Shure Sm-57

[cjacek]

Why is it that many prefer this mic in recording vocals over the 58 ?

Thanks,

Daniel

 

[demensia]

Its the same mic without a pop guard.. Just more versitile.. Add a pop guard and you have a sm58.

 

[chessparov]

It's because between the foam ball and basket of the SM58, it doesn't
sound as clear as the SM57.

Chris

 

[cjacek]

It's because between the foam ball and basket of the SM58, it doesn't
sound as clear as the SM57.

Chris

Yeah but I noticed that proximity effect is much more pronounced on the 57 than on the 58. Sooo, on one hand you have the 57, which you sing almost direct to the diaphragm whilst bringing the sensitivity higher, but also making the proximity effect much more pronounced which can be detrimental to recording. The 58 has a balance between having almost the same "brightness" and almost the same "proximity" making the 58 a better and more balanced mic for recording. My thinking is, if you were to avoid "proximity" for the 57, then you'd make sure you're a few inches, at least, away from the mic, which, then would sound more like the 58 but .... I found this not the case. For some reason, and I'd disagree with those who say the 57 is just a 58 without a windscreen and ball, I think the 57 has a slightly more bumped mid range. I think the 57 and 58 are slightly different mics on specs. Didn't anyone even see the specs for the 2 mics on the SHURE site ? It's apparent that the 57 has a higher bump on the mid-high range. It also sounds a bit thinner and more high frequency sounding than the 58 making it better for "darker" voices. What do you guys think ?

Daniel

 

[acorec]

I always advocate the use of a "pop" filter. I set the filter about 3" away from the mic. A good filter will not change the sound (in my experience) but forces you to stay within the 3" zone. I suppose you can use a wire loop with no foam. This way, the wire loop is a "face stop" You will get more consistant recordings without thinking all the time to stay away from the Proximity zone.

 

[chessparov]

They share the same capsule, however, again the differences are due to
the wire basket and foam on the SM58.
If you have someone who REALLY pops their "P's", it can be better to go
with the SM58 over the SM57.
The '57 is clearer than the SM58, this is why they sound different to you.
Objectively, the SM57 is more generally useful, due to the greater
coloration the SM58 has. Simply back off the SM57 to reduce the proximity
effect. Most home recordists, including myself, don't have professional
monitors in an acoustically treated room to better hear the differences BTW.

Chris