Should I buy an original SM57 or an immitation?

[karambos3]

Hi,

I want to buy a few mics. Amongst others the SHURE SM57. The guy at the local shop told me that there's another brand that makes an identical mike for less money. Other than the price, apparently, there's no difference.

Is it wiser to buy the SHURE or the immitation?

thanks

 

[Leeking]

For less money, get a used SM57. That's what I did....

 

[Track Rat]

Get the real thing. They're cheap enough. Anytime you can get a decent mic for $100 you're ahead of the game.

 

[Fmmahoganyrush]

The guy at the local shop told me that there's another brand that makes an identical mike for less money.

Usually, well, at least in my experience, when the guy at the local shop say's there's another brand that's "just as good", it means that he doesn't have what I'm looking for in stock

 

[billisa]

I have no idea how much SM57's cost in Germany, so I can see that something else might appear attractive if it was less money. What is the mike the salesman is offering? Others on this board may know how it stackes up -- or perhaps you can do a search on this brand and see how it's rated.

 

[Speeddemon]

new SM57's cost in Europe anywhere between US$110-150.

Oh and I just bought a used from Ebay. Voila, an extra $95 to Customs for duties, taxes and expenses... To hell with those Customs-demons!!! GREEDY MUTHERFUCKERS!!!
LEMME TELL YA, WHEN IT COMES TO MUSIC GEAR, IT SUCKS TO BE IN EUROPE!!! AAAAARRRGGGHHHH!!!

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

A Shure SM57 is a Shure SM57, anything else... ISN'T!

(no matter what the marketing or sales guy tells you)

 

[VOXVENDOR]

Yeah, avoid the fake....I have a real 57 and a fake one, and they do not sound anything alike... the 57 is way better!

Joe

 

[christiaan]

Oh and I just bought a used from Ebay. Voila, an extra $95 to Customs for duties, taxes and expenses...

You got to be kidding!!

 

[Bob Keelan]

Buy a real 57 and have a real mic for life.

 

[ron82]

hey, since u r from germany: in case you're talking about the collins dcm57, i have that, and it sounds just like the sm57 (which of course does NOT mean its as good.. sm57 will undoubtely be the higher quality mic (and u get the mic clip, bag etc, which i didnt get with the collins mic)

so yea, go with the sm57 is what i would say, too. "because it is the real one".. lol

 

[chessparov]

Another Shure, besides the SM57, that's comparable is the Shure
545. They both use the Unidyne III element.

The Shure 545 typically sells for about $10 less (used) compared to a used SM57.

Chris

 

[tdukex]

Another Shure, besides the SM57, that's comparable is the Shure
545. They both use the Unidyne III element.

The Shure 545 typically sells for about $10 less (used) compared to a used SM57.

Chris

Yes, since I already have two 545s (that I got way cheap) I feel no need to buy a 57. But If I didn't have these already, I would accept no substitute for the SM57.

 

[chessrock]

Just get the fake.

 

[Myx62]

The Shure SM57 is a great mic and its cheap. Accept no cheap imitations.
Myx

 

[mrface2112]

i actually prefer the unidyneIII 545 that i have to the 57. sounds a little grittier to me, which is nice on rock guitar cabs and such.

BTW, if anyone knows where i can pick up a couple more of those 545's for a decent price, or if you're interested in unloading one or two, let me know. i could use a couple more.


wade

 

[Uncle Roel]

new SM57's cost in Europe anywhere between US$110-150.

I can get them brand new for 80€... You just gotta know the places man...

If I buy more than 10 I can get them somewhere around 70€...

 

[chessparov]

mr.face, funny you should ask...

I have a spare Shure 545S (has on/off switch) with mic clip in excellent condition.
Will send a "private message" detailing sales terms by tomorrow or sooner.

Thanks
Chris

P.S. Chessrock, did you ever get my PM about the Peavey mic?

 

[invisiblemute]

If you're in Europe I imagine there may be some very good replacements for the SM-57. What about the Sennheiser Evolution series? I've been paying a lot of attention to live shows (Dave Letterman, Leno, MTV VMAs, etc.) and I see fewer and fewer SM-58s and more mics that I _think_ are Sennheisers or EVs, black with a flattened ball end. I'm not positive. If I had the money I'd even look into the Beyerdynamic M88 which many on here have recommended which I have yet to actually see or hear in person. Aren't Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic both in Germany?

 

[ozraves]

I'm not a fan of the SM57 but it does have its uses. Get the real thing. I recently replaced the grill on an SM58. It was hell to find a Shure SM58 grill. Funny thing: It cost less than the imitation. Anyhow, good or bad, the only real SM57 is a real SM57.

Oh yeah, I should add I don't believe in owning more than one SM57. We got one somewhere, I think.

Steve
www.mojopie.com