Behringer SL75 C vs Shure SM57 (Review and audio samples)

[@justindpeak]

Best Pro Audio Product Reviewer on KZbin, hands down.

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

If you want to make a lot of friends, you should repeat your SM7b (settings) video with this mic.

[@HelliOnurb]

That's be a nice follow up to this video!

[@o84y]

or with every mic review in the future 👍

[@HelliOnurb]

@@o84y I think the issue is the difference in polar patterns (as a function of freq), as said in the video. So I'm guessing for other mics, the sl75c might not be the best EQ-mimicry solution. It'd be interesting nonetheless, or better yet, to have some sort of freq response signature data to try and mimic them with our own tho. But maybe that's asking a bit too much lol

[@TheAlmightySushi]

T H I S

[@mehdisahaby6430]

😂😂😂😂 👍

[@PungkiAhimsa]

Me when people ask about mic quality: You can't really measure it, you need to try or hear it for yourself Julian Krause: Hold my Scarlett Solo, SSL2, Motu, Presonus Studio, Audient Evo, M Audio Air, UR22C, etc

[@nowdatsfresh]

I appreciate your doing objective reviews. Seems like everyone else reviewing gear on KZbin is either already sponsored by brands or are fishing for sponsorship, and therefore just trying to sell gear whether it's good quality or bad. It's hard to know who to trust, so watching a review that's just "This thing is good/bad, and here's precisely why" is refreshing. I'd encourage everyone to support this guy on Patreon; when you think about it, it'll actually save you money in the long run.

[@JulianKrause]

Thank you Barry for the nice words!

[@brenlouissurio2404]

I think the SM57 fits my bass guitar more, sounds darker. That being said I'll buy two SL75.

[@freezeframeplease]

the madlad

[@DanielGarcia-kw4ep]

I always use a DI for the bass, feel like it gets more of that low low end

[@Mike-ol7xp]

If you do, try a little dot sticker on the grills.

[@funkynova5487]

I didn't expect something less than a perfect review from you Julian! By far the most well rounded reviews of all the products that pass from your hands! Please keep the good work for all of us!

[@jonathanalejandrosanchez3394]

Your content is worth millions and you're giving it out for free, I'm telling you congratulations! and great job, greetings from Mexico by the way.

[@jonathanalejandrosanchez3394]

I wish you the best man

[@markcotton7081]

I just bought one just to have a backup for my SM57. For a recording hobbyist it is certainly usable and sounds fine when mic-ing an amp. Lots of online reviewers bashing Behringer in the past so it's nice to see the occasional positive review since a lot of us are on a budget while trying to build up our home studios. Thanks again Julian.

[@7000ironman]

THANK YOU!!

[@davidcp7957]

Brilliant test, well done, really informative. I actually think the V sound could be used as it is in certain situations. The eq you added got it remarkably close to the 57!

[@gak0090]

On sale for $13 and using on a drum set the SL75 C is plenty close enough. Thanks for the great review!

[@JayJayYUP]

What an awesome review, measurements and demos. Great work man!

[@Hamgurburger]

As soon as I heard the EQ comparison I rushed to buy three SL75 Cs really saved me a ton of money.

[@afakkobyab5982]

Thanks a lot for the exceptional review J. SM57 goes for almost $150 here in türkiye, way over it's global price for some reason. $20 for Behringer. I am now tempted to try SL75 with the settings you showed here. Thanks again.

[@RobertSaxy]

I can see the behringer having its own use separate to the shure, there are certain sources that you want to cut some mid-mud from especially on a live mix, or using them in tandem and possibly mix in for tonal variations on the same instrument. Thanks for the spectacular review and samples, then time and care must you put into your work is greatly appreciated

[@starcycle1]

Amazing EQ-ing. They sound almost identical after adjusting. Very interesting video, thanks

[@AbrahamRomney]

Man, you are so cool. Love the scientific approach.

[@cosmic53]

Thank for the precisely calculated eq. I will make a preset out of it into GarageBand

[@Arfonfree]

With my high frequency hearing loss, I actually like the Behringer better...

[@bikermousefrommarz6739]

Great comparison. Really informative. Wuld love to see the Shure SM75 (£90) vs the t.bone MB 75 (£30).

[@Bettys_Eldest]

Most people seem to be saying that the SM57 is the better audio product, but to me with the eq adjustment both sound as if the amp has a blanket over it. If my Sennheiser ever needs replacing I'll take a look at the behringer.

[@melvinkuhh]

You make the most detailed reviews ever!

[@sung_yun]

Great review. EQ settings (6:54). Spoken word SL75C (8:31). Thanks, Julian.

[@The-Cringe]

I also thought about how to do it, but I paid attention mainly to the rise of 4 kHz, you are a great fellow, thank you very much for the video

[@TnSn5]

Although I like behringer products I'm still going to buy sm57s the money you save with the slc won't last you more than 1 day but the sm57 will last you a lifetime. Great review thank you.

[@gecko82]

Man this is the third of your videos that I watch tonight... I have to go to sleep and I want to watch more of your content! Good job!

[@bigtastyben5119]

I actually like the sound of the stock SL75 better than sm57 on guitars

[@kimseniorb]

I find it sounded quite horrible

[@bigtastyben5119]

@@kimseniorb I don't care

[@ZOOK250]

listening to the comparison on my Shure 215s, i kinda think the same, and for 25.00 on amazon, they are a great deal.

[@SilkJester]

The SL sounds painfully sibilant to my ears and I don't have mixing engineer ears by no means, lol. Top quality review as always, Julian!

[@simonepallotti1590]

I couldnt agree more, surely nothing that a good deessing can't solve. Still love this mic. On Guitar cab and on Woods sm57 still rules, but for vocals i prefer the behringer. To avoid sibilance at the source try to decenter your vocalist from the capsule with the mouth pointing at the side of the capsule. In addition you can try to step back the mic a Little bit from the source. PS Sorry for my band english.

[@abyhnho]

Excellent review and confirms what my ears were also telling me. I did a test recording with these 2 mic's on my EVH5150 amp and that brighter tone of the SL75 was immediately apparent. This actually suited my purposes, as I was hoping the mic's would not sound too similar so that I could record 2 tracks simultaneously and use this as the starting point for double tracked guitars. Since I always EQ the guitar recordings in any case, I am finding the Behringer is an excellent budget way to get a quite usable sound (with a little tweaking). No complaints.

[@KenTeel]

Once again, you do an excellent review. Yes, as you point out there are some differences in these mics. I think that the SM57 could be subject to giving a nasal quality to a singing voice. I suspect that the Behringer SL75C would have less of this, based on the frequency response curve. All of this being said, both are decent mics, but represent slightly different sounds that can be used for "colors" in your audio palatte. Like different tools for different applications, each of these might fit a special purpose application.

[@facethefaceandmore44]

Thanks, you've just sold me on the SM57. Even post EQ I still prefer it. The Behringer has a boominess that sort of resonates on certain low frequencies that I hate. It's most obvious on the recording of your voice. And the SM7 just sounds more appealing on the instruments. Probably just in my head.

[@misterxeric]

I did't like the sound of the SL75 (without EQ) on guitar and bass. But I have to admit when EQd, it's really really close ! And, I'm used to record snares with a SM57, and need to EQ this way : bring back some 100-200Hz a few dBs, cut some resonances between 400Hz and 1200Hz, and CRANK the mid highs and 10kHz to get the snare drum sound I like. And this is exactly what this mic's doing : a bit more of Low end, more pronounced mid highs, and some more 10kHz. I have to try one or two of them next time I record some drums. Thank you for the tips and measures, your work is so useful for the community !

[@RafaelKassier]

great review, exactly what I wanted to see. Great depth of technical knowledge. I subscribed. Keep it up!

[@dheranYT]

What a great review... it´d be amazing to see this done with Sennheiser e906 vs Behringer B906!!

[@kamtim]

Best detailed youtube channel in the whole world

[@OddSoxChris]

I am really impressed with this comparison and how much work you put into it.

[@synthnseq]

Hey Julian, another great ear/eye opening test/review. Do you think it may be beneficial when doing comparison tests to demonstrate the resulting differences by using the inverted phase cancellation trick of two identical mono recordings of the same audio? If you were able to EQ one of the mic tracks until there is almost silence, then you will have achieved frequency matching of the two mics. Perhaps some manufacturers will love this, and others...maybe not so much, if you know what I mean!

[@theVcsDEMON]

Thank you for such detailed review and for the eq settings!

[@ok4377]

Moin, Moin Julian! First of all thanks for another killer review based on facts and full of in-depth info! I think you are correct. Mic choice is very subjective. With broad availability of modern production techniques, accessible to low-end manufacturers it becomes increasingly difficult making decisions on audio quality alone. However, while I do like Behringer equipment (taking cover fast) for my son's purposes (semi-professional use only) there is a difference to serious touring hardware; yes, you can buy five SL75Cs for the price of one SM57, but who wants to swap out gear mid-show or tour? That alone justifies the price of nearly indestructible gear like the SM57. On the other hand, the band of my 14 year old son would not be able to run 8 drum mics and (wireless IEMs) for example if they could only source pro gear from Shure, Sennheiser and the like. For them the entry gear lets them do things they would otherwise not be able to do at all. Danke nochmals und Gruesse aus Austin, TX!

[@stuartchapman5171]

I think this sums up the issue perfectly. Whilst I don't agree with the aggressive stance of Uli Behringer towards reviewers given honest feedback, cheap clones do allow many people to be creative and take their work to an audience. If you are recording in a pro studio, you'll have access to decent mics. If you're playing in a provincial bar/club, your sound will be very coloured by acoustics and in house PA and "sound engineer", the surgical precision eq curve comparisons will have much less of an impact on the overall sound, especially after a bit of eq. The increasing amount of cheap used gear and affordable clones/ new gear is allowing a lot of people to create and I've been hosting low key events to encourage artists out of their bedroom/garage studio's. I'm always impressed by the quality of the output. I've not yet had a clone or cheap pedal fail on me, from heavy gigging and used a SL75 for double tracking. With on caveat, cables, I'm not advocating replacing all your cables with Van Damme overnight, but always take a spare and multimeter/cable tester, this should keep you gigging.

[@muzikman2008]

Sold...bought one...could not be happier thankyou sir 😎👌 bought this mainly for micing up guitar cabs, tried it on a acoustic guitar, need to max out Gain input on your mixer as it is a dynamic mic, but records beautifuly, and even close up vocals, as its based on Shure;s unidine capsule (SM58, 57 etc, , gives great results. Love it!!!

[@joelonsdale]

I really like the sound of the SL75c - it's a useful difference to the SM57 and might come on handy on its own terms...

[@theozimbro]

NICE comparison! I really enjoy the numbers in EQ to compensate like sm57, Thanks!

[@CieMaKat]

Man, this is an excellent content. I wish to see more videos like this, i.e. Does Behringer BA 85A + EQ = Shure Beta 58A

[@serioushobbies9682]

Best Audio youtube channel

[@Killadey]

FabFilter Pro-Q has an eq matching feature which can be used to either make 2 sources sound the same, or you can invert the values to give the sources more separation. Great video!

[@mustafaunsoy]

You literally saved me from countless hours of work.. Thank you. I take quena/bansuri recordings. Due to the nature of bambo flutes, the sound changes even with the most subtle change in angle or position of your mouth/lips. I had to work for hours to equalize different takes and layers into a single homogenous recording. I use fabfilter, but never heard of this feature. Dude, thank you very very much!

[@GG-zt1nt]

logic pro has that too

[@pauls3993]

This has to be one of the absolute best reviews regardless of product. Danke schön, Herr Krause! Actually, the Behringer is now even more of a bargain with the eq settings: with $20-25, we get both the SL75C AND the SM57! 😇

[@oscarhuang3768]

very nice very close after eq

[@bongorick]

Thank you, your review and detailed analysis was very helpful.

[@iniziodelrumore]

Man, you're dope! :) I love your clarity and your semplicity to express audio technicism. This behringer looks like a good mic for the price

[@Fernus8]

Amazing job dude. Considering that you can get this mics to sound close enough, I think It would be very interesting If you could try to do this same thing, but instead of trying to mimic the SM57, try the SM7B!

[@kenwebster5053]

Fantastic and factually helpful reviewing well done!

[@scottakam]

Thanks. I can't wait for the video where you make a $150 condenser mic sound like a $4k mic!

[@Isdale]

Holy shit, what a perfectly structured review.

[@MehrdadJRaad]

Thanks. I got what I needed and much more!

[@racl1954]

Julian ........thank you very much for your very straight to the point reviews. Can you tell me what software you use for measuring frequency and EQ ?.

[@MustacheVerra]

Great review as usual Julian. It'll be interesting to hear this on drums.

[@oskarwroniewicz]

These EQ settings are wonderful. It turned my Behringer SL75C from "quite a good mic for it's price" to the biggest steal I ever made! This thing costs $20! It's insane! Your knowledge and hard work you're putting into these videos is really priceless

[@rars0n]

I think it sounds close enough with EQ that it's worth considering. I'd be really interested in seeing a comparison between the Monoprice 600057 (aka the "Performance Dynamic Instrument Microphone") and Shure SM57, or even the Behringer. I'm curious to know if it's a straight copy of the Behringer design or if it actually sounds more similar to the SM57. It's a little more expensive at $28 but if the differences are tangible, it might be worth buying over the Behringer.

[@paulthegaull]

You earned my sub. I'm gonna get the behringer

[@Atem_S.]

Another great one for about the price of the Behringer is the GLS ES-57! Sounds a lot like the SL75 C.

[@andymacc]

Great review. SM57

[@kikecolombo]

it matches perfectly, thank you

[@johnmcquay82]

SMG did a comparison of the SM57 to a low cost alternative (I don't recall which one it was to be frank). His approach had some similarities, but some differences too...he referred to one mic as Mic A and the other as Mic B in all the tests as he wanted to test the water; what microphone did the viewers think was the genuine article versus the alternative. He revealed which microphone was which in a subsequent video. It was very clear people could hear the differences, but many people believed the clone was the real thing and vice-versa. I actually like the sound of both microphones; they are very different, but I think using one of each to mic a guitar cab could get some very interesting tones.

[@79beavis]

Muy buena comparativa técnica, gracias!!

[@ศักดิ์สิทธิ์วิโรภาส]

ราคาในประเทศไทยต่างกันมาก x6 behringer sl75 650บาท : shure sm57 3900บาท แน่นอนผมจะเลือกใช้behringer ขอบคุณวีดีโอนี้มากๆ

[@angelomartino4667]

5 times cheaper and you can't tell the difference, or maybe I'm hearing it from cheap headphones, but it's just 5 times cheaper and it's basically the same! Great

[@morbidmanmusic]

if you heard no difference you have a crappy system/ it is QUITE apparent sound differences/ Get some real speakers, and some real sound control. Not even close to the 57

[@terry-]

@@morbidmanmusic and he has to spend all of that to humor you to hear the differences? most of us just casually listen to music and watch some videos, wich are compressed by youtube and other platforms. In the end, unless you are constantly comparing 2 recordings side by side, there are no relevant differences by the 90 of user listening on phone/pc speakers/ regular headphones.

[@ZOOK250]

im listening on Shure 215's and i agree. buy 5 for the price of 1. not enough of a difference. as for live stage mics or practice mics , you cant go wrong.

[@Stefan-]

Great video ! The main thing is what one likes, there are many alternatives out there, maybe some even like the Behringer over the Shure. I have the Shure myself, but i also have a few Behringer mics which are absolute bargains.

[@arcanics1971]

I have a Behringer mic that is clearly based on another famous mic. Does it sound the mic it's copying? Who cares? It's a really great mic and it was

[@bolhico]

I’m buying one Behringer SL 75C right now! Sounds better than the SM57.

[@morbidmanmusic]

new to recording I see.

[@CameronLawson2001]

The SM57 sounds way clearer. Even after the EQ. Almost stereo (?) I could totally see using the SL75 in a scenario where I needed another mic, but now I’m sold on Shure..

[@sonnyrockyrock]

SMART...90% close...thankyou

[@TheRye07]

amazing Job Julian

[@lespoy445]

Sure still has the better tone. But if you need a mic where you cant be to be boosting highs and low to reject noise, the Behringer will be useful, for that V EQ effect.

[@redrobbosworkshop]

Without A-B comparing nobody would notice the difference after EQ on these mics. There are small differences but that's also likely due to resonance in the capsule and housing which alters decay times, and EQ wont fix that. Julian, how does the output level compare given the SL75 is direct coupled? Presumably neodymium magnets for the newer design so no need for a TX.

[@gordonsmith8440]

Curious about this as well! Not that it matters too much with the kind of things a 57 usually mics up, but I wonder about the self noise.

[@misterringer]

yeah they are nearly identical once EQ'd and in a mix there is nothing discernible .

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, the sensitivity is pretty much identical with the SL75 C delivering only 0.2 dB more output at 1 kHz. At higher and lower frequencies it puts out a bit stronger signal though, because of the different frequency response.

[@igg5589]

I do not know if I want to make SL 75C sound like SB75 :) I really prefer SL 75C sound. Thanks for showing this!

[@daveprentice]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@leswright4108]

The XM8500 is a fine knock-off of the SM58, and this does a good job of subbing for the SM57. Just ordered two!

[@Stefan-]

The XM8500 is even cheaper than the SL 75C, i have one, havent used it on guitar though.

[@Stefan-]

@BlackHeart Not at Thomann at least, just looked. XM8500 is 169 SEK (Swedish currency) and SL 75C is 219 SEK (both including VAT as ususal). For comparison a SM58 is 999 SEK.

[@Stefan-]

@BlackHeart The price difference is roughly the same at Thomann, but in favour of the XM8500 instead. These are extremely cheap mics though and still very decent. If someone is looking for cheap mics at least around here in Europe i can recommend either Behringer or Thomanns own brand T.Bone which also has some great value mics.

[@Stefan-]

@BlackHeart A SM57 may be worth it if you record electric guitars since it can be hard to dial in without sounding harsh especially distorted metal guitars, but for anything else a lot of other cheaper mics do a great job as well. The SM57 is a great alrounder though and while its not the cheapest it is also not that expensive either especially for being the industry standard mic on guitar amps and snares.

[@emmaa8615]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@frankjerke]

If we know which EQ settings to use to make the SL 75 c sound like a SN57. We also know how to make the SM57 sound like this Shure SM7b with EQ settings. Can we actually then add this 2 EQ settings to make the SL75 sound like a SM7B? Thanks you are doing a great job. I asked with my best english😁, so that most people can understand. Best wishes from Berlin.

[@hannes1734]

Well, an sm7b is a large diaphragm condenser microphone, so i suppose you won't be able to getthem to sound the same.

[@MrBarnejstinson]

@@hannes1734 Well, it's not it's a dynamic microphone.

[@hannes1734]

@@MrBarnejstinson Damn, you're right

[@ayewhaddupdoe]

@@MrBarnejstinson All 3 mics mentioned are dynamics.

[@MrBarnejstinson]

@@ayewhaddupdoe yep

[@AmpApps]

Appreciate your work, great video.

[@suncani]

Hi Julien. Please share with us where you got the pop filter used in this video? I like your reviews man. Keep up the good work. Respect!!

[@miltonex]

Wow this is awesome! !! Thanks

[@olafkliemt1145]

we have a lot of Chinese SM57 copies here in Thailand which are actually sold in very well copied SM57 boxes. most of hem are very bass heavy up to +12dB.

[@solidzonewavestation]

Great comparison

[@joelonsdale]

Add a little more bass to the SL75 and it's pretty much there!

[@ejmikk]

There are a two main reasons why the similar Shure SM57 and SM58 are the most used mics in the world, both in the studio and especially in live sound (I am a professional live sound engineer). 1) The Shures have that familiar midrangey sound that in the case of the SM57 is often combined with another mic to get the desired guitar cab or snare drum sound in the studio. The Behringer sounds more hyped, which on it's own can sound better, but would not often work as well combined other mics in the studio. 2) The Shures are both already very inexpensive mics, yet still incredibly sturdy even after several decades of use, which is why they are very popular in live sound. The Behringer will break in a couple of years of weekly use, which is why the Behringers and other sub-100$ mics are rare in live sound. BUT if you're a hobbyist, or just want another cheap option, you can get plenty of use out of the Behringer copies, just be careful not to drop them.

[@mojorising5817]

Great job Julian! Could you make the same with behringer xm8500 and shure sm58? It would be very helpful! Thanks a lot!

[@thestingyham1188]

I've had a Behringer XM8500 for about 6 years, and unfortunately, it's beginning to degrade in sound quality. Up until this point, I have been very happy with it. The problem I am having sounds much to me (just a guess) like a piece of the diaphragm is loose or coming detached. I get some strange buzzing sound in the sibilant area that was not there before. I have only used it for voice, and have not mistreated it.

[@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent]

always thorough! What kind of pop filter is that and where can I find it?

[@abrahamrendon6787]

I’m wondering if this mic is compatible with the Crimson Audio transformer mods? Anyone have any thoughts on this?

[@picksalot1]

@Julian - Good comparison. With the power of modern computers, DAWs, Digital EQ, and Modelling, how practical do you think it would be to just have one Mic that can be "Digitally modelled" into a variety of different models to suit different circumstances? Would it be better to do that pre-production or post-production? What Mic would be best suited to such an approach? I always look forward to your videos. Thanks

[@Iutub0ne_Genzore]

already have, but points of view about results comparing the single all sampling mic then digital modelled with a built in converter and the traditional plethora of classic analog mikes are discordant. srry 4 myeng

[@picksalot1]

@@Iutub0ne_Genzore No problem with your English 😎. I had forgotten some of the details on Julian's earlier video "Turn your Shure SM57 into an SM7B with EQ!" Thanks for the reminder. I was wondering what he would recommend to use in Modelling other mics. Maybe it doesn't matter, as he was able to get pretty impressive results with just an SM57.

[@RichoMaya]

oye, gracias por el video. crees que puedas hacer uno probando el SL57C pero grabando baterías?

[@jimshaw899]

Even after the EQ, your voice sounded quite different on each mic. Of course, very small differences in mic distance and angle could explain that. All that said, the SM57 has never been my idea of an ideal mic for anything. It's more of a 'jack-of-all-trades' and wonderfully rugged. A good mic for "mic drop" scenes. Same for the SL75C... maybe? ;)

[@mikaelzerbib]

Genius!

[@leandronicolas8848]

Great comparison! and props for opening the microphones up! The 57 is a legend. I've preferred it in A/B comparisons with other ~1k mics. Nonetheless, the SL75 did sound pretty good out-of-the box for a $20 mic. Although, you probably can't use it as a blunt weapon like the 57 though ;^)

[@lexegorov7255]

Guys, help. They say that sm57 is the same sm58, only without that "mesh", and behringer 75 is the same xm8500, only without "mesh". Can I use these settings from the video to get sm58 sound from my behringer xm8500?

[@hectorzarate8580]

Thank you for this video, awesome settings. Can you please let me know where to buy that pop filter you are using in your video? I really like it and since I have the Ms57 that will be amazing to gave, thank you

[@liorangel7511]

Hey julian, very nice video I learned a lot please can you tell which mic you prefer?

[@morbidmanmusic]

57 will be his answer.....

[@MaheshDahal]

U r great man

[@sonusaurelius6576]

In the full band context the behringer with the compensated EQ sounded muddy, while the shure had more clarity - to my ears anyway. Would the transformer in the Shure add gain and therefore clarity?

[@Soloist1983]

I'll watch/comment on all these videos just so you might review the Tascam 208i, lol. Regardless, I do really enjoy your videos :)

[@JulianKrause]

Duely noted :) The Tascam interfaces are on my todo list, though not very much at the top. Cheers!

[@Soloist1983]

@@JulianKrause Fantastic! On top of hearing it side by side with a scarlett 2i2 and much preferring the Tascam, the fact that the drivers are done in-house and the buffer size is stable down to 4 samples, the latency should be almost immeasurable. Still wish it was USB3.0 or Thunderbolt 3, but it seems like it's got a lot going for it :)