Shure SM57LC Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Reviews

• Best all around for over 30 years!

  
  By A2KI91IR3RA7D0 on 2006-05-15
  Although this mic is now considered primarily an instrument mic, that was not always the case and I've actually preferred this same basic design for live vocal use since 1970 when I bought my first one which was then known as a "Shure Model 545 Unidyne III." That mic got stolen about 2 years ago, but remarkably was still working at the time it got boosted and I was still using it when I needed one with an on/off switch function. I've owned or used countless modern day SM-58's and SM-57's along with dozens of other mics over the years from all manufacturers. I have a fairly deep baritone to bass type voice and I don't need to get closer than about 7 or 8 inches to a SM-57. To me the SM-57 sounds similar to the $469 Shure SM-7 studio vocal mic if you put a windscreen on it and get about 2 inches away. I'd only use an SM-7 in a studio environment though because they are slightly more fragile and over four times as expensive. By design the SM-58's require you to get much closer to the mic to get a full range sound than with the SM-57's. I prefer the SM-57's over the SM-58's for vocal use because they sound crisper on the highs and they sound fuller on the low end. The SM-57 sounds more natural on vocals and never sounds muddy or muffled. The SM-57 has one of the most pronounced proximity effects of any mic I've ever used. If you tend to shove the mic down your throat you may benefit from the less dramatic proximity effect of the SM-58. If you are ever going to use an SM-57 for vocals I'd recommend buying the Shure A2WS windscreen with it. That genuine Shure windscreen fits precisely and locks securely onto the SM-57. The SM-57 will pop like mad without one. The only possible drawback to the SM57 as a vocal mic is that there is no model available with an on/off switch these days. I can't find a modern SM-57 with a switch anywhere. However, if you've ever tried using a mic when you forgot that the switch was in the off position it probably just became a liability. For my money, the SM-57 is the best all around microphone of the past two generations for stage use and some recording purposes. For studio vocals I'd use an SM-7, which really doesn't sound all that much different from the SM-57 when the built-in variable EQ on the SM-7 is set the way I like. The SM-57 and it's predecessors are to me the best all around microphone since 1970 and certainly the most enduring and durable. You can not go wrong unless you get too close with no windscreen.
  
  

• Fantastic Value, for all your Dynamic needs.

  
  By AHZFPRUKE50O2 on 2005-07-15
  This is a great all-purpose dynamic microphone for everything from amps and instruments to vocals, and it's far and away one of the best mics out there in terms of durability (they don't call them the industry workhorses for nothing)/sound/value. This'll blow the socks off those $30 mics.
  
  But what's the difference between the SM-57 and the SM-58? Besides the grill, the main difference is Frequency response. Take a look at the charts in the manuals for both, and you'll note that in the slice of spectrum normally associated with the human voice, there's a boost with the SM-58. This may make your voice sparkle a little more on the SM-58, but if you were planning on possibly micing anything else, it's going to also have a boost in the same range, distorting the original sound slightly.
  
  Plus, if you've got a decent equalizer, you can probably achieve close to the same vocal sound the SM-58 provides with just a little tweaking after the fact.
  
  So, if you plan on using your mic for anything beyond singing, I'd suggest the SM-57 over the SM-58 (even though you may not look as cool holding it). And I'd definitely recommend this little baby over those cheaper models. Unless you need a condensor mic, this is the way to go.
  
  

• Heavy Duty All Purpose Microphone with a Professional Feel

  
  By API2475W98G02 on 2004-10-10
  The Shure SM-57 is a work horse microphone that is built solid and very easy to use in various music recording and live performance environments. It's best funtion is to mike a guitar amp and send that signal to the Public Address system if you want to phatten up your instumental signal to a wider audience.
  
  It can be utilized as a vocal microphone. Yet, it does not look as prominant as the famous Shure SM-58.
  
  To mike up the drum set means that you have to buy a quantity of the SM-57s'. Mike stands for the Shure SM-57's come in various dimensions of height.
  
  As a dependable low profile microphone used for speech it is unsurpassed.
  
  

• Industry Standard

  
  By A1MI9FDCNB3CMR on 2006-02-27
  Seriously? The Shure SM57 sets the standard, which by all other instrument microphones are judged.
  
  No kidding. They work great with guitar (for a REAL acoustic guitar sound, drums, congas, tablas... You name it.. if it's an instrument the SM57 delivers.
  
  I hear it's good for vocals as well. When the President gives a speech, the SM57 is there.
  
  In my experience a vocalist better have above average pipes to use the SM57. The SM58 is better suited to those who lack vocal projection (most wannabe's).
  
  For instrument sound reinforcement... bar-none... the best.
  
  

• Watch out for counterfeit Shure 57 Microphones!

  
  By A1TVK3J3NW8NGG on 2008-03-30
  I just recently bought two 57's from two different Amazon dealers at a very cheap price of $70. After testing these microphones with other Shure 57's and having a couple of expert local sound technicians spec-out the microphones, we discovered that these microphones were total counterfeits. True Shure microphones are typically very high quality microphones when they are direct from the Shure factory. If you go for the deal, check your microphone as soon as it arrives. If there are problems with your high-end being very sensitive and feeding-back and you have no low-end, it's probably a counterfeit. Shure 57's are pretty well balanced across the board with very little adjustments on your EQ.
  
  Go ahead, pay a higher price and buy them from your local music dealer or from an Internet store that you trust. There are counterfeits out there...be careful!!!
  
  I normally rate genuine Shure 57 Microphones as 5-stars.
  
  
• quality sound for recording
  By A35C6KKSJSJXQ6 on 2007-09-05
  audio enthusiasts swear by it, and I believe it's worth every penny. great for above average vocal recording and well-attuned for standard instruments (I tend to use it while playing my a/e martin).
  
  
• Studio Workhorse
  By A1594KQG28KVY2 on 2008-01-14
  That's the name given by the industry...shure's studio workhorse. It's a very heavy peace of equipment that delivers true pick up sound... great service by amazon too
  
  
• good of course
  By A26416ZDNVET7J on 2008-05-24
  What else is there to say other than legendary? It is sturdy, but does not get as good of a sound as I expected. Maybe, it was too hyped up by everyone. I often use it for vocals during practice. When it comes to recording, I found my MXL condenser sounds warmer and more full.
  
  
• Best value in the industry. Great for more serious podcasters.
  By A1O430C6F07VV2 on 2008-08-16
  I am a podcaster, and purchased one of these used for $60. What a steal! I also spend over $300 on a good quality Shure KSM27, and I feel I should have just saved my money and stuck with the SM57.
  
  If you're into podcasting, but want to step up to interviewing others with multiple mics, I highly suggest you buy a few of these, or the SM58 model, to add as additional mics to a small mixer board. They are just so versatile, and sound through so clear. If you want to add some more bass to your voice, you just move in closer (make sure you have a pop filter). They don't require phantom power (phantom power does not equal a better mic).
  
  Really, to get the benefits of the better large-diaphram condensers, you need to spend lots of cash on a good mic preamp. The Shure SM57 will get you the most out of your basic mic preamp, and give you the best sound for the money. I highly recommend it for the podcaster like me, and don't blow your money on higher-priced condensers or cheap condensers that sound muddy and just pick up more room noise, anyway. The higher-priced condensers are great mics, but really need a lot of money spent on other equipment (and room treatment) to be useful. The Shure SM57 does a very good job of recording what's in front of it without all of the proximity effect. It really is a great value.
  
  If you want to get into serious podcasting interviews with multiple mics, get this or the SM58.
  
  Highly recommended!
  
  
• Great for vocals or instruments!
  By A1YYDO3HZHED58 on 2008-09-23
  People will try to tell you that the sm58 is a better vocal mic, it's not true. The sm58 is designed to enhance only the sounds that fall within a certain range (the vocal range as decided by shure). This mic accurately portrays both vocals, miked instruments, acoustic instruments, and even some drums. I say some because we haven't tried the bass drum, might work for that as well, or might be too much, I don't know. Regardless, for a versatile mic that will last you as long as you need it to, buy the sm57.
  
  

• Shure Beta 57A Microphone
• Pro Co Microphone Cable, 25 Foot
• PROCO SMM-15 MIC CABLE 15'
• Musicians Gear Lo-Z Microphone Cable, 20 Foot
• Unbreakable Mic Clip

• XLR male to XLR female Microphone Cable - 15 feet
• On-Stage Stands Tripod Mic Stand with Boom
• Monster Standard 100 Microphone Cable 20 ft. - precision XLRs S100-M-20
• Shure SM58LC Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone
• Shure A2WSBK Black Windscreen (for SM57 and 545)