Shure SM57 vs Sennheiser E609 | The Ultimate Instrument Microphone Shootout!

[@jaketanis3069]

Oof. I think I buy switch back to a 57. What do you guys think?

[@malcolmcampbell2370]

The SM57 is an industry standard work horse. Even if the E609 IS better, the question becomes: Is it better enough to justify any increased cost?

[@waitin4winter]

@@malcolmcampbell2370 difference in cost is pretty negligible

[@troeteimarsch]

keep both or look into using the sm58 - to me: best of both worlds

[@andromedusmoat9608]

@@malcolmcampbell2370 $10? Hahaha. Ok

[@Jorgebcmusic]

I have both and I have used them a lot combined. There's something about this combination that I love. The e609 adds brightness, but the sm57 have a cleaner bottom that does not require too much post EQ. I use them for Guitars, Snares (Sm57 on top, E609 bottom), Timbal, congas, and claves.

[@angelomartino4667]

The same speakers from the same cabinet can sound quite different, I just came from a YT video showing it and was shocked cause the difference was very noticeable

[@Gholdwayne]

Thats right... all of my chinese v30's sound different to each other

[@bradwoods371]

The Sennheiser gives you a more “live on stage sound”. The shure sounds like a studio recording

[@jaketanis3069]

Thats a great way to put it!

[@cristobalretamal7225]

es que la inmensa mayoria de las grabaciones se han hecho con sm57

[@JasonMcFly]

Combining the 2 would be epic. The 57 is all sweet mids. 609 is much brighter and more present. You could probably eq each to sound just like the other. I love the convenience of hanging the 609 over the front of single-speaker amps and cabs. No stand needed and no worry of kicking it out of place. The 609 will just swing back to where it was.

[@johnengland2996]

I bought an E609 a few years back, for the convenience of hanging it over the cab (no mic stand!). For the small stages I play, that extra space is a big help!

[@DavidBelanger]

you should check out a product called an "amp clamp" or a "cab grabber". you're welcome :)

[@richhansen8874]

I've never liked the 57 straight on like that. I always use it at 45 degrees and one inch from center cone edge. Makes a nice warm and very usable tone.

[@kermainejelly]

Ey bro. This video compared them perfectly. I truly answered my questions regarding the 2. Well done and thank you!

[@AaronSapiens]

Thanks a lot for making this comparison/contrast -- extremely helpful and well done man. In you demonstration, I prefer the Sennheiser on clean, but on OD, the sm57 and E609 can be used for different flavors, or blended together, or used entirely for different songs or song parts.

[@bradwoods371]

The Sennheiser sounds much more open while the SM sounds compressed

[@jaketanis3069]

My thoughts exactly

[@willowtandy9162]

The E609 has less mids and less bass. I guess you call that open, but I want nothing to do with that if I want to mix to a program.

[@curtvogue5720]

Great demo! I have the Sennheiser but the band wants me to use a 57 because it's more directional (I just hang the Sennheiser over my cabinet). I was surprised, I liked the 57 quite a bit more. Clean they were extremely close but the distortion sounds (to me) were better with the 57. My rig is pretty mid heavy so I like what the 57 did to the sound. Just my .02. Nice work!

[@DennisLeeflang]

Excellent video! It’s easy to dismiss the 609 as sounding thin and bright but a frequency curve can always be adjusted with EQ. It’s crucial to listen for the texture of the sound rather than the frequency balance. Why I think the e609 is far superior to the 57: 1. It’s punchier and has more presence. Not more presence because of the bump at 5k, but it simply sounds like it jumps out towards you, whereas the 57 sounds compressed, more distant and far less dynamic in comparison. 2. Much tighter low end. It doesn’t fart out on palm-muted power chords which, again, makes it punchier. 3. As an extension of point #2, the 609 seems to take high SPL better. The bottom stays tighter and the top doesn’t get crackly when an amp is cranked. 4. The shape is so much more practical. You can even just hang it over an amp or cab without using a stand. When using a stand, you’re far less likely to accidentally move the mic because you bump it with your leg or your guitar cable gets caught on the XLR connector sticking out. The one thing with this mic, and really all dynamic Sennheiser instrument mics, is that you want to take advantage of the proximity effect as much as possible by putting the mic as close to the source as possible. You’ll want to put the mic all the way up against the cloth of the cab, just 1/8” away from touching the cloth. If you can take the cloth/grille off so you can get the mic in even closer, that’s even better. You’ll get more low end punch (it’ll sound less thin) and that low end will be nice and tight.

[@michaelmurphy987]

Totally nothing wrong with the 609 and they both have their distinctive flavors. Great to have choices!

[@mikefollett]

The only issue here is that you recorded them on separate speakers, which can have a very different sound. I've bought 2 brand new V30's and they sounded very different, just off the edge of the dust cap, with the same SM57. Other than that, this was the only comparison video I could find where the the conversational audio wasn't peaking lol. Thanks for selling me some M-Steel strings the other day!

[@needsLITHIUM]

I own one of each. There are basically 3 scenarios : 1.) use the e609 paired with an SM57 2.) use the e609 paired with a dynamic vocal mic, usually a Behringer BA 85a or XM8500 3.) use the SM57 paired with one of those dynamic vocal mics My go-to solution is option 2, but if I'm tracking 2 different guitars, I might use option 1 or 3 for the 2nd guitar part, or use option 1 and/or 3 for rhythm and 2 for leads/solos.

[@gregorysmith8964]

I used this on recent videos. In the left channel, and room mics on the right. I think it picks up alot more. But it's good to have both.

[@Myckey6]

In reality they are very similar sounding, but the difference here is caused by different speakers. Overall within the same speakers and positions, E609 is little warmer in the lower mids but stil mid forward. I always check all speakers in the 4x12 or 2x12, even the same models sounds quite different.

[@Pandamasque]

I'm recording electric guitar at home at low volume levels (75-80db). One of the problems is that my current mics (vintage Beyerdynamic M101N(С) (omnidirectional) and MXL67 condenser) are picking up a bit of pick attack sound, unless I stand as far as the cord allows. The other issue is noise-to-signal ratio with the 2i2 preamp set at about 75%. With this in mind, would you recommend the supercardioid E609 over a cardioid SM57?

[@jaketanis3069]

I run into the same issues with low volume recording. I tend to use the E609 with low volume recording.

[@Pandamasque]

@@jaketanis3069 since the comment I purchased a used black 609 and so far so good! Acoustic pick attack sounds are less on an issue now.

[@danmeme7740]

Move your amp further away, even in another room then use headphones. Picks make a difference too.

[@tootory9506]

even though the speakers are the same rarely do they sound the same up close - you should have switched the mics to opposite speakers at the end for one final comparison test - but hey good job! The 57 is more mid ranged and sounds louder in your example? if you bump up the mids on the Sennheiser you will get more out of it then the 57 - and its shape is user friendly for guitar amps.. 🍻

[@UseTheSupeRsonic]

e609 for me. Out of context, it comes off a bit sharp sounding; but in a mix and/or on the sweet-spot of a speaker (hint: it's not as arbitrary as cap-meets-cone, that's just more of the ol' "industry standard" b/s I'm not with), the 609 is so modern sounding. And, I love that it retains definition even moving out towards the cone area, same with the i5. I also prefer darker, thicker, American voiced speakers for the heavy stuff, so that plays into it as well. YMMV depending on what you use in the cab and how you position the mic. I urge everyone--if they can--to reamp a riff and move the mic around to find sweet-spots, instead of just mindlessly sticking it where everyone else does. You'll find that a LOT of mics are better than you initially thought they were

[@jazzjazz7231]

The problem here is that you're recording two different speakers, they will sound different anyway. Record all four speakers and listen to how different each one sounds, it can be quite surprising sometimes.

[@романпаньшин-я5ц]

I always use sm57 blended with royer for micing the hi-gain amps, and e 609 blended with sm57 for vintage-style amps (i mean, fender bassman/non-hotrod plexi). 609 has more wide sound, so it need to use some other mic for picking nice sound. E609/906 are the best for live recordings, because it much easy to use. But, for studio, blending the mic it's nice practice, for me. And i also think, sm57 is best for solo tones, but for riffing it need more bass

[@CyberTechOfficial-h7n]

Using both of them, it`s the best combination!

[@nwmstudios]

Wow I’m surprised by how much better the 57 sounded for distortion.

[@jaketanis3069]

Me too! They both are great, but work better in different applications.

[@AMTunLimited]

Is super surprising to me how different they are! Thank you for this, I have a 57 and I was wondering if there was any use to getting an e609, and it's on order

[@petergreen1869]

Is this mike any good for recording vocals or is it just used for recording guitars and drums?

[@jaketanis3069]

A SM57 is a SM58 with a different capsule therefor you can use it for vocals. Same goes for the E609, same mic just a different capsule from the E609

[@DBCisco]

SM-57 wins hands down.

[@markmeloney2643]

I just got 2 609s and theres a shit ton of bleed from the other stuff in the room. Its not very directional so if you're going to record a full band take that into consideration. The 2 guitar mics kind of double as a room mic for one another's cabs though so its not so bad. They do sound good though and they don't need a stand. I just taped a short xlr on top of my cab so i can easily disconnect my mic and the main xlr to transport the cab without losing my sweet spot.

[@paulrichards13]

That guitar is sick. Quick question, I have a 57 and my current situation Im not really able to get a lot of distance between my amp and PC case, would the e609 make a difference in cutting off noise from behind the mic due to its shape? The noise is pretty low but if it helps switching to that mic I'd be interested. I also understand outside noise simply is what it is.

[@shaynerushton214]

I would like to see a shootout where the mic placement sounds best for each mic so we can hear them at their best and compare that.

[@jaredstewart9057]

Make one, I’d be interested to see it

[@shaynerushton214]

@@jaredstewart9057 I don't have the mics. Sadly. One day maybe

[@jaredstewart9057]

It’s cool, keep playing on!

[@grahsam6670]

The difference is pretty night and day. The SM57 is mid focused without a lot of detail, while the E609 is a little scooped but less narrow in its presentation. The right answer is both at different angles and levels. Full spectrum.

[@SevenSinsChoppers]

SM57 sounds great. Check out the Seven Sins / NOISE 42157 Dual Recording Mic Clip. It combines the SM57 & MD421 for dual recording sonic richness. I like the design of the E609 better but I dig the sonics of the 57 especially with a 421. BTW that Fender Guitar is awesome!

[@WW-cc3td]

I did not expect that much difference - however there are probably a number of other variables influencing this A/B... Would be interesting to see how each output sits in a mix with the rest of the band. There just seemed to be a bit more 'presence' with the 609 that I liked..

[@Adambobro]

I just bought an sm57 for recording, but came into this situation... My recording level sounds way too quiet. Sm57 in front of mesa 4x12, amp volume is what I would play live to... Sm57 xlr cable to focusrite solo 3rd gen, gain level between 10 oclock to 12 oclock... interface to macbook running logic pro. Line levels in logic pro are neutral, if I increase level in logic, audio begins to clip... Any suggestions?

[@stevienichol1008]

Have you tested the Lewitt MTP440 ?

[@chriskilcullen]

For overdriven guitar the sm57 delivers the bite. Every time. the 609 is nice for clean.

[@wakinglife7065]

Yo great vid - thank you - The Shure 57 sounded better to me but I think the E609 definitely has it's place.

[@InTonalHarmony]

How do you know the speakers sound the same? I saw another video with a 4x12 cab and was shocked at how different from one another each speaker sounded within the same cab.

[@triph4]

They both sound solid to me, i like midrange sounds so I do like the E609 just a little better. Also, an advantage is you can overhang the E609 over the cab if you don't have a mic stand. I wouldn't mind paying the extra 10 bucks on it but then again, 57 is roadworthy.

[@graxjpg]

Jose Alvarez I’m getting the senheiser only because of its design, I’m very pleased to know that it sounds wonderful too. Either way, it’ll be better than my behringer set of 58 clones.

[@DennisAlvarezMusic]

I'm really liking the SM 57 on this video. But I have recorded my little Vox Pathfinder set to a lovely clean tone with a Strat. It captured it beautifully. So yeah, the best option would be both. Either together or separately. I'll bet that the two together on that crunch tone would be epic.

[@gearoftones8585]

This video explains why I'm not getting good results, or results that I prefer, with the 609 in the studio

[@jaketanis3069]

Great mics depending on what you need then for

[@donaldbenson3178]

I know this is a two year old video, but I'm gonna comment anyway. First off, love the Sammy and The Circle T. Sammy rocks! For the mics, agree 100% on the clean sounds. no real difference. I think, based on the differences on the distortion, that you would likely have different EQ based on your frequency comments. I have a Behringer X32 rack so I would adjust the PEQ accordingly. Someone else talked about the Seinheiser having more of a live sound. I would also agree with that. Nice video! appreciate the help.

[@keegankaas9004]

Does anyone know how the E609 compares when mic’d up to a bass or a snare for instance? Seen a lot of reviews that have said it was designed to be used exclusively for guitar but seems pretty versatile to me

[@jaketanis3069]

My roommate commonly uses it on snare and I dig it.

[@searchiemusic]

absolutely crushing on snare

[@mark52111]

I agree with your assessment. They both sound very good. And they sound very similar on clean and very different with distortion. Wonder if that is a difference in SPL handling? One quality of the E609 not mentioned, it doesn’t need a mic stand. Just loop cord around amp handle and let it hang in front of amp. I own both of these mics btw. Thanks for putting this video together and posting.

[@metalman75]

Just stumbled across this channel awesome demo keep it up. I was looking at some new recording mics and after seeing this vid I'll be sticking with the old faithful SM57.

[@mr.solodolo3000]

The shure has an extremely noticeable boost in the upper midrange, seemingly sounding like it has less articulate high frequency response not necessarily true.. E609 is almost more of a premixed sound, the 57 would just take some ducking in that frequency range to get sounding the same

[@humantacos9800]

I listening to this video in my car, and was like "oh man the e609 is infinitely better, then I listen to it at home on my computer with studio monitors and was like...well damn. The 57 is crunchier, and e609 brighter. I guess it really goes to what tone you're going for. I'd be tempted to blend them on a recording.

[@crappy60]

Seems to me the e609 is tighter sounding vs the sm57 sounds more round, guess it depends what you’re looking for in a mic because really the sound your looking for also comes out of your amp too. Once everything is recorded you can touch up the eq a bit. It seems to be me more subjective because not everyone is looking for the tight well articulated sound.

[@cincinnatipedalsteel4347]

The 57 doesn't sound as focused as the sennheiser to me..... I feel the 57 would pickup more unwanted sounds than the e609. Definitely different as you said. Both are inexpensive enough that you wouldn't cry if they were lost and you can just have both .... The sennheiser 421 is better than noth in the studio, but im curious how it does on the bandstand.

[@johnsguitarmusicanddemos]

I’m considering buying this mic but I like using minimal EQ in my playing. It seems really good for the money. I have an sm57 but it is too upper-mid based.

[@ronhill3711]

As a sound tech, on stage and in studio I'd rather cut the boost. 57 would need to boost to get to the sound of the 609, 609 would need to cut to mellow out to the 57. My choice would be 609 all the way, it's the better one for eq

[@MR.FREEDMAN]

Tbh I might get both and stack the mics on the amp. I like them both for different reasons.

[@androidgameplays4every13]

You should have compared the SM57 against the E906!

[@andromedusmoat9608]

I'll 'splurge'... $10. Hagar's on a tight budget too these days, I'm sure... 'I... Can't... Afford.... $55!!!!!!' Good review though. You let us hear it side by side and make up our own minds.... No hiss in background. Other reviewers of this equip have had their heads up their butts... Nice job, and thank you.

[@jaketanis3069]

Thank you!

[@mikeprasetya]

Are you using any other preamp/EQ on your DAW? sounds great..

[@MrRickChase]

I'd been planning to buy a dedicated instrument mic for my home studio as my acoustic friends have shown more interest in jam sessions, but now this video has encouraged me to just go and buy both 😅, i just don't know how the missus is going to respond to me throwing $200 at new mics.

[@sglee4708]

Why do they sound so different is it the placement for the mic itself

[@titovillarroel3940]

Good review, I have the sm57 already, gonna get the e609 right away.

[@jaketanis3069]

Always helpful having both. They are very cool to blend together.

[@elliotcurrie7143]

57 needs a stand or a cab-grabber, 609 can just hang down. It's quicker between band setups if you're doing a couple bands a night

[@Hillbilly_Papist]

I manage most the recordings in the band. Guitarists are funny about tone. As a bassist I'm ok with being DI'd. One is not batter than the other. Personally I prefer the 57. When setting up recording for a new band the lead G asked what he needed to buy. I told him a mic. look up 5150 with a 57 vs 609 decide what tone you like the most and buy it.

[@Boogieplex]

I have both,always used an sm57 but did a show and new sound guy used an e609 and my live guitar tone never sounded better. Since then I bought my own and use it every gig and delivers every night. However, in this particular recording, im kind of torn. I LOVE MIDS,and here,contrary to what he(Jake?)said,i thought the 57 had more mids. So maybe my verdict is: Sm57 for recording E609 for live mic’ing. Sounds good to me!

[@khakilackey493]

Great comparison! Which one sounded truer to you in regard to what you were hearing from the amp?

[@jaketanis3069]

57 probably

[@guaromiami]

I liked the Sennheiser with the gain and the Shure clean.

[@richhansen8874]

57 has way more body. It would be the one to get and be covered. You just have to eq out some mid-range and the 57 would sound just like the sennheiser.

[@dlambethful]

For studio work, the SM57 all the way. Too many variables though, they both could work depending on what you are wanting.

[@justinpaquette224]

which one sounded closer to the sound the speaker?

[@mvalencia8951]

This is definitely not a fair comparison, you are using different speakers on the cab and perhaps different locations from around the speaker, but thanks for taking the time to share

[@joyvillanueva9743]

Super nice works great

[@JohnnyOskam]

Very different but both sound kickass

[@ericwilhelm2941]

Good test Jake !, to my ears the Sennheiser adds a little more warmth , while you played distorted AND then clean . SM 57 is always great also for snares . but i hear more dimensions in the Sennheiser

[@danmeme7740]

More dimensions is not always good in a mix though. The frequency's could get in the way of other instruments. Would like to hear these both mixed.

[@Burkhimself]

I think I prefer the 57. I had a 609 once and didn’t really like my guitar sound through the monitor from it.....several gigs.

[@SpartanLaserCanon]

E609 always sounds like a cheaper E906 to my ears from demos. The m57 is standard for a reason and can work for many genres and instruments for lots of mixes plus acoustic guitars even, but I saw a shoutout and the Senhizer e835 sounded better for electrics to me when compared to a Helix, I5, and SM57 which amazes me since it's known to be a vocal mic mostly. Just because some mic is "for vocals" doesn't mean it won't sound good with some other things which I found out after hearing tones of lots of mics with guitars and basses on KZbin. Anyways I recommend checking out the e835 which could be good for voice and guitar to me and is under 200 bucks and you could find some for almost the same price as the sm57. I would still have the sm57 for acoustic guitars and some other instruments though if I ever had more of a bigger room to fit a band in an actual studio instead of just a recording space I have now.

[@davidgerlach1132]

I'm just silly, but the SM57 sounds as I would expect, transparent, whereas the e 609 here produces a mid cut.

[@joergseibert2752]

Well, at the end I'm absoutely with you and think a blend of both would be the most exciting. 57 to the edge of the dustcover, e906 a bit off ... ;)

[@henrikysteinwolffhelgesen2627]

I guess this test gives a pretty wrong picture. First of all the placements of the microphone. Lot´s of sound techs does this all the time. The microphone pointing straight into the center of the speaker. The only thing you obtain with that is an ugly harsh sound. I´ve spent thousands of dollars on my guitar amp to get the sound I like. For me the most important is that the sound either on recordings or in a PA is approximately the same as out of my guitar cab. To my experience is to put the microphones off axis, but pointing towards the center of the cone. I use a flash light so I can easily see the center o the speaker. Also let the air help, så put them at least 5-10 cm from grill clothe. I really dont want the mike to interfere with my sound, so I like it when it sounds like my guitar cab, without using any EQ, maybe to cut a bit of the low end so it cuts through in the mix. To my experience the Sennheiser sounds absolutely best of the two. Mind you - placing is everything

[@willymccabe6602]

If both mics aren't on the same speaker this comparison is useless. In a 4x12 cab 4 speakers of the identical make and model can still sound very different from each other.

[@richhansen8874]

I wonder how the 609 would sound off center about 2 inches

[@patriarchysound]

E609 made it sound like a Line 6 lmaooo!

[@jaketanis3069]

oof kinda true

[@ashevilleguitar]

I thought the e609 sounded a lot better for cleaner guitar tones it has a little better top end, the 57 has a slight mid hump imho :)

[@twozero9]

half of the difference you are hearing is because you are using different speakers :( all four of those drivers sound quite different. do a shootout with the same DI track reamped on each speaker with the 57.

[@donjohnson7550]

Sm57 isn’t bad at all, but I’d like to record my gear just the way it really sounds.

[@jaketanis3069]

It all depends on your rig. Both are great mics!

[@romanp.4319]

oh man... i really like the sound of the 57, but the design of the e609 is so much better /: .......

[@jaketanis3069]

I know! Being able to hang the E609 over the amp is great!

[@christopherdunn317]

Both mics are great, use them together with a cheap Behringer mixer, funny i bought 5 of these when they were on sale will use with guitar and drums.Interesting enough when going back n forth, you get used to one then hear the other and go yuck!!!!!!!!! for both ways, but that's how we all get thrown off hearing two things back in forth USE BOTH ! Did you know dime bag used a cheap mackie mixer to get the guitar sound when recording southern trend kill all other expensive pre's did not work imagine that huh?

[@JohnVo423]

To my ears the 57 sounds fuller while the 609 sounds like a mid scooped metal-esque tone.

[@nbl95]

Right off the bat the sm57 has way more mids whereas the sennheiser sounds scooped and very sharp on the high end

[@JayYarbroughMusic]

Need to use the same speaker. Unfortunately that makes this video unusable for a reference.

[@tracezachdaniels4264]

57 sounds better to me. but a mix of the 2 would be cool 2..

[@DBCisco]

Agreed

[@raykay72]

I liked the 57 on distorted guitar better but the 609 on clean...hmm...

[@ClaudioMartella]

The e609 should have been way closed to the centre

[@codybreyer7175]

That is what after all what it was made for, right?

[@ClaudioMartella]

@@codybreyer7175 exactly

[@robertrickman3531]

I've used Both in a Live Club....UNTILL I got a HEIL PR22..... The First word from the guitar players mouth was 'Articulate'

[@AB-lx8cf]

Would love to hear both mics together to see how both sound in a stereo recording. I’m sure it would sound amazing

[@tracezachdaniels4264]

but with programs like LOGIC pro...it matters not the mic.....you can tweek it to your liking,....once recorded

[@DBCisco]

The SM-57 has more to shape. You can remove frequencies but not add them. Can't add the 'distorted highs' that the Sennheiser is not catching IMHO. Use the one for what you want. Both are good. I have two dozen mics because no one mic works best for everything.

[@tracezachdaniels4264]

@@DBCisco hmmm ok...cool.

[@michaelmurphy987]

@@tracezachdaniels4264 To clarify, the goal of recording sound is to capture the best sound to your liking initially AT THE SOURCE. EQ should be used at a minimum when mixing after it passes the fader. Getting the sound you want right off the bat will save you tons of work in the long run. Also, whether that sound is from the 609 or the 57 is entirely up to the performer and is obviously subjective to personal tastes.

[@tracezachdaniels4264]

@@michaelmurphy987 yes...cool..!!

[@Irapotato]

You used the mics on different speakers, for this to truly test each one equally you need to use both on the same speaker. It could be no difference, but that does make a noticeable change to the audio fed to the mics.

[@ShadovvV]

Jeeeezus man.. use a gate.

[@graxjpg]

Why not use both?

[@aaryanbhandari301]

Not everyone has that kind of money sirrr

[@graxjpg]

Aaryan Bhandari I sure don’t. This 609 does whatever trick I bought it for in the first place well enough to do it so we’ll see how it goes...

[@bilalnachabeh]

I came here thinking the SM57 will destroy the E609.. I actually prefer the 609 more now "D

[@jaketanis3069]

Both the good, just depends what you like.

[@danmeme7740]

Sm57 more beef E609 more clarity/ top end. Get both and pan them L and R.

[@godofspacetime333]

Sorry, but this comparison just isn’t useful at all. Those two speakers could sound wildly different. I don’t even use the right speaker in my cab for recording at all because it’s so much more shrill than the left. The only real way to compare mics is to loop a part and switch mics out on the same speaker in the same position.

[@ricardadn]

Crec que m'agrada més el Shure.

[@davemaverick8438]

the perfect guitar!!

[@pbg9208]

SM57