Shure SM57 vs Sennheiser e609: There is a Clear Winner Here

[@AudioHaze]

Quick note: I had to make a decision on where to place each microphone. Rather than placing them in the exact same position, I decided to place them in a position that I felt best suited that specific microphone's sound. This is why they differ in placement slightly.

[@robsenz.]

Was curious about that, good on you for clarifying

[@ronnibrant5813]

So, you didn't actually determine the sweet spot on the amp?

[@iamomid]

*A suggestion* : When you compare two mics, connect them at the same time to your audio interface and record the same thing at the same time with both of the mics. Then in post switch between the mics. Like what Mike from Booth Junkies does. I think it makes it much easier to hear the difference between the mics.

[@baileylukens]

Agree. This is a horrible way to compare

[@jensharald9091]

Position is way more important than the mic. You have to be laser accurate with the distance to compare fairly tbh ...

[@michaelsongs]

I own both sm57’s & e609’s. Both fantastic mics, the sm57 can handle anything (including multiple drops on hard floors throughout the years). I was a sound guy for many years. I worked for specific bands, not venues, so the gear had to travel for each show. Sound & durability wise I prefer the sm57, it sounds great on any instrument especially (onstage) horns. The e609’s magic (for me) was in its condensed space onstage. You can drape them over guitar cabinets/amps, no stand needed & only sticks out about 1”-2” from amp front. If you do that with the sm57 it is essentially pointing @ the ground & muddies the guitar tone a bit. So a stand is preferred for the sm57, which can eat up valuable real estate with a large band on a small stage. On snares (live) the e609 was far less obtrusive for the drummers. While the sm57 could hold up to being hit repeatedly, that didn’t sound great thru the pa. The e609 was far less hit due to the ability to position it far flatter above the snare. That’s my two-cents. 🎤

[@gearoftones8585]

The thing here is that we aren't hearing how they sound within a mix. Sometimes what sounds "better" in isolation doesn't sound so good within a band mix.

[@AudioHaze]

I agree with the in the mix part, should have included that. This is an earlier video of mine, I would have included that now. That being said, I can assure you an SM57 sounds just as capable in a mix as a e609

[@gearoftones8585]

@@AudioHaze no I agree, the SM57 is fine in a mix. Both would be. They're just a different flavour

[@voxwah75]

The Shure SM57 gives much more air and space to the sound where the 609 sounds way more boxy - but the last one is indeed better on clean sounds and also better on solo sounds especially those around the 12th fret. If Sennheiser could find a way to make this mic more 'airy' the Shure SM57 can be used for everything else but guitar ;-)

[@oldguysbarbellclub8291]

I own both the 57 and 7B. For what ever reason (and there are many), I just love that 57. You did a great job reviewing it. The 57 is super flexible and can be make to sound very much like a 7B (see Julian Krause video on that topic). It's brilliant on acoustic guitars, piano, drums and voice. And as you point out its darned near indestructable. Thanks for a great review!

[@AudioHaze]

Thank you so much! Yes there's just so much history with the SM57 that its proven its worth time and time again :)

[@epsteenwusmerdered9878]

I don't know...I just came from another video comparing these two mics and the 609 sounded better. The 57 sounded like there was a sheet covering the amp.

[@AudioHaze]

If you like the 609 go for it dude! My main point is the 57 is a more flexible mic. The 609 is an amazing guitar mic, tailored specifically for guitar. The 57 is more flexible and has a much larger legacy. But believe your ears over me! I'm just some dude on the internet :)

[@prospectnyc]

Agreed. OP also said he likes the sound of the 609 better at 4:08

[@sabot8075]

if you're getting into studio recording, and your going down the endless rabbit hole of microphone configurations I should recommend rigging your PC/DAW with a good set of reference speakers as you'll need them anyway. Listen to these comparisons through reference speakers and learn what you want to cater to you! Also I agree with the versatility of the sm57, cant go wrong... but my supro likes the 609 better as it picks up more true to ear tone with a flatter HZ range with drive (low wattage high signal breakup). This is studio recording, id go with the 57 live. Both are great for both and most people wont be able to know the difference.

[@AudioHaze]

Well said dude!

[@TrollsAndScrolls]

For clean tones I really really liked the e609, on some more overdriven stuff I found myself liking sm57 more but not always...anyway..your tone and playing are awesome!

[@AudioHaze]

I agree, clean tones really come through well on the 609, but as an all rounder I have to go with the 57

[@AudioHaze]

and thanks so much dude!

[@nathanjasper512]

Yeah that 609 sounded fat on leads but there is something about the 57 that smoothed out the rythm guitar.

[@demidevil666]

Your guitar playing is so full of chacter! Listening to you offset inspires me to pick up my guitar and start noodling. Great content 🙏😌

[@AudioHaze]

thanks dude!! I try to mostly focus on the gear but sometimes I gotta rip of the 'ole axe :)

[@mpasistasyalanci]

If I had to buy only one , it would be the e609. One reason is that you can find a 57 everywhere at live stages and studios etc , having a different option available is nice. Also I prefer the more “accurate “ and “ condenser like “ response of the 609 ( a bit more faster and detailed with smoother boosts and cuts frequencies wise ) and the way you can position it because of its shape. I like it on guitars , snare, toms, bongos , congas and percussion instruments, haven’t tried it yet on brass instruments etc. Yet I agree with the role that the 57 has and its usability, the instantly recognisable sound and how rugged it is ( even if nearly 6 out of 10 that have seen a lot of work , are rattling. Gaffer tape and 57’s are close friends)

[@CentaurusRelax314]

I'm about to buy a dynamic mic and am only just now finding this video-thank you so much for this. Secondarily, my goodness what great tone you're getting out of the Katana. I once had the Katana 100w head into a greenbacks cab, and then very recently got the Artist Mk II. Neither one sounded nearly as good as you're getting with the 'regular' Katana. If i had seen this a couple of months ago, i might have stuck with the Artist instead of returning it for a Deluxe Reverb.... // Here, i started thinking the 609 sounded better, but now mid-way through the video i'm preferring the 57. Ugggh. Nothing is ever simple! I think i will go with the 609-i like it better for cleans and probably will appreciate the physical profile. They're just 'different.' No loser either way.

[@cesarcamacho2266]

My man your guitar skills are out of this world! You take the pick like Hendrix did. Consider doing some guitar related stuff pls. Btw: May I know what kind of picks you use? Looks like Jazz 3 but can see them lol.

[@AudioHaze]

Thank you dude! I've been planning to make more guitar content, I really should. Maybe I'll start with the 'ole Les Paul :) and yes its a jazz 3!

[@herberthooverfeetpics4595]

Wait until you hear about Lucas Mann practicing

[@KINNZ94]

In terms of sound, I think e609 sounds better (richer, more delicate nuance) but 57 would cut through the mix better in live situation.

[@PedroHenrique-dl9lq]

i guess the E609 is smoother and more balanced, even distorted. The sm has a more in you face sound in the mids, which is also pretty cool, but it feels like is always standing out, sometimes I just want a guitar to sit in the back and be chill, even distorted. Im going for the senheiser, hope that i dont regret it. Thanks for the video, you are really helping me out in the long nigths of reading reddit pages and trying to make a decision.

[@voidburner8271]

609 paired with a close mic'd mk319 and a lewitt 440 about 8 feet away for me.. i like sm57 on bass cabs tho... maybe if you were using an actual tube amp and cranking it? If that were the case you'd probably prefer the 609, but if your playing at bedroom volume with a solid state I can see why you'd pick the 57 lol

[@AudioHaze]

I have a '59 Bassman reissue 4 x10 at home, I'm abroad right now. I still prefer the 57.

[@voidburner8271]

@@AudioHaze that makes sense! The 57 really shines on darker/bassier amps.. Myself, I run a Peavey VTM120 into a vintage marshall JCM800 cab1960B and found the 57 to be to shrill if I wasn't pointing it towards the edge of the cone. the 609 is perfect right on the cone. What are your thoughts on the E906? I was thinking about grabbing a few but not sure if they're worth it 😆

[@Stromboli15]

P.S. I like using 57s too, but instead of one I use two. One direct on-the center of a cone mic capsule approximately 1-3 inches depending on the sweet spot. And the second 57 perpendicular or 90 degrees to the cone/grill with the capsule perpendicular to the grill. If using a larger cab ie. 2x12 or 4x12 I keep each mic on a separate cone and mix the two on the console. If it’s a 4x12 I like to pick the cones that are diagonal from each other noting that the cone nearest the floor will have more bass than a cone from the top. The two together have a nice full sounding effect. I like to use ribbons for the natural “air/presence” kinda feel. Enjoy!! Looking forward to more videos!! 🤘😎

[@AudioHaze]

Niceeee, I'd have to try this layout with a 57 + an SM7 since I only have one, but I think that it could lead to a similar result? Maybe the SM7 on the perpendicular?

[@Stromboli15]

@@AudioHaze from my experience, the mic set in the perpendicular position essentially has sound passing over the capsule as opposed to directly into it. Because of this the mic on the perpendicular has a slightly darker sound….maybe brown-ish? If that helps with the decision process? 🤔👌🤓🤘😎🔥🔥🔥

[@Stromboli15]

@@AudioHaze also I was just thinking, you’ll probably have to make slight adjustments in the proximity of the perpendicular mic as you’ll no doubt notice that making these adjustments will bring quite subtle but very noticeable tonal differences. Enjoy!!!😆😆😆

[@Stromboli15]

@@AudioHaze here’s a e609 v e906 v sm57 shootout: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3_Uq4aEbdiofcU

[@AudioHaze]

@@Stromboli15 Yes I think I would use the Sm& for perpendicular then because its naturally darker :) thanks dude!!

[@TwistedMind86Chern]

I have the e906 , wins both of them but at the end of the day is on everyone's preference what kind of guitar tone prefers.

[@nathanjasper512]

Seems like the 609 sounded better but as you increase the distortion the 57 sounded better. Really smoothed out that grit.

[@matthewdavis473]

The 609 is cool because you can hang it from the top of the amp. Boom no mic stand needed

[@adama2562]

Awesome comparison! you did your homework! Thanks!

[@AudioHaze]

Thanks man! I appreciate that

[@KevinMillard68]

the problem is when your not using the same realtive spot for mic placment then its not a fair test at all.

[@jamesstonehouse3448]

If you're not guided by other people's recordings, it's really a matter of taste. Both are great choices.

[@therangersinger]

Excellent tone out of a boss katana. Shure is a clear winner for me due to it representing a more articulate sound with gain.

[@AudioHaze]

I tend to reach for the shure first as well :)

[@michalbochenski4329]

just a question. whats the windscreen you use for the shure sm57?

[@Boumi]

He uses a 2$ windscreen in this video but I recommend you the a2ws for the sm57

[@michalbochenski4329]

@@Boumi yeah but whats the 2 dollar windscreen? Personally dont like the a2ws and how it looks.

[@michalbochenski4329]

He said somthing that he took it from a neewer mic in his shure sm57 vs sm7b video.

[@AudioHaze]

Yeah its just a crappy one I took of an NW800, nothing to be proud of haha

[@michalbochenski4329]

@@AudioHaze you know what, I have the neewer nw800 ima yoink it from it haha

[@MannyfromdaD]

Nice guitar skills. Nice demonstration. Thanks

[@AudioHaze]

appreciate it!

[@sleonse]

1:36 FUCK, absoluuuuute CLEAR winner

[@vetzaaak]

Late to the party. Nice clip. One thing though: around the 1:12 mark it shows the freq response curve of the e906, instead of the e609 that's being discussed.

[@AudioHaze]

Thanks for letting me know! Will be more aware of this in the future

[@vetzaaak]

@@AudioHaze No worries. Blame the genius at Sennheiser who decided on the confusing model names ;p

[@geronimo3641]

Wanna mic my amp up with both! They’d sound great blended together in a mix :)

[@AudioHaze]

Eyyyyyy cheating the system over here! But no seriously that's the way to do it for sure :)

[@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.*

[@TC_Conner]

I have two 57s and will soon have the e609. I mic my Strat with the two 57s via two amps.

[@AudioHaze]

Nice TC! You're building quite the setup :)

[@jma7379]

What frames are your glasses mate? Great vid!

[@AudioHaze]

I can't remember the exact model but they're from goggles4u! They sell prescriptions super cheap :) thanks!

[@Angelo-vb6dg]

Nice playing, It makes me miss playing guitar. On the other hand, well...it's clear why the 57 stays as an industry standard

[@AudioHaze]

Haha glad you enjoyed it :)

[@grinder2401]

Great tone with your Katana! Could you please share your settings/patches? Thanks

[@AudioHaze]

Thanks! I wish I remembered :/ I sold it when I left Spain to come back to the US

[@nickpenacl]

Other way very popular is just to use both mics to record , the resulting sounds will an awesome guitar tone

[@humantacos9800]

Let’s do a comparison between the glasses or beanie. Which one is more hipster? Not sure there’s a clear winner.

[@ronnibrant5813]

This video is a shameless troll. You even said it yourself. Even though you thought the 609 sounded better at times, you'd still pick the 57. And your reasons? Durability? I mean, yeah, those friggin' things are practically indestructible. They're built to mil specs. But durability has squat to do with sound quality. And an appeal to popularity. Because it's been used on more records? Really? It's been doing for almost a century. Back in the 50s, it was the ONLY commonly used mic. Just because it's existed longer doesn't make it sound any better. When I'm micing my guitar cab, I have only one concern: make my guitar sound it's best. The end. And by that criteria, you admittedly chose the 609. And why wouldn't you? It's a better sounding microphone. Shane on you. lol 😎

[@allgamingnetwork9448]

great video i plan on getting the same katana amp for my home studio. gnna mic it with both going into a tascam 24

[@AudioHaze]

Nice dude! I'm happy for you they're great amps :)

[@Stromboli15]

Hey Ricky, love your laying style!! I just wanted to throw out there on the table, the Cascade Fat Head ribbon mic. Apparently, for about $250 it’s one of the nicest sounding ribbons without having to throw down $1400 for a Royer ribbon or something comparable. I would LOVE to hear you play with the Cascade Fat Head on your cab!! Granted, I know that there’s costs involved, but maybe you can borrow/rent it and try it?? I’d love to hear your input on a mic shootout between the three? Or even throw in the Sennhieser e906 too??? Many thanks again!! 😇🙏🤘😎🔥🔥🔥

[@AudioHaze]

Oh I would kill to do a shootout like that! As soon as you can find me a Cascade mic to shoot with I'd be down! Or maybe just when the channel gets enough revenue to afford it.

[@Stromboli15]

@@AudioHaze through the powers of KZbin….behoooold. 👌🤓kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIi5gaGvZrBnbcU

[@rasalapatuski78]

Hi there, When Micing the amp ,Do I need to use the DI Box before pluging it to the Mixer? I Play live gigs and i have a 20watts tube amp. And sometimes on a big venue ,I could not here my Guitar. Thanks in advance.

[@onzkicg]

Have you tried using for vocals too?

[@AudioHaze]

For vocals I wouldn't use the e609, I don't think the frequency response is great for most voices, but the Sm57 is killer with a pop filter!

[@Gabrielrosso1]

I bet if you were using a strat, the senhiser you'd be the choice

[@vonantesberg]

Mad chops bruh!

[@johnaheiserable]

Double Mic and get the best of both worlds but I'd use the 906

[@nbl95]

With the 57 it almost sounded like a tube amp, with the sennheiser it sounds like an even cheaper solid state. The 57 has way more midrange presence in the 400-1khz range than the sennheiser.

[@christopherbrowne977]

Just curious, but has anyone tried using them in tandem ala a SM57 + Royer 121?

[@SublimeSynth]

not really much point in micing a solid state amp though, especially when the Katana has a direct out option. tube amps, on the other hand, actually have a reason to be mic'd.

[@screew708]

Kind of a weak argument imo to call the sm57 more flexible when the e609 has better clarity and a more natural sound. Have you even tried an e609 on drums, bass etc? People love to praise the sm57 as if it was some extraordinary good mic and failing that rave about their reliability. I kind of understand the argument if you are a roadie but in a home studio I don't get it. It's not like the e609 is a delicate mic. It also has the benefit that you can just hang it over an amp, no stand needed. Surely that's a big benefit. Personally I own the e906 and I wouldn't ever go back to using a sm57. It just adds so much of it's own sound and imo just sounds unnatural.

[@bradwoods371]

Hell, i’ll just use both of them simultaneously

[@AudioHaze]

To be honest thats what I do most of the time haha

[@jmarietv]

and you play guitar like a boss????? holy crap...you are now my surrogate son!

[@AudioHaze]

hahahaha yes! Maybe I should do more guitar content who knows :)

[@jmarietv]

@@AudioHaze that's a no brainer! life is too short...show us what you got..you are fantastic!!

[@gabrielchavarria22]

*Everyone liked that*

[@AudioHaze]

:))

[@arconeagain]

Is that Shure made in China?

[@johnladd5016]

This is a great review, balanced and informative. And I must say the range of playing shown to demonstrate is just wonderful.

[@jorgegracia2656]

Cute nails. 😅😊

[@nick_be9159]

love the SM57 for rithm and the 609 more for solo's but why the nail polish? Having one of those gender/woke problems that are a hype right now?

[@larsjansen3651]

Well that's just unnecessary...

[@sajinkahnalt]

@@larsjansen3651 agree. Major projection vibes from this dude

[@phunkyjunkee]

Maybe he’s a catcher on his baseball team, and wants his right hand to match his left? Maybe they’re blacklight responsive and look cool onstage at gigs? A plethora of reasons are possible…