Shure SM57 vs SM58 (Versus Series)

[@gcprost]

When I was the technical director of a 650 seat theatre, I had a bunch of SM58’s. They were a workhorse for live presentations.

[@TheRecordist]

Oh yes. I’ve used 58s for more than 30 years on stages all over the place. I would trust nothing else. What a great and often overlooked mic!

[@ilblues]

My acoustic duo during college years ('74-76) used SM57 mics with foam balls on the vocal mics. When we parted ways 10 years later, we sold everything. Needing a couple of mics for recording and solo work, I bought the original EV N/DYM 257 and 457 mics (cardioid and super) ... several more dynamic mic acquisitions over the years were also neodymium mics. Just recently deciding to narrate my blog posts to create a "Listen" link, I borrowed an SM57 and 58 from the neighbor who runs a studio and tested them head to head with my box of ND mics. Even blindfolded, I liked the SM58 best on my bassy voice, spoken or singing, and next the SM57. In fact those neodymium mics all sounded harsh to me - which to my ears add a noticeable sizzle to everything. Man, I hate sizzle! So 40 years later, I'm back on the Shure mics for most of my recording and put the ND mics up for sale. Can't say I know what magnets are used in the Shures - whether ceramic or alnico I don't know - but they darn sure (shure) sound better to my ears than the NDs - just for the more pleasant, warm mid-rangey sound.

[@TheRecordist]

No matter how far we might wander from the good ole’ 57 and 58 mics, we always come back and realize they just can’t be beat! And I think they have neodymium magnets in there these days. Thanks for the great comment!

[@ilblues]

@@TheRecordist You have me curious about the magnets ... recording org says the SM57/8 are alnico. Shure forums (?) say the beta 57/8 are neodymium which accounts for the brighter/hotter signal. Note I've never looked that up before - just assumed because the EVs were so crispy to my hearing - like frying bacon. In the past I've listened to magnet comparisons in humbucking pickups, and prefer the warmth of Alnico 2 over 5 and ceramic. Back when I did those listening sessions, I remember reading that neodymium in guitar pickups is difficult as they're too strong and therefore hot to control (my interpretation anyway). Note that I'm not trying to be a know it all and hope I don't come off that way - my sensitivity to 'sizzle' has a lot to do with 50 years of tinnitus thanks to a dumb teenager standing in front of an too loud amp for too long. PS - live long and prosper, bro.

[@TheRecordist]

@@ilblues hey! Well I’m also a guitar player who played live for years. I toured and had my stack by my left ear blaring on stage for hundreds of nights. But I think I somehow escaped the tinnitus or severe hearing damage. I have no idea how. Sorry to hear that it got you. As for the magnets, I just did a quick cursory lookup and a site I went to said neodymium. But it could be wrong. In my guitars, I use Texas Special Singles and Anderson H2+ Hum in my Strat, and Fender V-Mod II in my Tele. I’m not even sure if the magnet types in those. Live long and prosper! 🖖🏻

[@milesian1]

I love your videos and this one was no exception. Since starting a podcast I did what I did as a photographer years ago and became infected with G.A.S., but this time with microphones. After recording my first episode with myself on the SM57 and my guest on a Behringer XM8500 I ended up acquiring a ton of mics, ranging from 20 to 300 bucks. I've also tested my wife's Neumann TLM102. Recently, I did my own massive comparison test with all my mics, including the gorgeous Shure Super 55 Deluxe, Electro-Voice RE320, as well as cheap sensations like the FiFine K669D and Donner P-08, and the SM57 was right up there with the RE320 as the best for my voice and purposes. I also do quite a bit of singing (not for public consumption), and the SM57 with A2WS is my favorite mic of all.

[@TheRecordist]

Hey man. Thanks! Oh yes. GAS is real! I’m spending upwards of thousands on mics. Ugh. But that SM57. What a mic! What a price! Ifs funny. I did a comparison last week with the Fifine K669D against the 57, 58, RE320, and the SM7B. Check it out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpmyfoNog89-hKM

[@survivalzoneswitzerland6697]

Very important point about the SM57 is that it has almost no bleed from a 45deg angle, this makes it monitor friendly if your using it live. They used to come with a paper template to show you this.

[@TheRecordist]

That’s great information! Thanks!

[@isaacdust]

I have both mics, but the SM57 was my very first piece of gear, purchased sometime in the 90s and it’s still going strong. With the A2WS windscreen (which costs about 15 bucks) attached, it works great for spoken word and vocals, and it looks cool as well.

[@TheRecordist]

Damn right! It’s a great mic that you’ll have forever. The A2WS is also often used on the 57’s that many US presidents have used since the 60s. Thanks for watching!

[@geesonnit]

Brilliant comparison many thanks! I’ve subbed too 🤙🏼😊

[@TheRecordist]

Thank you!

[@floresfive8615]

Dude, you are awesome! This was so entertaining all the way through!

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. Thanks so much!

[@azechu]

this was so enjoyable to watch, you are so underrated what a gem!

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks! I really appreciate it! Cheers!

[@fanmike0615]

love the voice / knowledge / editing / and humor. Subscribed!

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks so much!

[@DanielSRosehill]

Thanks for this comparison. Liked the SM57 a bit better for its brightness on the high end of your vocals!

[@TheRecordist]

I agree! Much more articulate. Thanks for watching!

[@Mattguitarmania]

Dude, not only is your video helpful but you had me cracking up with your strange but hilarious little interludes 😂😂

[@TheRecordist]

Hahahah. Why thank you kindly, Matt! Cheers!

[@Siziksu]

Great video. I love the SM57, it's an awesome mic.

[@TheRecordist]

Thanks! And I agree!

[@chrisose]

The 57 and 58 have exactly the same capsule and transformer. The extra brightness in the 57 is because of the absence of any windscreen. With the A2WS windscreen attached you need an oscilloscope to tell the difference in frequency response between the two. It should also be noted that the SM7, until the latest revision, used the same Unidyne-3 capsule as the 57 and 58.

[@kidthorazine]

TBH the difference in brightness in this example is also less than the variance I've heard between two different SM-58s.

[@chrissims6289]

Exactly...I own 1 mike, the SM58. WHEN I BOUGHT MY FIRST MINIATURE STUDIO 1 MIKE, HEADPHONES, 5" SPEAKERS AND USING CAKEWALK I needed vocals and instrument miking I Knew it was essentially the same mike as 57 but thought I heard or read there was a different different freq. curve due to a capacitor or something to cut a freq. but knew I could EQ IT BACK IN IF NEED BE but seems to sound the same when I record an amp I use it bare-naked like the 57 NO foam or grille.

[@APMTenants]

The sm7 capsule is similar. It’s true that it is a unidyne iii, but it never was identical. That said, the optional sm82ws foam windscreen will get you close to the sound of an sm7.

[@jacobangel98]

Dude you're hilarious and this demo was great, not only that but now I know which pop filter I'm going with AND I would have never found the song Romulus without your recommendation which brought me to tears, so thank you for that, stay awesome

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. Thanks, Jacob! Isn’t Romulus a hauntingly beautiful song? It gets me every time. I’m so glad you found it! Thanks for watching!

[@h.c.7799]

I suddenly realized that I am done with the SM57 sound. 😂Thank you for this video. Time to move on to a new sound 😊

[@TheRecordist]

Might I suggest moving away from dynamics and on to large diaphragm condenser mics? Give the sE4400 a try.

[@stevengonzalez7545]

Dang, SM57 sounded warmer and I’m excited cause I just bought mine !

[@TheRecordist]

57 sounded warmer to you? Excellent!

[@sdigitize6006]

Presentation style is superb, just like the Iconic 57.

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks so much!

[@catjack90]

You are awesome, great stuff!

[@TheRecordist]

@@catjack90 hahaha. Well thank you very much!

[@joshuamathews5507]

A-Sm58, B-Sm57. This is based on hearing more bass in B - Surprised, I would have expected that there would be more of a bass response on the 57, but in retrospect the pop filter would cut the high end, which is what caused the deeper bass response in the 58.

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. Actually, when you put them together, even without the pop filter (which is incredibly thin) the 58 is a bit bassier. And that’s by design, I think. Less shrill for live PA situations. Less prone to high end feedback which is the most ear-piercing. But I would have thought the same thing you did! Thanks for watching!

[@oldoutsider59]

Outstanding review. Maximum info, minimum gab. Well done sir.

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. Thank you kindly! I appreciate the comment! Cheers!

[@suisiruy]

I loved this video from the beginning. The end surprised me in a grotesque but joyful way!

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. Well thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@KarlBertyn]

I love this video. Great sense of humor. I didnt know you measured at 6 inches at the base. lol

[@TheRecordist]

Hahahaha! Cheers!

[@zeluizsn869]

Bought It today! Thanks.

[@TheRecordist]

Woo hoo! Congrats!

[@WhatTheHeckOffiziell]

Man you are great! Love the Quality of your Videos! You deserve so much more Followers! Greetings from Germany

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. Thank you! Perhaps one day I’ll get a ton of followers! Thanks for watching! Greetings from Canada!

[@Woot-Zee]

LOL... the "measuring tape" jokes got me! Thank you for the laugh! :)

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. You’re very welcome! I usually do a measuring tape bit in every video! Cheers!

[@JorgeRodriguez-gf3xs]

Awesome channel. Subscribed right away

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks, Jorge! Cheers!

[@Tewahedo]

Thank you!

[@TheRecordist]

You’re very welcome!

[@RichLunaMusic]

Hahaha dude, you're hilarious! I don't know why you remind me of if Zach Galifianakis was a Rockstar. I got the SM58 for my work room and the stage if I ever do but the SM57 is prolly gonna be my next mic for acoustic geetar and amp when I'm doing electric. It was hard to choose, there's so many great mics for a great price in this world. Keep doing what you're doing. Also, is the intro ring inspired by Doctor Strange? :)

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. Thanks very much! The SM57 is a fantastic mic. Can’t go wrong. The intro is kind of inspired that way. More so time travel.

[@rolandberendonck3900]

Keep up that incredible story on your measuring tape please!!! The more I see it and the more serious you talk about it, the more hilarious it gets 🤣

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. I always do the measuring tape bit when something can be measured. Haha. I think I only forgot one time. Thanks!

[@FutureVegan]

That was a fantastic video, but I still have some doubts. I'm looking for a mic solution to reduce the echo in my studio. Currently I'm using a zoom h5 with the zoom ssh6 capsule. From what I've seen and read it seems that perhaps the SM58 might be the best option to reduce echo and noise. I already got 2 fetheads thinking I would buy the SM7B, but now I don't know what to do. If you watch my last video you'll see how the sound currently is (and it is a treated small studio room with 10 sound panels). Any help / feedback would be much appretiated. Thanks!

[@FutureVegan]

I will be connectig the mic to the zoom h5. Also my original idea was to get a setup that would allow me to shoot a podcast with 2 mics in an untreated room.

[@TheRecordist]

Hi there. I watched some of your video. The room reverb isn’t terribly bad but I see what you’re saying. First things first, the SSH6 cartridge is not the greatest sound. It’s also a shotgun mic, which won’t sound ideal indoors. If I may, I would recommend the Shure SM57 along with a fethead and a foam pop screen. Not only will this greatly improve your audio, it will help reduce your room sounds. Of course, nothing is ever 100%. You may still get a little room sound, but it should be improved. The SM7B is also a great choice but much more expensive. The Shure SM58 is a less articulate mic. The high end sounds a bit more muffled. The SM57 is a much more alive mic. Same price. Also, two SM57s along with two pop filters is still cheaper that one SM7B. But if you don’t mind spending the money, the SM7B is a great mic. You’ll need to use a dynamic mic the same way as you’re using the shotgun mic - right in front of your mouth, but a little off the side. 45 degrees on axis. Hope this helps!

[@FutureVegan]

@@TheRecordist wow, many thanks for your help. Do you think there would be an audible difference in echo / reverb between the sm7b and the sm57 with a pop filter?

[@TheRecordist]

@@FutureVegan hey no worries. Well, the SM7B might do a little better in that department due to the way it’s made. Also, the SM7B comes with two pop filters and is already internally shockmounted. So it’s kind of a complete solution. As long as you have a FetHead, you’re good. If not, I’d go for the SM7dB. It has an in-line preamp built in. Hope this helps!

[@theshareman8390]

great show

[@TheRecordist]

Thanks!

[@enigmabletchley6936]

Simples: I have both. But I am thinking of adding a second 57 for XY recording of acoustic guitar. I'll even have money left over for a second mic stand...

[@TheRecordist]

Gotta love how cheap yet how great the 57 is!

[@joseherrera2634]

I have 57 that I’m trying to use to record a resonator guitar with it doesn’t pickup much sound unless I throw an overdrive pedal in line and extra cables. I researched a bit and read about some people trying mic boosts such as the fethead, cloud lifter, and SE DM-1. Do you have any opinion on if that’s the way to go

[@TheRecordist]

That’s weird. The 57 should definitely pick that up without issue. What interface are you using?

[@bustamante-music]

yooo you're clean with the guitar do you have any advice how to have less noise bleed when you're playing?

[@TheRecordist]

Hi there. Louder amp and placing the mic further away. Or using a guitar amp de-noise plugin. Or a gate. Or a legal ground lift device (sometimes). For my review or versus videos, I can’t do that because it wouldn’t be an accurate review. So I can’t use any processing or anything and it’s just raw.

[@TomasWatchReviews]

Wonderful video. For youtube SM58 silver ball catches eyes too much, black would be perfect. SM57 looks slim and so cool. I think SM57 with small pop foam would still look better than SM58 with foam, because of the smaller cooler size.

[@TheRecordist]

I agree. I also like the SM57 bore for sound reasons. But live on a stage, you can’t find better than a good old classic SM58. But you’re right about the 57 and the foam. Check out the A2WS pop filter: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/68595-REG/Shure_A2WS_BLK_A2WS_BK_Black_Foam_Locking.html Thanks for watching!

[@genghisbunny]

I'm guessing the sm57 is mic B. I vastly preferred its guitar sound on electric, out was much less harsh than mic a, which let the grunt ring out down low. Mic A sounded a little better to me on acoustic, and I'm assuming that's the sm58, which is better tuned to vocal/acoustic frequency ranges. Looking forward to finding out I'm wrong in 3... 2...

[@genghisbunny]

I'm surprised, I'd really happily use my 58 on guitar cabs, which I'd previously thought it was less suited to.

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. A lot of people are surprised by the results. But fear not! They both can and have been used for everything all over albums for 50 years - including guitar cabs. I know you might hear this a lot, but it really is whatever you prefer. There is no master engineer who hears a song where the guitar cab was miked with a 58 and said, “it would have been better if they had used a 57”. Haha. You can do anything with anything, as long as the gear doesn’t suck or is otherwise crappy. Thanks for the comment!

[@genghisbunny]

@@TheRecordist thanks, yeah, I love my sm58, and I've done some great recordings with my Dad's 1960s Sennheiser MD421s, mostly acoustic grand piano, which nobody "recommends" them for, but their tolerance of high SPLs that makes them a famed drum overhead also saves them clipping on the piano, and setting them as a stereo pair was fantastic. I've also got a lot of live recordings Dad made with the 421s of church services and concerts which, while they have a lot of "room sound", hold up very well for things done in the 70s and 80s on open reel recorders.

[@TheRecordist]

@@genghisbunny oh yes! 421s are fantastic! Jealous!

[@itscarlosreally]

Always a pleasure, good sir. Even if you did shoot first.

[@TheRecordist]

Hahah. Hey Carlos! Thanks so much! The pleasure is all mine, my good man!

[@BobSchoepenjr]

Nice vid ! You ‘re an artist 😊

[@TheRecordist]

Thank you, sir!

[@Undefined9]

Looking to do podcasts and saw someone on here put a Shure A81WS on a 57 and it sounded just like a Shure SMB7. Went back and forth on a 57 and 58, but I'm ordering the windscreen and the 57 because of that since I'm not plopping down $400!

[@TheRecordist]

You know, I’m going to be doing a video in the next few weeks trying to get an SM57 to sound like an SM7B. I’ll even try it to an SM58. While the A81WS will help, it will not get the 57 to sound like a 7B. There are some huge differences. But an EQ curve will help. I’m going to attempt that. Thanks for watching!

[@soundswaroop]

Damn. You are tooo god. Thnx. All the love from Nepal. I am buying SM57 and pronouncing your name as soon as I get it..what's you name XD 😘😘😘

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. Thanks so much! I’m Nate.

[@knorke3642]

Got them both...used them both...for each application you mentioned, including hammering nails into hard surfaces. Actually my SM 58 blooped out of existence in...well not 2012 but there abouts. Can´t find it anymore but it´s there somewhere...I hope.

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha! It’ll turn up. They seem to enjoy playing with the quantum field. Hahaha. Cheers!

[@SlinkiestTortoise23]

@@TheRecordist That is so uncanny, my SM57 popped in and out of existence numerous times and I suspect it was due to a portals!

[@APMTenants]

If you remove the basket from the sm58, it will sound basically identical to an sm57. Likewise, if you use the optional A2WS foam with an sm57 it will sound very close to an sm58. The optional sm81ws foam pop filter will make the 57 sound close to an sm7.

[@TheRecordist]

Somewhat true. But there are a few differences. The headbaskets have a lot more to do with the sound of mic than a lot of people realize. I’ve done these exact things and still I could tell the difference. But close.

[@APMTenants]

@@TheRecordist “basically” and “close” being the operative words

[@TheRecordist]

@@APMTenants of course. Understood.

[@massimilianoasara]

nice video, thx. I’ve got both. but I’m using sm57 mostly. Thanks to this comparison I’ll be keeping into account sm58 as well for harsh sources. During the AB test it was immediately clear, this is it, this is it… wow is it?

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. No prob! They’re bother excellent mics-each for their own reasons. Thanks for watching!

[@g.o.9513]

Sounds so good on SM57

[@TheRecordist]

It sure does! What a great and cheap mic!

[@tallciaran]

I was debating between getting 58 or 57 but I am gonna get the 57 because I want to record my amp

[@TheRecordist]

The 57 is an all-round great multipurpose microphone. It’s a great choice!

[@veljkozlatkovic440]

I am looking for one of these 2 mics for multiple purposes. I do play live and I need one so I can stop borrowing mics. But i also want to start recording my own music at home after I buy something like a yamaha ag06. Which one would you recommend for all of these different uses? In an ideal situation I would get both, but that is not a possibility right now...

[@TheRecordist]

Hey. Well, I really am partial to the SM57, but live it will really pick up a lot of your plosives unless you also purchase a pop filter that goes over it. You can’t go wrong with either but for me? I’d pick the 57 because I do a lot of recording. If you do more live, then the 58 is great. The 58 can be used to record with also, and it’s really nice. Just a bit darker. Hope this helps!

[@Thestripper1]

Hi. Thanks for another great video. I want to use my sm57 to record me speaking on my Zoom H4 but I get really low sound level. What would you recommend?

[@TheRecordist]

Hey. Well, that’s to be expected. The SM57 has a low output. You need a lot of gain to get a good signal. The best way is to get more gain is to use an in-line preamp such as a Triton FetHead, sE Dynamite, or a Cloudlifter. This goes between the mic and the recorder. You then use phantom power to power it up. This will boost your signal with a clean 30dBs. Hope this helps!

[@Thestripper1]

@@TheRecordist But I just watched your review of the CL-1. You know the video you end with "Go f**** yourself San Diego". In this video you also talk about the noise problem with the in--line amps. Does this mean I can't get a good voice recording with the sm57 and the Zoom H4? This makes me feel a little sad in fact.

[@TheRecordist]

@@Thestripper1 oh. So sorry. I had some noise issues with my particular CL-1. They’re not inherently noisy. Also, the CL-1 is the most expensive of them all. Try for a FetHead or Dynamite. Much cheaper and not noisy at all. I just had a dud. But I must say, the preamps in the H4 are terrible and very noisy anyway. The in-line preamp will not cure the recorder of its own noise, but it will help reduce it by making sure it doesn’t need to work as hard.

[@Thestripper1]

​@@TheRecordist The CL-1 noise seems to be a very common issue. If they are all duds then by definition none of them are duds, it's just the way they are then. Perhaps a Zoom u24 and recording on a phone would be the better choice for me? Or another battery powered interface perhaps? I'm very new to this and my head is spinning from all the new information I've learned. I just want to use the sm57, in field, to record mostly speech. I thought it would be a simple task since we are in the future and all you know :)

[@Kagan4099]

which audio interface would you recommend for the sm57? And keep up the great work!

[@TheRecordist]

Hi there. Most audio interfaces will do just fine with an SM57. A lot of people like the Focusrite Scarletts. I’m partial to Universal Audio Apollo units. But if you’re looking for a lot of clean gain, a Sound Devices MixPre 3 II recorder can be used as an audio interface. Hope this helps!

[@tommythecat4698]

I'll throw in a Motu M2/M4 recommendation (m4 if you need more input/output). I bought one to replace my old unit from 2004 and the quality is amazing, and it has direct monitoring. A selling point for me was that it has super low round trip latency, for example you can play and listen software synths in realtime with no delay.

[@TheRecordist]

@@tommythecat4698 oh that’s great! I haven’t had a chance to play with a Motu. Perhaps I’ll review one in the future. Thanks for chiming in!

[@a7dfj8aerj]

Since you are already recording both can you make left channel SM57 and right SM58 i just want to hear the same thing from them at the same time next time please

[@TheRecordist]

Hi. Well that’s an unusual request that most people wouldn’t enjoy, so I don’t think that’s how I would do videos in the future. Sorry about that.

[@-theNerd]

Maybe my ears are messed up, but you sounded pretty great on that 57-just sayin. Be interesting to see you work your preset magic on one!

[@TheRecordist]

Oh yes. The 57 is a fabulous but often overlooked mic for spoken word. It’s actually the mic that every US president has used since Johnson on their lecterns. It just needs a little finessing and it’s crazy good. And so cheap!

[@mularaikar]

Hi ,which microphone would you recommend for an Indian bamboo flute(Bansuri).Kindly advise. Cheers!!

[@TheRecordist]

Between the Shure SM57 and SM58 I would go with the SM57. But ideally, I would use a condenser mic. Either the Line Audio CM4 (or two for stereo) or bigger like a Lauten Audio LS-208. This is assuming your interface or recorder has phantom power of course. Hope this helps!

[@bucksmoonlightrevival]

my guess is A: 57 and B:58 based on your speech sounds a bit bassy-er with the 58

[@TheRecordist]

Ding ding! You got it!

[@civilfieldengineer]

Sir, I am beginner. I want to record my written poetry professionally. In which my line will go in high tone and will also come in low tone. Tell me such dynamic mic and audio interface. So that I can record and mix later. My room is not sound proof. My total budget is $300. But a shopkeeper told me that you cannot do recording with dynamic mic. Please tell me what should I do. Tell me such a mic and audio interface that I will not regret after buying. If I Buy : AUDIENT ID4 + SHURE SM58 + SHURU 240 HEADPHONES = Will this setup be good or not?

[@TheRecordist]

I don’t know who told you that you can’t record your poetry with a dynamic. You absolutely can. Perhaps they were telling you that a condenser is preferred. This is true but your also need a very quiet location to record without any reverberation in your space. You said yours is not sound proof, so I assume you also mean it’s not acoustically treated. A dynamic mic will help with that. For you, the Audient ID4 is more than enough, a Shure SM58 will also work. The Shure 240 is kind of junk. I’d save some money on the interface and go with Audient Evo and then get the Sony MDR-7506 headphones instead. Unless, you won’t be mastering your own stuff, in which case it really doesn’t matter about your headphones. Just make sure they’re closed back. You might also want to invest in a pop screen to help with plosives. If you do get a pop screen, an SM57 will be slightly better for your voice work. Also, make sure the Shure mic comes with a cable. If not, you’ll need to get one. I hope this helps!

[@supasoulproductions]

Which one should you buy? 2 of each.

[@TheRecordist]

I’m partial to the SM57s!

[@ThePond135]

Such high quality content with such little subscribers... how weird

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. Well thanks! I’m growing slowly I guess!

[@peshrawable]

Plapease make review of mic stand

[@TheRecordist]

Which one?

[@peshrawable]

For youtube setup

[@seok84]

I love your videos haha. I have a question Im just curious... shure claims both mics are exactly the same except for the popfilter. Why does everyone compare them all the time?

[@TheRecordist]

Hey thanks! Well, they are two very different sounding mics and all due to the placement of the cartridges and the resonator grille. It doesn’t seem like it’ll make a huge difference but it does. The 57 has a much more pronounced proximity effect and also a higher output at about 5khz. The comparison is mainly because they’re exactly the same price and people what to know which one they should buy of the two. Since one is more articulate (57) and the other is more rounded and with better plosive control (58), they each have their purposes. Here’s an article explaining better. www.shure.com/en-US/performance-production/louder/faq-whats-the-difference-between-the-sm58-and-the-sm57 Hope this helps!

[@seok84]

@TheRecordist thanks! So kind for the reply! I have a podmic for singing but sounds a little too harsh but im keeping it cuz it looks so cool on stage :) sm7b is too expensive so was considering buying a sm57 with the foam. Thank you!

[@TheRecordist]

@@seok84 hey no problem! Glad I could help! Cheers!

[@h.c.7799]

The SM58 is flexible in the studio as you can easily unscrew the grille for a more airy sound.

[@TheRecordist]

Sure. You can do that. It doesn’t become a 57, but it will change the sound for sure.

[@cupcakes4100]

Hello Mr! If I were to scream or growl using metal style on any one of them, is SM57 is still able to handle it?

[@TheRecordist]

Oh yes. In theory the SM57 could handle the up-close capture of a rocket launch!

[@cupcakes4100]

Tyyy!!!

[@lemmacdougall7202]

I used probably 6 sm 57's at once when micing bands over a period of 10 years. All of them oozed out brown goop from their innards at some point, rendering them useless. So I'm not sure that they are legacy mics. Certainly not for us. All were replaced with AKG mics which were more reliable.

[@TheRecordist]

In my 30+ years of working with pro audio - both recorded and live - I have never heard of that ever. I have a 57 from 1993 that still kicks ass and has even had beer spilled on it back in the day. That’s so strange.

[@wychwoodmusic]

I'm hearing the 57 as brighter than the 58 on vocals, but darker on the cab and guitar. Is that because of the proximity effect, or are my ears out to lunch?

[@TheRecordist]

Hmm. To my ears it sounded crisper on the 57. Which speakers are you using?

[@wychwoodmusic]

@@TheRecordist I... may have had a moment of auditory dyslexia when you revealed what Mic A and B were. (Either that or I'm highly suggestible when someone replies direct!) Anyways, today I'm hearing more bass on the 58 (mic B to be clear!) through two different pairs of headphones (Sennheiser 350BT and some Source special, not that it matters at this point) and old Akai speakers handed down from my grandpa. Anyways, sorry, and thanks for the reply!

[@TheRecordist]

@@wychwoodmusic oh hahaha. No worries! Don’t be sorry! I have to double and triple check sometimes myself. I often get listening fatigue and that’s when I know I’ve got to take a break and do something else for a while. Even listen the next day. It’s no problem!

[@ronsronshirt4177]

presence of a filter seems to matter more than the model unless it's for instrumentation..

[@TheRecordist]

Perhaps so. But even the head basket imparts its own characteristics. Thanks for the comment!

[@hobonickel840]

thanks.. if you could get ksm109 for same price would you?

[@TheRecordist]

Hey. No worries! I would not personally get a KSM109. Maybe a KM137 instead. But these are SDC mics and compared to the SM58 or SM57, the KSM109’s are completely different than the dynamic, as I’m sure you know. I’ve found that by saving a little longer to spend a little more, you can get something you truly love. And not settle on a mediocre mic. I’m sorry if you had your heart set on it, but that’s my own experience. Yours may be different. Thanks for watching!

[@JR-lx8nn]

You failed to mention the most important factoid about these two microphones - The SM57 and SM58 microphones are based on the same cartridge design. The main difference is in the grille design. The SM58 was designed for vocal application and it uses a ball grille that acts as an effective pop filter. The SM57 was designed as an instrument microphone where a smaller grille size is preferred. In this application, pop and wind are not usually a concern. The SM57 uses an integral resonator/grille assembly, where grille is actually a part of the cartridge. These two grille designs place the diaphragm of each microphone in a different acoustical environment. The distance from the top of the grille to the diaphragm is shorter on the SM57 compared to that of the SM58. This allows for a closer miking position with a more pronounced proximity effect. The different resonator/grille assembly design of the SM57 is also responsible for its slightly higher output above 5 kHz. The commenter below is mistaken - it is not "exactly the same capsule and transformor" because it is a cartridge not a capsule (condensers are capsules, dynamics are cartridges) and it should be spelled "transformer." Moreover, as noted above, the grille is an integral part of the cartridge, and the whole point is they are not the same grille assembly. The above two paragraphs are more accurate and were written by SHURE, itself. Just saying - JHT

[@TheRecordist]

I did fail to mention that - though I don’t know why. I did know these things. Oh well. Thanks for the clarification!

[@JR-lx8nn]

@@TheRecordist I apologize for using the word "fail" because it may convey an unintended negative tone, and did not intend to sound critical. Sorry. I edited the comment accordingly. Thanks for the polite reply. JHT

[@TheRecordist]

@@JR-lx8nn oh hahaha. It’s no problem. I took your meaning without ill will! Cheers!

[@cameraheadstudios]

The 57 would be the one over here.

[@TomCee53]

You said SM58 was 40-15khz. Specs say 50-15khz. The SM57 is 40-15khz. Probably never hear the difference.

[@TheRecordist]

Did I say 40Hz? Shart. I should have said 50Hz. You are correct. Sorry about that. And no. You’ll never hear the difference. Haha

[@uguronlineShorts]

Türkiyeden selamlar ev sütütyomda podcast şiir vokal seslendirme için hangisini tercih etmeliyim

[@TheRecordist]

Merhaba! Her iki mikrofon arasında Shure SM57'yi seçerdim. Çok daha açık sözlü. İzlediğiniz için teşekkürler! (Hello! Between both microphones, I would choose the Shure SM57. It is much more articulate. Thank you for watching!)

[@paganmadnessYT]

I guessed right... but the question is: How do they compare with the ball cage off from the SM58?

[@TheRecordist]

Pretty similarly, actually-with the exception of having zero plosive control. It does increase a bit of the highs with the ball screwed off, but not as much as you’d think. Thanks for watching!

[@paganmadnessYT]

@@TheRecordist Thanks for the quick reply! I thought the only difference between these two is just the grill (and that you get a "free" SM57 twisting the cage off). But you say the 57 still has more heights? Sounds like you have to make a new video :)

[@TheRecordist]

@@paganmadnessYT haha. Good idea!

[@h.c.7799]

Olden days harsh PA or low quality PA require SM58's. New Hifi PA will do your voice so much better with a modern mic (Sennheiser E935, SE V7, etc)

[@TheRecordist]

I disagree. Mics and speakers remain virtually the same now as always. Mic choice is subjective. An sE V7 might feed back or cause signal-sourced harshness just as much as an SM58. At the end of the day, both are dynamic mics; a moving coil design. Same thing.

[@TheSeandroid]

I own the SM58 but now I’m feeling very envious of the high end on the 57. Hm.

[@TheRecordist]

Oh I love the SM57! It’s an industry standard for a reason! You can’t ever go wrong getting one. Cheers!

[@thephoenix2304]

I’ve owned the 57 for 25 yrs and I use it on everything. That little boost on the highs really helps my dark baritone voice shine on home recordings

[@UrbaNSpiel]

Thanx

[@TheRecordist]

You’re very welcome!

[@the_boss45]

Thanks for the video it was very helpful. You’re sort of a crazy person but that’s ok. There is not still radio

[@TheRecordist]

Yes. I am insane. I ask people if they have any Grey Poupon whilst whispering creepily. 🤓

[@john_duncan]

I like the 58 better for guitars.

[@TheRecordist]

It’s darker for sure! I like them both for different applications.

[@UnclePojer]

A - 57 B - 58

[@TheRecordist]

Nailed it!

[@fennixshark2584]

I love my 58 but the self noise is something that I don’t really like.

[@TheRecordist]

Dynamics like the SM series have very little (if any) inherent noise. It’s the preamps that you’re hearing. Try it on a Grace Design M101 preamp. You’ll notice how quiet it is.

[@fennixshark2584]

@@TheRecordist maybe, I am not s(h)ure though. I use a Vocaster and even a condenser microphone I have has less noise which is weird and doesn’t make much sense to me. Maybe it’s just a frequency in my untreated space that the 58 pics up more. Anyway I really enjoy these comparisons, thank you for this interesting video!

[@TheRecordist]

@@fennixshark2584 hahaha. Thanks very much! It’s quieter on your condenser because the gain on your preamp is set much lower. Look at where you have to crank it to for the 58 vs the condenser. When the preamp works extra hard, it starts to get noisy. That’s all. Thanks again for the kind words!

[@DrEibein-Elektrokackemusiker]

A 57, B 58

[@TheRecordist]

Correct!

[@derickcofell9004]

My guess is A: 57 B: 58

[@TheRecordist]

Nailed it!

[@knockofftapeundisclosed]

you got distortion on your voice??

[@TheRecordist]

No. These are raw recordings. Though, I did use a limiter on the MixPre recorder due to the amount of times I was trying to ram plosives into the mic. And the MixPre limiter is analog. So perhaps you’re detecting some analog saturation from the limiter?

[@neilquarrell7551]

Got a 58 for live vocals. Got a copy 57 without a transformer, For live acoustic guitar recording. Works for me.

[@TheRecordist]

Hey man, that’s what it’s all about! If it works for you then that’s all that matters! And for the record, I still have yet to try a better live performance vocal mic than the good old SM58. Good stuff!

[@neilquarrell7551]

@@TheRecordistYep, what works for you. Why pay for a name when a copy works

[@yaoguangtang1759]

In guitar session, fret sound from Mic 1 could cause goosebumps , that's SM57. I love SM57 more. Sm57 could easily dress up as SM58. But conversely, SM58 is harder to turn into SM57.

[@TheRecordist]

Well said! That's why my choice between the two is definitely the 57! Thanks for watching!

[@yaoguangtang1759]

@@TheRecordist Thanks for your videos, especially the part about Shure history

[@TheRecordist]

@@yaoguangtang1759 hey no problem!

[@alvarohernandez2764]

A sm57 B sm58

[@TheRecordist]

Correct!

[@NavesNiche]

Lol love your humor

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. Thanks so much! Cheers!

[@aftersinrecords1746]

SM58 IS POWER 💪💪

[@TheRecordist]

It’s an awesome mic!

[@G33G33]

Came for the comparison, stayed for the twin peaks references

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. I love when people find my Easter eggs! Cheers!

[@catinathermostat6416]

twin peaks

[@TheRecordist]

Woo hoo!

[@aleblackiron]

A sm58 B SM57 .. YES?

[@TheRecordist]

Hey. So sorry. I don’t understand. Are you asking a question?

[@gigiarisci5075]

Actually the 57 and the 58 are exact the same microphones only the top is different ....

[@TheRecordist]

Of course. But you can really hear the difference the head basket can make in a microphone.

[@Diddi150]

I think A is the SM57 and B is the SM58.

[@TheRecordist]

You got it! Cheers!

[@lrnwgrld]

11:51 🫡

[@lrnwgrld]

Getting an SM57 because of this video :-)

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. Right on! Enjoy!

[@disprefer]

I'm here for "mouth junk"

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. Cheers!

[@deadthelongyear7486]

İ like the cern joke

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. Thanks!

[@jamespaulcapitle747]

Sm57 is B

[@TheRecordist]

B is SM58 I think. Haha.

[@SeriouslyTechStuff]

CERN blip lol

[@TheRecordist]

Hahaha. You know it!

[@edwardk3]

I chose the 58. The 57 is possibly hurtful to women.

[@TheRecordist]

Haha. How so?

[@edwardk3]

​@@TheRecordist I'm very glad you asked. I understand that it may seem like a joke or Merry making to some, but it is quite serious. I'm glad you are interested to know more. That shows you are on the right track. Representation and Gender Bias: The music production and audio engineering industry has historically been male-dominated. Women are often underrepresented in technical roles, including sound engineering, microphone design, and production. Lack of representation can perpetuate gender biases and stereotypes. When women don’t see themselves reflected in these fields, it can discourage their participation and limit their opportunities. Product Design and Marketing: Microphone design, including the SM57, has traditionally catered to male voices and preferences. This bias can affect microphone features, such as frequency response curves and sensitivity. Marketing materials and endorsements often feature male artists and engineers, reinforcing the idea that these products are primarily for men. Gendered Language and Assumptions: Technical discussions around microphones sometimes use gendered language. For example, terms like “warm,” “bright,” or “aggressive” may subtly reinforce gender stereotypes. Assumptions about vocal characteristics based on gender can influence microphone choices. Women may feel pressured to conform to certain vocal norms. Workplace Environment and Harassment: Women working in audio production, including live sound and recording studios, may face gender-based discrimination and harassment. Hostile work environments can deter women from pursuing careers in audio technology. Microphones like the SM57 are often used in these settings. Visibility and Role Models: Lack of visible female role models in the industry can hinder progress. When women don’t see successful female sound engineers, producers, or microphone designers, it becomes harder to envision themselves in those roles. Celebrating and promoting the achievements of women in audio can inspire future generations. Equitable Access and Opportunities: Women need equal access to training, education, and resources related to audio technology. This includes workshops, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities. Ensuring that women have a seat at the table during product development and decision-making processes is crucial for creating inclusive and gender-neutral equipment.

[@TheRecordist]

@@edwardk3 all of that was well said. I’m 100% on board with all of that. I must admit, when I started this channel, I thought I would have more women who watch, but when I started seeing my demographics, I was dismayed to find more than 95% male viewers. I realized that this is indeed a male dominated industry and I wondered how I could change that. I’m a dude, after all. And it’s just me. I do follow as many women in the audio industry as I can on social media, and I fully support women progressing, and even surpassing, men in this field. When it comes to SM57 vs SM58, I would pick the 57 for my own voice. It should be based on that and that alone. What sounds best for your own voice. But thank you very much for your thorough explanation here. I had wrongly assumed your intention was the opposite, hence the laugh. Thanks for this!

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

​@@edwardk3that's quite a stretch in mental gymnastics, which is why I stopped associating with other musicians years ago. Inundated with insane commies. Have fun being a mental case.

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

​@@TheRecordistyou're f'd in the head too for agreeing with this madness. Bunch of clowns ruined the hobby with your perverse world views.

[@MichaelMoynihan-mb2lu]

a is 58 b is 57

[@TheRecordist]

It was the opposite! Haha.

[@brinta2868]

You have a very strange sense of humour.

[@TheRecordist]

Do I? Hahaha

[@theleastsignificantbit4794]

Excellent content! Subscribed.

[@TheRecordist]

@@theleastsignificantbit4794 thank you very much!