giraffe
i love negative rep
it's been like 24 hrs and not one dumbass took the bait??
this place ain't what it used to be.
this place ain't what it used to be.
E
emergencyexit
New member
I'm not about read through this whole thread considering I read the first page and found people to repeat each other constantly. With that said I'll throw in what I think hoping that it was not already said.
I own a couple of these and have come to realize after the last few years that I only really use them for the things that I feel need to stick out in the mix. While I agree that the tone they produce is kind of anoying and not in any way "realistic" so the natural timbre of an instrument, I believe they compliment things that need that high mid crack "like snare drum". I would certainly never use only a 57(s) in a mix, because it would sound too much like a recording some retard threw on myspace, but it's bailed my ass out many times in mic shootouts when looking for something that really brings out the strength of a specific sound. I've also watched people drop this mic many times with out any damage being done.
I'm no expert on mics, but has anyone noticed the huge proximity effect of this mic. Any knowledge I know on that is just from sitting in front of my monitors for hours and asking the other guy I work with to move it away inch by inch. I feel like the effect of the placement of this mic is my favorite part of it, I can get a completely different sound from a foots difference, almost enough to not even consider anything else. Of course, I can't get it to sound like a condensor or ribbon, I can't even make it sound like it has a large diaphram.
Ben
I own a couple of these and have come to realize after the last few years that I only really use them for the things that I feel need to stick out in the mix. While I agree that the tone they produce is kind of anoying and not in any way "realistic" so the natural timbre of an instrument, I believe they compliment things that need that high mid crack "like snare drum". I would certainly never use only a 57(s) in a mix, because it would sound too much like a recording some retard threw on myspace, but it's bailed my ass out many times in mic shootouts when looking for something that really brings out the strength of a specific sound. I've also watched people drop this mic many times with out any damage being done.
I'm no expert on mics, but has anyone noticed the huge proximity effect of this mic. Any knowledge I know on that is just from sitting in front of my monitors for hours and asking the other guy I work with to move it away inch by inch. I feel like the effect of the placement of this mic is my favorite part of it, I can get a completely different sound from a foots difference, almost enough to not even consider anything else. Of course, I can't get it to sound like a condensor or ribbon, I can't even make it sound like it has a large diaphram.
Ben
B
bilco
New member
Well, when I match it with an RNP, it is the best sounding mic ever on MY voice, better than a KSM27, KSM32, SM7, MD441, MD421 and a C1. That could all be due to my lack of knowledge for recording audio........
but, consider this guy's opinion from a Mojo Pie article ......... if it's good enough for him.......
Fletcher talks about the SM57 and his recording philosophy
By Fletcher, added August 16, 2003
Dear Fletcher:
I was wondering if you would share what some of your personal favorite microphones are? Preamp? All in one type boxes? And what are some of your personal favorite microphone, preamplifier combinations for vocals, or any particular instruments?
The Anonymous Newbie
This is really pretty easy. My favorite microphone ever made is the Shure SM57. It's rarely ever "genius" but it never ever totally sucks. You can point one in the general direction of a sound and you'll get a pretty decent representation of that sound that can be recorded and pounded to death later..................
Peace,
Fletcher.
See the rest of what he had to say about recording and advice he give to home recording folks here:
http://www.mojopie.com/fletcher.html
bilco
but, consider this guy's opinion from a Mojo Pie article ......... if it's good enough for him.......
Fletcher talks about the SM57 and his recording philosophy
By Fletcher, added August 16, 2003
Dear Fletcher:
I was wondering if you would share what some of your personal favorite microphones are? Preamp? All in one type boxes? And what are some of your personal favorite microphone, preamplifier combinations for vocals, or any particular instruments?
The Anonymous Newbie
This is really pretty easy. My favorite microphone ever made is the Shure SM57. It's rarely ever "genius" but it never ever totally sucks. You can point one in the general direction of a sound and you'll get a pretty decent representation of that sound that can be recorded and pounded to death later..................
Peace,
Fletcher.
See the rest of what he had to say about recording and advice he give to home recording folks here:
http://www.mojopie.com/fletcher.html
bilco
Spikeh
New member
I bought one a few months back, but been using them for over a year in the club... great for micing up a guitar cab, or even a bass cab (when the DI packs in ;P).
I've also used it very recently on recording the underside of a snare, a hi-hat and also micing up a 4x12 Marshal cab (along with an SM7), all with great results. Now, if I could only buy a farm in the middle of a field somewhere that I can turn into a studio...
I've also used it very recently on recording the underside of a snare, a hi-hat and also micing up a 4x12 Marshal cab (along with an SM7), all with great results. Now, if I could only buy a farm in the middle of a field somewhere that I can turn into a studio...
Track Rat
Just Your Average Sized Member
You interest me sir. Tell me more. Do you mean replace the tarnny or what?amzavareei said:
M
mrhotapples
New member
Remove the XLR and desolder the wires from the capsule (screw the top part off).
You have a middle part which contains lots of glue and useless electronics. Boil that until the glue melts.
Rewire it and you have a much, much better microphone on a low-end preamp.
You have a middle part which contains lots of glue and useless electronics. Boil that until the glue melts.
Rewire it and you have a much, much better microphone on a low-end preamp.
M
mrhotapples
New member
I think I should go as far to say that, with the SM57 being so popular, it should be mandatory to own one early on...But also mandatory to cook it and remove the transformer. What good are you as an audio engineer if you can't mod a mic?
Golden
New member
since starting this thread, I've changed my mind a bit. I now look over at my 57 in wonder. I'm glad I didn't get rid of it. I'm not saying that it's not pure shit, or conversely, a great mic. It just is what it is... and that's my new stance on the subject.
H
hoops
Member
This thread is entertaining. It is all a matter of opinion. I do love the opinions posted.
It's like telling a painter the colour he used is not your favorite colour. Therefore why would he use it? You think it destroyed the painting yet he looks at the piece of work and thinks its beautiful. Mixed with all the other colours it works perfectly for him. Who is right? The one who is looking at it or the one who created it?
It's like telling a painter the colour he used is not your favorite colour. Therefore why would he use it? You think it destroyed the painting yet he looks at the piece of work and thinks its beautiful. Mixed with all the other colours it works perfectly for him. Who is right? The one who is looking at it or the one who created it?
Track Rat
Just Your Average Sized Member
The guy who BUYS it. 
D
driveway
New member
it's good on guitar cabs and snares. daniel lanois uses it ffs.
anyone that uses it as a studio vocal mic needs counselling or more welfare, it's crap for this application. if you need a good all-round mic buy a large diaphragm condensor, good for room sound on drums, acoustic guitars, vocals, guitar amps bass amps etc.
anyone that uses it as a studio vocal mic needs counselling or more welfare, it's crap for this application. if you need a good all-round mic buy a large diaphragm condensor, good for room sound on drums, acoustic guitars, vocals, guitar amps bass amps etc.
H
hoops
Member
I think that the sm 57 would do fine on death metal growls.
D
dBmania
New member
The 57 were the industry standard for snare and guitar cabs for decades. Nowadays there are alternatives.
Vulkanizer
New member
The SM57 is a TANK. It's even dark army colours to underline the fact that it is nearly indestuctable. Therefore a great live mic with many applications.
IMHO it also has its uses in studio work - especially on a budget!
- It also handles the odd vocal now and then.
Also the pricing is not that high, so I can see why its recommended to beginners.
I'd have to put my vote smack in the middle - putting aside the fact that its really hard to vote so specifically on something as relative as the use of a single mic.
IMHO it also has its uses in studio work - especially on a budget!
- It also handles the odd vocal now and then.
Also the pricing is not that high, so I can see why its recommended to beginners.
I'd have to put my vote smack in the middle - putting aside the fact that its really hard to vote so specifically on something as relative as the use of a single mic.
L
li10
New member
I've found some mics that have been hailed as BETTER than the Shure, in terms of construction, sound and relilability, that are way CHEAPER!! So I voted "complete shit".
I think the only reason I would buy it would be for the name. But I'm not a chav (chavs buy shirts which say 'nike' on them for like £60 when there's identical ones for like £6 that don't have the 'nike' logo on) so..... COMPLETE SHITTYNESS!!
Although it is a decent mic, there are just better and cheaper ones out there.
I think the only reason I would buy it would be for the name. But I'm not a chav (chavs buy shirts which say 'nike' on them for like £60 when there's identical ones for like £6 that don't have the 'nike' logo on) so..... COMPLETE SHITTYNESS!!
Although it is a decent mic, there are just better and cheaper ones out there.
J
jvkeboxHERO
New member
the sm57 is dynamic, pretty clear, high spl, indestructable, and when you buy one you can always find a use for it. and its only $100. thats why its great.
if you mic a drum kit at a gig, and forget a mic, whatever mic, you can substitute a 57, and itll get you by.
there arent any switches, knobs, otherwise moving breakable pieces. you dont need phantom power.
and if someone pisses you off, you can whack them with it. itll be fine. its not the best mic, but it is a very good mic, all things considered.
if you mic a drum kit at a gig, and forget a mic, whatever mic, you can substitute a 57, and itll get you by.
there arent any switches, knobs, otherwise moving breakable pieces. you dont need phantom power.
and if someone pisses you off, you can whack them with it. itll be fine. its not the best mic, but it is a very good mic, all things considered.
Seafroggys
Well-known member
I have one, used to use it on my snare drum and for lead guitar recording. Now I have an Audix i5 for snare that I *slightly* prefer (though the difference is minimal) and an e609 for lead guitar recording. Don't have much use for an SM57 in my current situation, but if I ever need another mic, I have one.
tunetown
New member
There is a transformer mod by Tab-Funkenwerk that turns the 57 & 58 into a pretty decent mic. Apparently turns them closer to an SM7. For $75 I'll be ordering a few to test.
I do like the 57 on guitar cabs and snare. I xy the 57s up close and sit a Royer 121 further back on cabs. Mix to taste. It's a great sound. Need good pre's though.
Cheers
Peter
I do like the 57 on guitar cabs and snare. I xy the 57s up close and sit a Royer 121 further back on cabs. Mix to taste. It's a great sound. Need good pre's though.
Cheers
Peter
madmax25
New member
I like the 57 on snare, but really can't get a good sound with it on an amp. The lack of really high frequencies makes it sound really boxy and muddy to me. I guess it adds nice meat if you have a condenser on the source as well.
I was at a piano concert and was wondering why the PA sounded really gross until I saw a 57 popped on the grand piano...I guess it has its uses but I don't see it as the industry standard silver bullet that everyone makes it out to be.
I will say that I like it much more after removing the transformer. It really opens up the high end and gives it a nicer low end. I find it's much more versatile now after the mod. (and it's free)
I was at a piano concert and was wondering why the PA sounded really gross until I saw a 57 popped on the grand piano...I guess it has its uses but I don't see it as the industry standard silver bullet that everyone makes it out to be.
I will say that I like it much more after removing the transformer. It really opens up the high end and gives it a nicer low end. I find it's much more versatile now after the mod. (and it's free)
M
mattthefiddler
New member
didn't spinal tap have VOX into a 57? I think Nigel may have used it as his vocal mic.. can't remember..
.. (digs out old dvds)
.. (digs out old dvds)
