Getting the Most From Your Shure SM57 Microphone

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From guitar amps to drums, to horns and even sometimes vocals, the Shure SM57 has proven itself as a true workhorse microphone for audio professionals. Join Mitch Gallagher as he shares a little history on the SM57, and offers some tips on getting the most out of this stout mic in a variety of applications.
After you watch, check out Sweetwater.com today for all your music instrument and pro audio needs! 👉 imp.i114863.net/jW0m6n
0:00 - Intro
0:22 - Shure SM57 Origin
1:27 - Shure SM57 Specs
2:35 - Shure SM57 Uses
4:08 - Thanks For Watching!
#Sweetwater #Shure #SM57

[@sweetwater]

The Shure SM57 really is one of the greatest workhorse microphones out there 🎤 What have you used your SM57 to record? Don't forget to hit that subscribe button for more tips on mic usage 👍

[@ai1studio621]

How to oder sm57,any links?

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

why did you not used it in the video?

[@LilLingLing6789]

Depends on how fast you are at replying to me lol

[@JohannesLabusch]

It's amazing how well I can hear Mitch, since the SM57 isn't even connected to a cable!

[@pastilance1]

Absolutely iconic microphone! Wireless since 1875!

[@nathanfender5747]

lol

[@No1liveshere]

I don’t understand why they don’t use the microphone they’re showing off for the audio in the video. Makes sense to me and it helps show how well it works it different settings.

[@whiskybravo4648]

Mitch the Magician! He’ll make your money disappear with his KZbin videos. If you ask me though, I think the 1981 SM57 laying there picked up his vocals a bit better.

[@robgracia509]

hahahaha great mic

[@therealrome]

One thing that can happen is that your 57 sounds thin / high passed / lacking bottom end. That's mostly due to a stuck capsule, so get that moving by blowing onto the capsule (seal it with your hand) and/or let it drop 2 feet. Got mine going again.

[@fjk1138]

No matter what other mics I try, I always come back to the 57 because it still has that sound like no other.

[@brandonmshrock]

These little things are amazing! I've had very limited supplies working with my church HS worship team, and I've learned to use these for just about everything. I've used them to mic guitar amps, snare drums, vocals, choirs, violins, cellos, and probably a bunch of other stuff I can't remember right now!

[@wonbangcho3687]

Zach de la Rocha uses an SM57 to record all his vocals.... As per El-P in the RTJ interview from the Broken Record podcast. El-P again mentions this fact on the Song Exploder episode for the RTJ song JU$T.

[@metalheadblues]

And I'm sold!

[@vaughnmiller5319]

If you can only have one microphone, the SM-57 is that one microphone.. And it's reasonably priced. Imagine that...

[@earsonlyaudio887]

I think I have 6 of these or so in my home studio. Occasionally, when placing an order for something else, I just throw another random 57 in my cart because you can never have too many.

[@feelsmall315]

Can i have one, i only have 4

[@connormars3473]

@@feelsmall315 i have none

[@kingking-np3jp]

Would you recommend singing in a SM 57 at church as a lead singer or is it better for recording studio?

[@ATLS702]

@@kingking-np3jp if you used a 57 with a windscreen/pop filter it would be wonderful for vocals in a church. It has great noise rejection so it’s solid for live performance, especially in potentially loud spaces. At the price point it’s unlikely you’ll find a better mic.

[@Kristoff2005]

@@connormars3473 same, I need one rn

[@subtonic24]

I have an A81WS windscreen to put on one of my 57s when I use it for vocals and it works great!

[@SeanRaine]

yo man same! it surprises me alot

[@tjcadillac2835]

I don't want to see anyone else demo equipment besides Mitch ever again. This man is amazing ! I just love him !!!

[@PuremixAudioTutorials]

Works on everything !!

[@ShawnBarnesbass]

I have a vintage Unidyne III SM57 similar to the 1981 model shown here. I still use on a regular basis for recording and it still works great.👍

[@ELPLAK]

I used it to mic a cannon.

[@mickeymiguel2726]

Very nice explanation of the sm57,thank you Mitch!

[@KennyCarlile]

I love my SM57 and I just bought one for my kid! :)

[@peterldelong]

Best instrument microphone ever, period.

[@spacemanpope1805]

When somebody asks me who my favorite teacher is...I say Mitch Gallagher.

[@rockroller2479]

I just ordered mine today. can't wait

[@laxr5rs]

Great on point explanations. Thanks.

[@soundzofnoize8603]

great demo friends!

[@terrydrums]

The SM57 is the Bill Brasky of microphones. To SM57!!

[@ModernGolfer]

The Shure SM57 and SM58 are likely the 2 most used microphones for live performances since they came on scene, no matter if that's the 'local pub' or the 50,000 person arena. Pretty sure there's a reason for that.

[@lance134679]

Great recommendation for someone just starting to collect gear as you'll never sell it.

[@larryatha3221]

I have a SM57 I use with a guitar and an SM58 for vocals. I was thinking about getting another SM57 to try with stereo miking techniques (x/y, ORTF).

[@nigel900]

Got one… Fantastic!

[@ThatBaritoneGuitarGuy]

The SM57 has been the official microphone of the White House since 1965.

[@nguyen.hugooo]

@Walter B no its true

[@jacobharley7117]

They always use them on the presidential podium

[@ThatBaritoneGuitarGuy]

Now you know why.

[@lucyfuir6386]

I have a mid 60s sm57 with an on off switch. I use it for snare and guitar cabs. Originally it was my live mic for vocals until i bought an sm58

[@holmes1978]

Mitch your excellent Sir !

[@PeterReesvan]

Seriously, I thought the title of this video was “getting the moist out of your 57”. Now that is a challenging topic!

[@davemccall9594]

I'm pretty sure you could drop it in a bucket of water, then hang it up to drip dry and it would work just fine. You'd never be able to tell it had been submerged.

[@arbymacapanas2369]

Hahahahah!

[@jackkrag]

helped sound for laurie lewis.. we wrapped a 57 in foam, slotted it behind the tail piece. wonderful ! try it, k

[@emmanuelnyarko3095]

Nice product

[@BananaKyat]

I use an SM57 with an A81WS windscreen which literally turns it into a SM7B, for 100 dollars. I'd argue it sounds the same or even better than an SM7B, not to mention not having to spend extra on a cloudlifter due to the SM7B's low gain levels. It's awesome.

[@roydominicmacasero4597]

awesome, gonna try this when my savings finally get me there. Thanks for this!

[@moogtoob6061]

The difference between an sm57 and sm7b is not a windscreen. The sm7b has an extended low end compared to the sm57 - a windscreen will not change this.

[@BananaKyat]

@@moogtoob6061 Yea you're right it won't, but I can't deny the similar audio quality given for a 1/3 of the price. The SM57 and SM7b are great mics and you can't go wrong with either, I just wanted to point out that you don't need to spend 400 dollars thinking it's the be-all-end-all of vocal mics when ones like the SM57 already exist. So long as you know how to EQ properly, after your gating, compression, and equalizing, you can achieve the same result or even a more pleasing one.

[@guss2012]

Do you need anything else to use it with a pc?

[@BananaKyat]

@@guss2012 yea you're gonna need to run it through an XLR interface

[@derekfromtauranga6012]

TheSM57 works brilliantly on acoustic guitar aimed at the 12- 14th fret about 4 inches away. There are lots of knock off copies so there are videos that point out the differences between a genuine one and knockoff.

[@DoloSk2]

Hi, when I'm recording acoustic guitar with the shure sm57, especially when fingerpicking, it is extremely quiet, even though the mic is really close to the guitar. I have to turn the gain all the way up for it to be loud enough but than I have a lot of noise. Do you know what the problem here is and what I can do?

[@derekfromtauranga6012]

@@DoloSk2 A couple of questions? Is it a genuine SM57? What audio interface are you using?

[@DoloSk2]

@@derekfromtauranga6012 It should be a genuine SM57 since I bought it in the Thomann store. I'm using the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

[@derekfromtauranga6012]

@@DoloSk2 Have you tried any other microphones on your Scarlett as a check. They do need a bit of gain compared to a condenser mic. If they work fine then it would point to a faulty microphone?

[@DoloSk2]

@@derekfromtauranga6012 Unfortunately I don't own another microphone. I know that the audio interface is not the problem because when I record with a jack cable directly the signal is good. With the microphone I have gain turned to maximum and the peak signal level when fingerpicking is around -9.2dB. If the gain is turned to 3 o'clock, I only get to -29dB which seems really quiet but I don't know, maybe it's normal? The microphone is only around 15cm away from the guitar when recording.

[@GarciaOnThaBeat]

This is by the way perfect for all us Sax Players🙃 Have fun⚙️

[@Mr.Nastykilla]

Most versatile mic to record anything.

[@eddiewixson9680]

Oh yeah! 🤘

[@RobandSijay]

Its the second mic for our podcast along with the 7B

[@kintaro_f]

I always start putting it dead center in front of the speaker then moving to the side and back to taste, but not much, it's very sensitive. Gain around 75% 🤘

[@ilanolivares9971]

Waiting for that 48 month Sweetwater Card promotion to mic up my drum kit!

[@Luchodela]

Hi! thank you very much as always for the reviews! Do you think it is worth paying additional price for the Beta 57A for recording acoustic guitar and bass? Thanks!!

[@sweetwater]

Hello, Luis! I've been a recording engineer and acoustic guitarist for years - the Beta 57A is a significant improvement over the SM57 and well worth the money. You'll get better off-axis rejection, a more crisp and clean high end, and more accurate transients in the recording for any instrument you use it with. Thanks for your interest, and feel free to reach out with other questions! Corey Elliott, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1242, [e-mail]

[@Burnt_Gerbil]

3:02 The Fredman technique. 😬👍

[@therealrome]

There are mic clips with the right angle for that

[@Utkarsh_A]

@@therealrome I 3D Print mine, let me know if ya'll want some

[@danielvought1802]

Thanks Mitch Gallagher from Sweetwater

[@ddcll9538]

You bought that thing in 1981 and it still functions like day 1? You've sold me.

[@L77kim77l]

So for quieter voices SM57 would be not so suitable...(?) What would be an alternative?

[@nordicguitar8395]

I have 5. It’s the first mic I use on anything.

[@tendingtropic7778]

Great video! what a bout a kickdrum? is it good for that too?

[@sweetwater]

Hey, Tending Tropic. Thanks so much for your interest. I would not recommend the SM57 for the kick drum. It doesn’t allow the lower frequencies to be picked up. I would recommend the Shure Beta 52. I hope this helps. Jason Thiele, Senior Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1391, [e-mail]

[@benoittissier58]

The SM57 is a very quiet mike. I have to use a Fethead to get a proper output level on acoustic instruments. Not perfect but very versatile.

[@kaana.2719]

If you need a cloudlifter/fethead for your sm57, your audio interfaces pre-amp is too weak

[@eggaiug]

It's made mostly to mic amps and drums, loud stuff, up close, not "acoustic" (string/reed?) instruments, but as you said, it can do, with proper amplification

[@vitorhugoRH]

wish I knew this before purchasing it 😑

[@bluesful]

I found in recent times that I prefer a e906 as it seems to give me a more accurate depiction of what I hear with my ears my amps sounding like.

[@davemccall9594]

The e906 is stellar! I have one, too. I use it on so many things. I like to put it under the snare drum. I even like it on vocals. But I'm definitely more careful with it than my SM57s.

[@bluesful]

@@davemccall9594 I think the SM57s certainly have their place, but if I want a less coloured, and more accurate representation of my amps, then it's the e906 I'm using.

[@Emet.V]

I really like the Sennheiser’s as well they are well made. They feel good in the hand 🖐️

[@ecedorsay]

used one on my song Summer Rainbows on itunes n spotify. Ece Dorsay

[@thegodnasr]

Will this mic work on a Podcast with more than one guest as far as noise rejection?

[@sweetwater]

Hi, thanks for your interest! The SM57 can indeed be used for spoken vocals such as a podcast setting. As Mitch mentions in this video, it has a strong proximity effect, so you can get up close to it to get a full, bassy vocal sound. As a cardioid dynamic mic, it also rejects background noise quite well - it’ll mainly pick up what it’s pointed at. I’d also strongly consider the Rode PodMic in the same price range for a podcast: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PodMic--rode-podmic-dynamic-broadcast-microphone Hope this helps, and feel free to contact me directly with any further questions! Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1620, [e-mail]

[@thegodnasr]

@@sweetwater thank you so much Caleb! Great information and you explained it easy enough for a baby to understand❤️

[@jarulraj123]

Bought this.

[@N3k00o]

What's the name of the microphone stand they are using there? Or can anyone recommend me similar microphone stands that fit this microphone? I'm struggling to find a low profile stand like those that can easily move the mic in front of an amplifier that stands on the ground. Especially cause I do not know if the mic will fit the stand. And do you even need a low profile stand? I'm afraid normal stands won't reach the amp that is standing on the ground.

[@babut17]

sir,its use for drama stage overhead hanging mic,. and howmany distance catching dialogu ?

[@JTakasa]

Great video on showing us what an sm57 looks like in different situations. Now to find a video where we can hear what it sounds like too.

[@CosminNeagu]

This man is Dr. Epiphone of microphones.

[@toomuchtoofast4533]

Mine broke. Had to open her up and solder the snapped yellow wire. They tight wind the sucker so it’s not the easiest

[@kxmrock]

That 57 Was a Vocal MIC For Years Back In The Day Next Time You Watch Old Rock N Roll Footage, Look @ The MIC's. There 57's 8>)

[@ragnadrabinowitz7629]

I better use the one I got!

[@SilentMaze]

I cant get it work. I tried it on my CAB close and far to the cone and I just dont get any sound difference. I have it tried with the Record volume at max on my interface. Still nothing. Help?

[@bboymac84]

Should I get the cloud lifter?

[@benoittissier58]

Depends on your preamp. With my old sound interface, I have to use a Fethead (same function as the Cloudlifter but cheaper in Europe). If you have a model with high gain preamps like the Motu M2, no need. Have a check at Julian Krause's sound interfaces test video for more.

[@LilLingLing6789]

I put my mic up to the speaker on the grill and everything sounds muddy... I was in drop C# with a sound from human nature by mj (live version) and it just sounded boomy... I had to cut off up to 1.2k just to hear the low c# g# and c# strings because they just boomed and drowned out any notes on my 1st 2nd and 3rd high strings.... The sound from my amp itself sounds great... Thank you for any advice.. I bet I'm making a rookie mistake My equaliser on my amp is low turned down to 0 mid half way and high is 2 thirds way up... Everything else except volume is 0

[@walzmusic]

I have an SM58 - what are the big differences and uses?

[@sweetwater]

Great question, and thanks for reaching out! They are very similar mics, but the physical design of the SM57 is meant more for instruments and the SM58 more for vocals. The SM57 is also a little brighter sounding (more high frequency response). That being said, the SM58 can still be used on instruments and the SM57 can be used on vocals. If you have any questions about either mic, feel free to reach out to me. Thanks! Connor Smith, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1793, [e-mail]

[@AlbertoMartinezDelRio]

The Ford T of Mics

[@VoxTone2009]

I started to switch the current SM57 to other mics. Telefunken M81 mics for snare drum, Sennheiser 906 mics for guitar cabs and my mix has been sounding quite a bit less dull and more articulate. Even the Beta 57 sounds quite a bit better to me although not as good as the other mentioned above. Just my opinion, but I have gotten quite a bit better feedback from artists and audiences with these mics instead of the SM57.

[@bigced63]

Hi Mitch, no offense, but you said pretty much the same things about the sm58. So which is better for vocals and instruments??

[@CharlieRiceMusic]

Little known fact: That old Samsonite commercial where the gorilla slammed the suitcase in his cage was filled with SM57's. For the kids that don't know what I'm referring to... kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2bWdnyNobaCbaM

[@kludgybrains3459]

Why do people remove the grille cage at the top? Anyone with in-depth knowledge?

[@andrewj.682]

Just entered into the newest givaway! Hopefully luck’s on my side today!

[@angelavila11]

Every time I try this on my amp (blues junior) I get a lot of hum...guess I'm doing something wrong.

[@iratucker1632]

Is this mic 🎤 good for using with a Talk box?

[@DI-xe8vq]

What kind of a question is that...

[@iratucker1632]

@@DI-xe8vq The kind you answer

[@iratucker1632]

If you know the answer

[@DI-xe8vq]

Any mic works fine with a talk box if it's condenser and xlr. Lol

[@benasaro1043]

Yup; SM57 works great with a vocoder, too!

[@gettyfeet9119]

I have an sm57 that was broke so I wired it to a 3.5mm cord it’s ok but It’s so quiet

[@DaveJacoby]

Mitch: "It will handle just about any abuse" Cut to: video from Shure where they drop one from a helicopter and it still works

[@sariabuladel7665]

All my life I've been hearing how rugged and sturdy the sm57 is. Yet 4 out of my 9 sm57s broke either at the grill cover, or the cable connector at the bottom fell out. We don't have a dealership where I Live and I honestly don't know what to do.

[@justiceforcier3853]

Yeah I know what you’re saying I’ve had the same problems! But I don’t have 9! Lol

[@kxmrock]

Send It Back To Shure, I Just Got mine back. Its Only $61 And They Exchange it With Refurbished SM57. If You Want To Mod The Transformer/Lower Half of Handle Go To Frontendaudio. com Type in "Transformers" There's 3, 57/58 Transformers to Choose From The Funny Part is They Each Cost $57.58, lol… I Modded Mine!

[@davemccall9594]

Make sure you're buying them from a reputable retailer. My guess is you got some counterfeit ones. Once I intentionally bought a counterfeit one on ebay, just to see how close they actually looked. It was a pretty spot on copy (appearance-wise). Even the packaging was convincing (complete with a zipper storage bag, Shure logo sticker and velcro cable organizer). After I saw that, I decided to only ever buy Shure mics brand new from Sweetwater because with them you can be sure you're getting the real deal. The counterfeit sounded like crap until it broke a few minutes later, by the way... the exact copy was only skin deep. If you buy an SM57 or SM58 used or at a flea market, odds are good that you're getting ripped off with a counterfeit mic (unless you know EXACTLY what to look for... which can involve partial disassembly). The real ones no one ever has a reason to sell used or at a cut rate.

[@sariabuladel7665]

@@kxmrock Yes I wish I could send it back, but like I said we don't have a proper dealership in Jordan (the country I live in), so I guess my busted mics will be sitting collecting dust for now, until we can travel again so I can get them fixed.

[@kxmrock]

@@sariabuladel7665 Mail It Direct To Shure In The USA…Go to their website for Info Or Call

[@95TurboSol]

I bought one to record acoustic through my 2i2 interface and the gain is so low I can't use it, apparently you have to use signal boosters with these to record quieter sounds with them..

[@derekfromtauranga6012]

I have a Steinberg umc22 and it has sufficient gain to record my acoustic straight from the interface.

[@95TurboSol]

@@derekfromtauranga6012 yeah I should have bought a different brand interface, I ended up getting a fethead to boost the gain and it works now though

[@derekfromtauranga6012]

@@95TurboSol As long as it works well that’s all that matters.👍

[@thephoenixcycle8854]

I bought a used 57 and I feel it could be a knockoff or clone because it is so quiet. It barely picks anything up

[@lvalledor3440]

Any thoughts of the SM57 in the hi hats?

[@sweetwater]

Hello, Ivalledor3440! There is no doubt that an SM57 makes for a great all around instrument microphone - plenty of engineers have used them on hi hats with great success. I'd personally prefer a small diaphragm condenser mic for hi hat because I like how they capture the higher frequencies of a hi hat. That said, if you have an SM57 lying around, try it! Thanks for the interest! Cody Kraus, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1766, [e-mail]

[@charlesrocks]

The first thing you need to do with the SM57 is get rid of that transformer in there!

[@bobdimartino6738]

this guy didn't just buy a sm57 mic a couple of weeks ago A they would just give him one B this is not this guys first rodeo in the bizz great mic though

[@oldguy5381]

Can you here me now!!!

[@alexmoreira4257]

0:55 just like my wife

[@logimite7174]

haha wife bad funny

[@Not-Only-Reaper-Tutorials]

it's one of the most guessed microphone ever.

[@nuttavut2528]

🤍

[@anodine_org]

Not a tuto, just an ad.

[@Galactivation528]

Pro tip Always wear a leather jacket

[@U2WB]

I bought an SM57 a few years ago because it was touted as “the” studio instrument mic. Mine is not good at anything, it completely and totally sucks. Sure, maybe you can drop it from a roof, but it sounds just as bad before the drop. NO high-end whatsoever. Sounds like a mic with a handkerchief over it.