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Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

The SM57 is a cardiod (unidirectional) dynamic microphone with a contoured frequency response of 40 to 15,000 Hz, perfect for clean reproduction of vocals and instruments. Learn More...

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Overall User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Individual User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
A fairly basic microphone package. One polar pattern (cardioid) and no phantom power required.

Quality:
All Shure microphones are very durabile and reliable with this one probably leading the field in these respects.

Value:
A Cheap everyday use Dynamic microphone.

Desirability:
Not the sexiest of mics that has ever exsisted.

Sound:
Nice flat response upto 3 KHz and enhanced definition at 6 KHz - 10 KHz means this guitar is perfect for such things like the sound hole of an acoustic guitar and snare drums. Works nicely for vocals if combined with a nice condenser microphone (such as Rode NT1-A, or if your rich a nueman). Also brilliant for loads of live sound applications.

Ease of Use:
This product is simple to use for anything. Don't be afraid to try out odd microphone placements with this, for example miking up the back of cab's has worked well for me in the past.

Support:
N/A

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Sound:
This may be the best microphone for recording both vocals and acoustic instruments. The SM 57 was described as the classic unit for this application in the January issue of Popular Mechanics. This would be a great unit to begin making quality recordings. The sound engineers agree!

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Quality:
Very durable body, but the top of it is made of plastic. That part seems like it could break easily, but the rest of it is literally bullet proof.

Value:
One of the best mic out there and it hasn't even hit $100 yet.

Desirability:
Great piece.

Sound:
This is a great sounding mic for almost everything. I use it as an overhead for my drums (until i get a condenser), and it picks up a good amount of what i'm playing. it's more on the unidirectional side, so its not a great area mic, but it really isnt supposed to be used that way anyways. its alright for vocals. it's kind of hard to get a level volume with it when singing. phenomenal for micing amps. even bass amps sound good with it. acoustic guitars sound ok with it.

Ease of Use:
Very easy to get a good sound out of anything besides vocals. That's the only difficult thing to get out of this mic.

Support:
No problems to beging with.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Quality:
I still wonder about the loose head and why you can keep turning and turning it

Value:
great instrument dynamic mic

Sound:
I love it. Great pop for its tailored made sound. I used it on my snare and toms. And they just sound really great. Also are very versatile as a guitar amp mic, and even a vocal microphone.

Ease of Use:
Great pop on the snare drums. But the tailored sound of this mic would have to be tainted just a little for a vocalist.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
Nice and durable.

Quality:
Picks up alot.

Value:
It's a must have, not the best, but better than others for sure.

Desirability:
Very sexy mic.

Sound:
Larger size maby.

Support:
No problems with it yet.

Overall:
Love it, can't let it go, record all my vocals on it.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
Came with a mic clip thats handy. Other than that this mic doesnt need features. Its a one of a kind.

Quality:
Bulletproof, Shatterproof. Go ahea throw it against the floor. It'll still work.

Value:
Get one of these mics you wont regret it guranteed

Sound:
THe sound is great. People thinks its just the mic that makes your guitar or snare etc. sound good. ITS NOT!!! You must have a great sound to being with. However this mic colours the sound slightly and captures sound great. Recommended on guitars snare and toms.

Support:
Shure has great support for the customer.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
Included pouch useful. It was shure nice that the company also included a mic clip. Although, it would've been even better had Shure included the windscreen. No switches, no worries. Simplicity is king.

Quality:
Solid body construction. Plastic screen/grill assembly might shatter if dropped.

Value:
Very good for the price.

Desirability:
No need for 'sex appeal.' The sound is great, and that's the most important factor.

Sound:
Use it conjunction with a Roland AC60 amp. Guitar: Juan Hernandez Professor (classical). I can't ask for anything better. I set the mic about 8 inches from the soundboard, and yet it still picks up the sound very well.

Support:
Haven't used it.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
you don't need any

Quality:
designed for live use to get banged around so it is rugged enough for studio and on tour.

Value:
Don't bother making a recording booth. Point this mic in front of your amp.

Desirability:
The only mic brand you want. Shure won't rip you off.

Sound:
I read on the Shure website that these mics as well as the KSM mics are designed for live use. I tried some other company condensers and they all were horrible. But this mic was way better. Shure is the only company that can make a product where you can record anywhere without having to use a special booth or mic position. Everybody endorses Shure for something. Nearly every other mic I used I had to return except this one.

Support:
Never had to contact them yet.

Overall:
Forget about the other mics. Save yourself alot of time and dissapointment and record your big hit out of the box.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

Feature:
It doesn't have many features but it doesn't really need them. Since it is directional, point and hit record. I got good results without compression so it is optional. For directional mics you don't really need it.

Quality:
Dependable with Shure quality sound and craftsmanship. I have an older shure mic passed down to me from the 70s which is still in excellent condition. The Shure Model SM 59, basically the same mic as the 57.

Value:
I've tried some expensive condensers and this is easier to use and you have more directional control of the sound. I have used this mic in a basement and it shined beautifully like being in a $1,000 recording booth. My song's chorus effected guitar sounds like Tonic. Condensers are sensitive and have to be positioned just right otherwise you have high peaks and harshness for loud instruments. Record reasonably low without peaking and mix high.

Desirability:
Kiss the mic. You give love to your mic and your mic will give love back to you. ;) Looks can be deceiving. STP used this mic for the whole Core album

Sound:
This is a powerful microphone. I've recorded clean sounds with it which came out great but then I wanted to try some distortion and the first thing I noticed is that it picked it up with great accuracy however it got all of the cone. Moving it off axis with the cone helps to get a loud and clean distortion sound. Record low and mix high. get the sound in the yellow and boost the volume with your sequencer or iTunes so it won't peak. Using a condenser is a good idea for vocals to cut through the mix but if you have a screaming, angst ridden serial killer vocalist this will help you attain sound control so nothing peaks. Compression will fix this for condenser mics, high compression.

Support:
Never had to call them but I believe you can email them from www.shure.com for support

Overall:
Excellent mic for under $100 which will sound good on nearly everything. Drums, Guitar, Bass, Vocals, Keyboards, etc. The best bet for any beginner wanting to start out recording. Try the Shure and if the sound isn't for you buy a condenser later but keep in mind it is more sensitive to sound and can be more difficult to use. For Drums some people prefer condensers overhead for cymbals because of the higher frequency you are recording. It makes it sound more crisp.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Overall:
The Shure SM-57 Dynamic Microphone gives out great sound and will work for almost anything from lead vocals, to drums, guitar and bass recording. Its low feedback, low noise and you can tell its just well built by the heavy duty construction. The only possible downside is there is no on/off switch. Its not a big deal but it would have been nice to have. You get a very clean sound with very good bass responses for vocals, which is what I use it for. Its by far the best mic you're going to get for the price and is a "must-have" for vocalists.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10

Quality:
DON'T DROP THIS MIC ON IT'S CARTRIDGE. THIS IS A "PROBE" STYLE MIC AS COMPARED TO A "BALL" STYLE. PROBE MICS ARE FAR MORE DELICATE AND WILL TAKE FEWER DROPS TO THE FLOOR BEFORE IT'S READY FOR THE TRASHCAN.

Desirability:
IT'S A GOOD ALL AROUND MIC, FAR FROM THE BEST BUT YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

Sound:
THIS IS A GOOD "INEXPENSIVE" MIC. IT SHINES AS AN INSTRUMENT MIC SUCH AS SNARE DRUM,ELECTRIC GUITAR IN "LIVE" APPLICATIONS. SOME FOLKS USE THEM IN THE STUDIO,ALTHOUGH THERE ARE MANY MORE BETTER AND EXPENSIVE MICS THAT WILL FAR OUTPERFORM THE SM57 IN STUDIO APPLICATIONS. FOR THOSE ON A LIMITED BUDGET THE SM57 WILL DO. IF YOU INTEND TO USE THE SM57 FOR VOCALS INVEST IN A SHURE SM57 WINDSCREEN OTHERWISE THE POPPING SOUNDS WILL RUIN YOUR PERFORMANCE.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
Well, there aren't necessarily any features to the mic, but I honestly have to admit that mics without a switch tend to be more durable (one less thing to break).

Quality:
Durable as you can possibly imagine. This thing's shell is like tank armor. I'd be willing to bet you could put a bullet to its casing and still come out with a working mic (of course, you can't aim at the windscreen :). Sound quality is simply awesome.

Value:
Simply incredible value. $90 for a mic that's a small step under some $900 mics.

Desirability:
Slim body, baby... just how I like 'em. :o)

Sound:
The 57 is incredibly clear. 10 out of 10 for the price, but we still have to note that there are plenty of high-end mics that will outdo it, so for fairness, it gets a 9 here.

Support:
shure.com - never used it myself, as it hasn't been necessary, but I've heard good things.

Overall:
This mic will probably belong to my grandkids someday... assuming they get into recording or music too.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
What can I say? It's tough and sounds good. Did I mention it's under $100?

Quality:
Tough Tough Tough!

Value:
Definetly worth the price. However if you plan to use it for vocals, buy a pop screen.

Desirability:
Look, I've seen people abuse the hell out of loaner 57s and 58s and they just don't quit. (the microphones or the morons)

Sound:
This mic sounds good on just about everything. I hear that Tom Petty always uses one for his vocals. (rumor)

Support:
Who needs support? It takes a nuke to destroy one of these.

Overall:
The SM57 was my first mic, and every real studio has like, 8. A good personal collection of mics is say, 4 to 10, and the Sm 57 can be half of them.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It: