Difference between 57 and 58

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Lomas

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Hey, I've got a quick and probably easy to answer question:

What's the difference between a Shure 57 and a Shure 58 microphone?

Thanks!
 
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You're also able to get physically closer to the diaphragm on the 57 that has quite an effect on a vocal tone for example.
 
Actually, the 57 goes down to 40Hz where the 58 goes to 50Hz, so the 57 would work better for low end response.

LDT2
 
LDT2 said:
Actually, the 57 goes down to 40Hz where the 58 goes to 50Hz, so the 57 would work better for low end response.
LDT2
The capsules are EXACTLY the same.....................
 
NL5 said:
What does that have to do with the frequency response? The capsule is only one part of the equation. These two mics, however, share almost everything in common, save for the grill - which, according to Shure, effects the low end response slightly.

Which I find interesting as well. The response graphs show the 58 has a few db more low-end response than the 57, but the 57 is listed as 40hz, the 58 at 50hz.

The response graph bears out my experience, no matter what the advertised spec is. I find the 58 to have more exaggerated proximity effect on vocals, perhaps because with the ball end people can really "eat" the mic. :confused:
 
The 57 and 58 are not the same microphone.

The 57 is a great studio mic that can be used on anything from amps to toms. The 58 shouldn't even be near a studio, unless you need a scratch vocal track -- it's designed as a live vocal mic. The mid-range and presence are boosted through a 58 to help the vocal cut through a live mix (which serves its purpose, but sounds terrible on a studio recording). The 57 has a flatter frequency response and also captures a fuller low end (there's supposed to be about a 10Hz difference on the low ends of the two mics, too).

If you want a cheap vocal mic, I recommend checking out a reasonably priced condensor like a Studio Projects C1 or an Oktava MK series.
 
EuyandoStar said:
The 58 shouldn't even be near a studio
Somebody better tell Bono that all those tracks he recorded with a 58 are crap.

Dude, do you even know what you're talking about? The 58 can be the perfect recording mic for the voice it suits.
 
EuyandoStar said:
The 57 and 58 are not the same microphone.

The 57 is a great studio mic that can be used on anything from amps to toms. The 58 shouldn't even be near a studio, unless you need a scratch vocal track -- it's designed as a live vocal mic. The mid-range and presence are boosted through a 58 to help the vocal cut through a live mix (which serves its purpose, but sounds terrible on a studio recording). The 57 has a flatter frequency response and also captures a fuller low end (there's supposed to be about a 10Hz difference on the low ends of the two mics, too).

If you want a cheap vocal mic, I recommend checking out a reasonably priced condensor like a Studio Projects C1 or an Oktava MK series.
Take the ball off the 58 and you have turned it into a 57. It's magic!
 
I don't think I've ever seen a "What's the difference between a 57 nand 58?" thread before.
 
chessrock said:
I don't think I've ever seen a "What's the difference between a 57 nand 58?" thread before.


:rolleyes:

Try the search function, noob. Geez.....................
 
chessrock said:
I don't think I've ever seen a "What's the difference between a 57 nand 58?" thread before.

easychair said:
:rolleyes:

Try the search function, noob. Geez.....................

I think there may have been a hint of sarcasim in that statment....
 
Blue Bear Sound said:
The capsules are EXACTLY the same.....................


Hey Blue...you ever get tired of sayin' it over and over? :D
 
thajeremy said:
I think there may have been a hint of sarcasim in that statment....

Nah, I have to help him with this stuff a lot- the poor guy is kinda slow. :(
 
Blue Bear Sound said:
The capsules are EXACTLY the same.....................

BUT.....Which one is "THE BEST"? :D

I think Im gonna start a poll........
 
so if they are the exact same mic, then why do people always recommend a SM57 for micing a snare, and not a 58?
 
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