Shure SM57 setup

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kasim

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I am looking to buy a Sm57 and would like to know if the m-audio fast track c400 would work well with it. Has anyone used this, and are there any specific types of interfaces that you would recommend? Also, what do you think of the SM57 itself? I'm looking to buy it simply because of the favourable reviews it gets from a lot of people, and right now I need a dynamic because of the environment I'm in (house noises and small room with window which leaks noise).
 
Not a bad set up for a start.

The SM57 is a microphone, not a GREAT one, nor a BAD one.

But one that many, many people get very usable results from on a wide variety of sources.

So I'd say go for it.
 
I disagree, it's definitely a great mic.

Works well on rack toms, snare, high hat, vocals (well SOME vocals), distorted guitar, as a second mic on acoustic and I'm sure a host of other sources.

I do think it does better on some sources than others, but that's true for any mic.
 
Guitargodgt said:
I disagree, it's definitely a great mic.

Works well on rack toms, snare, high hat, vocals (well SOME vocals), distorted guitar, as a second mic on acoustic and I'm sure a host of other sources.

I do think it does better on some sources than others, but that's true for any mic.
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A useful "workhorse" of a mic? Absolutely!

A lasting design? Yup again. The origins can be traced back to the 1930s and the actual SM57 as we know it today is around 50 years old.

However, a "great mic"? Nope. Although the SM57 is okay for everything on your list, there are better choices for every job if you're not dead set on using a single mic for everything.

For the OP, the one thing to watch is the relatively low output. The C400 is a relatively new interface that I've not had the chance to try so make sure that it has sufficient clean gain for a low output dynamic.
 
Easy!

great (gr t)

adj. great·er, great·est

1. Very large in size.
2. Larger in size than others of the same kind.
3. Large in quantity or number: A great throng awaited us. See Synonyms at large.
4. Extensive in time or distance: a great delay.
5. Remarkable or outstanding in magnitude, degree, or extent: a great crisis.
6. Of outstanding significance or importance: a great work of art.
7. Chief or principal: the great house on the estate.
8. Superior in quality or character; noble: "For he was great, ere fortune made him so" (John Dryden).
9. Powerful; influential: one of the great nations of the West.
10. Eminent; distinguished: a great leader.
11. Grand; aristocratic.
12. Informal Enthusiastic: a great lover of music.
13. Informal Very skillful: great at algebra.
14. Informal Very good; first-rate: We had a great time at the dance.
15. Being one generation removed from the relative specified. Often used in combination: a great-granddaughter.
16. Archaic Pregnant.
n.

Bearing in mind definition 16, is an SM58 a "great" SM57? :)

Seriously, the SM57 is a very useful mic and everybody should have a few in their mic box.

However, if I was going to limit myself to a single mic, would it be an SM57? Nope. I can name a ton of mics I'd rather have in that situation. My personal favourite (useless in this discussion since you can't buy them anymore) is the original C451 with removable head. I use them for almost everything and worry for the day when I have to try and replace them due to age.
 
its one of the best deals there is imo. $99, used on countless recordings, vox or guitar, built well.
I have the sm7 too and usually shave off some lower end, which the sm57 is already ok with that.
very very similar sounds, imo...

you need some good gain on the c400 specs says 50db so that will help.
 
Just make sure you buy it from a reputable dealer - there are lots of counterfeits out there.
 
I have another microphone in mind as well. It is the at2020. The problem is, my room is very small and will pick up outside noises easily and noises from the house. I heard dynamics are good for this, but a cardioid can be even better because it only picks up one direction of the sound and has a more natural frequency response. Any suggestions?
 
kasim said:
dynamics are good for this, but a cardioid can be even better
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Most mics, whether dynamic or condenser, have cardioid patterns or at least a couple different patterns. If you're worried about outside noises then I'd suggest investing in more sound isolation rather than a new mic.
 
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