimized for instruments, it can technically be used for vocals in a pinch. However, because it is designed for high-volume sound sources, it may not capture the nuance and detail of a voice as effectively as a dedicated vocal microphone.
Yes, the PGA57 includes a clip-on microphone mount. You will need a standard microphone stand to attach the clip to, but the necessary hardware to secure the mic itself is included in the box.
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