Beyerdynamic m201 & Shure sm57 - Microphone Comparison with Sound Samples

[@JamesMeder]

Download the multitrack to the music heard in this video FOR FREE at www.patreon.com/jamesmeder The 2 microphones are within the session for all the samples heard. Thanks for the support!

[@creativesoundlab]

Really great video man! Loved the comparisons.

[@TheRealJulesyP]

I liked the sm57 for the snare and the electric gtr but noticed a nicer definition and character on the 201 for the acoustic

[@kenwebster5053]

Yep, that's an exceptionally informative review. I'm an older guy & to my shame, really wasn't expecting someone your age to be so well informed & perceptive, good manner too. If I was running an audio business, I'd want to hire you on the spot. Very well done indeed.

[@csilt]

Great video James, I really like the M201. Sounds so much more full and smooth, especially on acoustic guitar.

[@Joethedrummer]

Cool comparison. I'm using an M201 as an overhead paired with a Sennheiser 521 (basically a 421 without the filter switch) in a Glyn Johns type of arrangement and I like it very well.

[@danmaudsley3778]

'Made in West Germany'! That is one vintage mic you have there :)

[@ChrisFineganTunes]

That was the first thing I noticed 😂

[@warasilawombat]

This is one of the best sounding sessions I've ever heard.

[@Felix-e6r]

Both mics are great! I do not care about any difference, because with EQ we can do any magic and get any sound we want. The most important is to have quality mic that can give full spectrum of sound colours for me to play with)

[@compucorder64]

The main takeaway is that the m201 is a surprisingly good acoustic guitar mic. Then, similarly also much better on clean electric guitar. Sounded more natural, cleaner, more extended and less coloured, where the SM57 colouration on clean electric wasn't so pleasant. But on the driven electric guitar tone, it was the other way around, albeit to a lesser extent. The rolloff and that dip in the 400hz area, combined with the more pronounced prence peaks gave the 57 a slight edge. On snare, it's harder to call, and would depend on the context of the track. If I wanted the bite on top, and cleanness in the bass, for a busier mix say, SM57 would be the choice. In a more minimal track, with a smaller ensemble and more spacious mix. Let's say something like Low, or Earth, I might go with the m201, because I liked the low-end body/fullness. So, I think worth having a couple of 57s in the studio, but also a couple of m201s. Lots of studios will have 3-4 57s, but based on this video, might be a mistake to not have 2 57s, and 2 m201s.

[@danielbentley7117]

That distorted guitar was so clean that I thought it was the clean guitars example.

[@DS-fi4hf]

Dude, awesome hair!

[@JamesMeder]

lol much appreciated! - James Meder

[@j.i.weyllandin7439]

great comparison! by testing it against a very common mic as a baseline, you have helped me to assess what the m201 could bring to the table for me. imo, the difference is very subtle on snare, the sm57 takes away just a slight bit of air; it's almost unnoticeable with the drum mix. on the distorted tele though, it's night and day, two very different sounds; the m201 is very open and natural, it sounds beautiful and kinda 'new', the sm57 almost seems pre-mixed to fit a classic rock mix in comparison. same with the clean guitar. on the acoustic, the difference is a bit more subtle, but still you can hear the same features as described before; i feel in this instance they both sound kinda stiff. i guess i'd probably prefer an sdc pointed above the soundhole or behind the bridge. i think your final verdict is spot on: sm57 might be less trouble to fit in a denser mix, but if you've got the space, the m201 will probably bring something to the table the 57 can't.

[@JamesMeder]

Weyllandin thanks so much for watching and for offering your thoughts. I agree with everything you’re hearing! They’re both great mics in their own right, just gotta choose what suits the sound best. Good luck🤘🏼 - James Meder

[@anonymusum]

To me the coloration of the 57 is just too bad. Now - could you imagine the 57 competing with the 201 on a grand piano - or a violin or a flute etc.? I mean with a good EQ I could turn the 201 into a 57, but not vice versa of course. So, the 201 cost about as twice as much but it´s really worth it.

[@huberttorzewski]

Beyerdynamic is making the snare sound a little lower -> and I like that! It would be good to do the test with different angles (back of the mics facing not directly on hi-hat)

[@01jeffb]

very nice comparion test. Have literally just re-ordered both mics, and good to know of the others using them . FYI, like the beyer on 2 of your tests and the 57 on the other 2. Happy with those results! all the bset , JB

[@theinvitation4945]

If anything, this vid shows that the 57 at $90 is such a standard when compared to the 201 at almost $300. I liked the 57 on all these sources surprisingly even the acoustic which means that James must have good mic placement. Kudos. This would also be my critique of this and any other mic comparison vids: please show us your mic technique and even a glimpse of the room used.

[@jeffsternon5062]

And that's how you get a new sub ! Quality content and to the point comments

[@javierbelial8444]

¡Excelente comparación amigo!, greetings from México:)

[@TerryMaplePoco]

I felt like the m201 sounded "wider" than the sm57 on both acoustic and electric guitars' transients. Not sure how to describe it other than that. I prefer the 201! On the snare I could baaarely tell a difference on the isolated tracks but on the drum mix track the 201 felt more open. Great review, thanks!

[@wladdaimpala88]

i love the m201 (and m88 which I own) on most things, the sm57 has its uses but i dislike the build-up of that 'nasal' sound that it can lend to a recording.

[@icautlicortes7275]

M201 in the king long time a go.

[@JamesMeder]

Wonderful! I agree, the M201 is a fantastic microphone :) - James Meder

[@vqsstudio]

James, excellent comparisons here! I have actually learned more about microphone in general on this one video than any other. I have always used the SM57 just because everyone says! But wow, now I know the different personalities. BTW: love the music, will you also upload the session for our learning?

[@JamesMeder]

Yes, wonderful suggestion Philip! I'm glad to hear this video was helpful - I plan to upload the session very soon for further learning. I will keep everyone posted :)

[@4711shaun2]

honestly.. the drummer faces are always hilarious on YT vids.. beyer m201 all the way for me..

[@ojtamcos2699]

As far as I know the letters TG concerning Beyerdynamic series of mics mean 'touring gear' not 'tour group'. But I appreciate your review, it's very interesting.

[@FunkOsax]

I heard quite a big difference on the acoustic guitar, but not on the other instances. Btw, I've literally just dug out an ancient Beyer Dynamic M201 N (C) in one of my old PA cable boxes. I thought I had it stashed somewhere, but had assumed it was broken. It isn't, so I'll probably sell it because I don't do PAs now (far too old), I just play sax.

[@AlbertoMartinezDelRio]

Great Test!

[@nj1255]

Love the top-end of the m201. Sounds much more pleasant than the SM57! I'm currently looking at buying a vintage m201n(C), but for the price the guy is asking for it might not be worth it over buying a new one of the shelf.

[@shadowstealer5]

Both have their place

[@simonb2738]

Thanks for this. Really helpful.

[@steverok67]

A sound engineer with an oscilloscope. Nice.

[@lkjkj5035]

Good comparison, unbiased, pro's for both. I personally couldn't hear much difference either and the price is 3x's higher for the 201. But theres no doubt a lot of pro's prefer having that 201 in the locker and many seem "threatened by the SM57" a bit to make comments as if there is some huge difference, but theres not. imo.

[@sadeau]

I noticed less hihat bleed with the 201, especially during the open hihat hits at the end.

[@johnrobb3275]

James was more perceptive on the high end. I was on the low end. Not so much on drums but the guitars, both electric and acoustic, were very different on the low end with the different microphones. When the guitars' low frequency sounds were being captured by the SM57 they didn't sound very different tonally from those borne via the M201. But the SM57 seemed to capture about half of what the M201 captured! It was so stark side by side that the SM57 sorta sounded like fallout, like there was a low frequency gate being applied. The M201 sounded gateless and channeled a constant stream of low frequency. I wondered if James was simply not playing as hard on the low strings when using the SM57. My guess though, is that it's the microphone, that the SM57 has some sensitivity cliffs down at those low frequencies.

[@lelandbobpalmer]

Great comparison - THANKS!! I also own both of these mics and was a surprise for me also that they sounded SO close to each other. I must admit that I use the m201 more! Maybe because I am a snob :-) Anyways, can't really go wrong with any of these two classics! Beyer is a GREAT company doing some awesome stuff! I love my m160s!!! ...and my dt770s! Next stop m88 :-) Do you have that one, my friend?

[@soundofmai]

One of the best reviews I've ever watched. Love the sound of your music as well. I have a Beyerdynamic M160. Do you think an M160 and M201 would be a good pair to capture acoustic guitar in a sparse mix with just guitar and voice? Also, do you think the M201 would be better than the SM57 in this situation?

[@ezrashanti]

100% yes on acoustic!

[@SHUTUPANDRECORD]

Hey, Good video... Thanks!

[@man0]

The SM57 compresses the transients a little bit i think - already in the microphone... good for rock! the m201 sounds better in my opinion - but it also gets more hihat sizzle in there - so maybe the sm57, despite its roll off and technical disadvantages, has its place for a reason.

[@JamesMeder]

Great ear! I agree with your thoughts here. I'm sticking with the 57 for a while still. I may have a change of heart in the future... Thanks so much for watching! - James Meder

[@nialldunsmore8336]

The hi-hat sizzle is mainly because the m201 has a hypercardiod pattern and is picking up the hat that's directly behind it, so if it were positioned off axis with the hi-hat, there'd be less of that spill. The 57 has great rejection from stuff behind it and would be better where the m201 is!

[@everope]

@@nialldunsmore8336 you get it

[@boobo3763]

I'm currently going back and forth between never using the SM57 again and using it on absolutely everything... Lol!!! Having said that -I don't think I'll be going out to buy a beyer anytime soon... Or will I??? Hahaha... RECORDING!!!

[@joeschlicht]

I think a hyper-cardioid is almost like a figure 8 in the sense that it does pick up a little behind the mic.

[@silent_bob_]

I need to get a m201 for studio recording, that's for sure. The wider frequency range and flatter response are definitely noticeable. On the shure the hi-hat is pretty faint, really helpful when doing lives, but the Beyerdynamic sounds a bit better to my ears.

[@JamesMeder]

I agree that the m201 sounds great for studio use. Thanks for watching and leaving some thoughts. - James Meder

[@georgecain123]

I liked the 57 best on every thing.

[@tomlebeau7921]

Thanks for the video! What mic are you using for your dialogue?

[@lecockpit2099]

Thank you.

[@miguelpessanha]

The Beyer has: - Less of the harsh 4-7K the 57 has. - Better and deeper lows - Smoother and more opened top end - Better side / hi hat rejection - Better and more natural sounding off axis bleed

[@carljenkins7354]

I would be very interested to hear any subtle or unsubtle differences between preamps you have, all else being kept the same, especially on male vocals. Not having a studio history I don't know what people mean when they talk about "the Neve Sound," vs "the API sound," etc.

[@JamesMeder]

Hi Carl, thanks for watching! This is a great suggestion, I appreciate this - it's got me thinking lots about how I can pull something like this off. In my experience the most distinctive part of preamp circuits is the characteristics of the input and output transformers. Within each manufacturer, Neve for example, there has been a few different transformer makers throughout the years - Neve started with Marinair transformers, then moved onto St Ives, which then became Carnhill. People argue which version is best! So my thought is that there is a lot of variations within the Neve and API builds so it would be hard to judge them fairly without first establishing an understanding of their builds/company history. I don't personally own any Neve branded gear (though I have Neve inspired preamps like the Atlas Pro Audio Juggernaut). The only API preamps I own is my pair of the 512c's. Like Neve, I believe that API has gone through various stages of development as well. I'm thinking that the ultimate preamp battle would be a comprehensive 'Neve(or API) throughout the years'. Hopefully by examining all of the different builds we'd be able to hear a overarching 'flavor' of sound these preamp companies provide. It's a lot for me to think about! Hopefully I can get around to it one of these days. Thanks again for the feedback!!

[@everope]

Nope, it's better to put the hi-hat cymbals in that 120°-150° cone on the rear of the M201. You can even try to get the high tom and kick inside the cone. The bleed will be reduced and sound much more pleasant than the back of an SM57 will ever sound. Speaking from both studio and live recording experience.

[@locks.666]

I would use an 57 in combination with other mics, and the 201 just solo on the source

[@JamesMeder]

Good call, I think that would work very nicely! -James Meder

[@champ1061]

Thanks James. This helps. Have you tried the m201 on male vocal, and if so what did you think of the results?

[@JamesMeder]

You're welcome and thanks for watching! I have tried the m201 on male vocal - my own in fact! It's usable in a pinch. The top end is very nice and detailed and has a good amount of presence when placed within a mix. I would say I wanted to hear more low end out of the mic which wasn't there. Also, because it's hyper-cardioid, you have to stay right in front of the grill or it can sound like you're 'off the mic'. If you can save up a little more money I would highly recommend the Shure SM7b. That's a great vocal mic for only a little more money. Good luck on your search!

[@champ1061]

@@JamesMeder Thanks for the tip. Yep, gotta love the SM7.

[@LorneVignettes]

I think the SM57 sounds just as good.

[@tiffsaver]

How does the Beyer work as a vocal mic??

[@keithrichards4296]

Concluding: if you're not getting a great sounding snare with a SM57, don't blame the mic! ; )

[@JamesMeder]

lol! This is very true! -James Meder

[@i.shadrin]

nice mic ) although 57 better on electric )

[@snippletrap]

The EQ curve of the 57 is perfect for snare. M201 is smoother and more natural... which is not what I want for the snare.

[@DavidGriffis]

I heard the difference because I recognize the 57

[@blashuvec]

what console is that???

[@guitargyro3248]

Barely noticeable difference. Had to put the headphones on. Thought the Beyer was clearly better on the acoustic. Other than that...either one was fine.

[@brucereisenauer8719]

good video but back ground music was horrible

[@Ali-mc3iw]

57 not as good on the acoustic for me.

[@TheTylrBllmn]

Very little difference?? No way.

[@artysanmobile]

Once you have used a 201 on the snare, your 57 will never be needed again.

[@zebfernandez]

The new SE V7x is so similar to the 201, and it's so cheap!

[@icautlicortes1074]

You should work on your sweet spot, your opinion about m201 is not accurate.

Sure sm57 sounds nasal...