sm57 / sp b1

[cat-eggs]

this is kind of a crappy way to ask a question but i'm very crappy guy

i use a sm57 for everything and i might get an sp b1 based on reviews. can somebody maybe describe what the b1 sounds like in comparison to the sm57? is there a big difference? i don't know jack so just tell me in regular people language if you want huh?

thanks,
zal yanovsky

[Dot]

The B1 will sound brighter, more open and detailed compared to the 57.

The 57 is good for snare and amps, and occasionally vocals - if you're using a really good preamp.

The B1 is much more versatile, especially on acoustic gtr, drums, drum OH's, vocals. Also great on amps. A 57 and a B1 together on an amp will give you a lot of sonic options.

I recommended the B1 on this article over a year ago as a great first mic. I still recommend it. As you build your mic cabinet over time, you'll still find the B1 useful.

Dan Richards
The Listening Sessions
The Project Studio Handbook

[Gidge]

this is the best way i can explain....record an acoustic guitar with the sm57.....play it back......scratch your head and wonder why it sounds ok, but not quite right......the b1 will sound quite right......

[jdier]

I am not great at describing sounds of mics, but I will tell you that with the SM57 and B1 combo, you will have a very nice variety of sounds available. Think the SM57 sounds more sterile and the B1 sounds a bit more round, or warm.

Those are probably not the best words to describe.

Jim

[DJL]

Originally posted by cat-eggs
this is kind of a crappy way to ask a question but i'm very crappy guy

i use a sm57 for everything and i might get an sp b1 based on reviews. can somebody maybe describe what the b1 sounds like in comparison to the sm57? is there a big difference? i don't know jack so just tell me in regular people language if you want huh?

thanks,
zal yanovsky

Yes, there is a big difference... after all, one is a dynamic mic and the other is condenser mic... which also means (in these case anyway) the condenser mic has a hotter output signal and the dynamic mic can handle a higher SPL, like a snare and etc better.