Trade Sm57 for Sm58?

[poo]

Hey guys,
A buddy of mine that owns a music store got to talking to me about mics. He made me an offer thatI could trade one of my Sm57's in for a 58, the 58 is in great condition, plus i have 3 57's, this would bring me down to two 57's and a 58? Does it sound like a good plan? Or would it be wise just to stick with all my 57's?
thanks!

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Considering that there's really very little difference between the two, what's the point?

Bruce

 

[timandjes]

Isn't the 57 a bit more versitle; suitable for both instruments & vocals, while the 58 is more intended for just vocals? I'm not sure but that's what I've heard....

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

No... yank the ball of the 58 and essentially there's your '57..........

Bruce

 

[Lopp]

Ditto Bruce.

The 58 is used more often for live vocals. Especially because it has the nifty ball for vocalists to spit and drool on.

 

[LongWaveStudio]

absolutely, take the shield off, and it's a 57, there seems no logical point in trading these mics....unless you like a 58 to your gear list, which makes me think you need help!

lol, just kidding mate. stick with what you got, not much point in changing.

 

[PowerCouple]

hmmm

In fact THERE IS a slight difference between them.

Is not as simple as "take the shield off" (1st time I disagree with the Big Blue Bear)...but maybe the difference is so subtle that it doesn't matter...

The SM57 has a frequency response that makes a low cut from 200Hz, while the SM58 goes down from 100Hz. It also has a slight boost in low freqs (SM58), because it was designed initially as a vocal mic, so they added that mini-boost to make singers more "comfortable" with the mic, as they would hear a richer sound. The SM57 was designed as an "all-purpose" so it has a kind of "flat" response, but it also has a better response in high freqs (what makes it more "sibilant" than the 58, therefore, not so good for live -not-controlled- vocals).

If u are not sure about it, go to sure's website and see the manuals.

Anyway, if you consider this differences as non-important, you will be receiving a NEW SM58 in trade for your OLD SM57...

Or you may want to have some different mic for vocals...there will be a small difference there...

Peace...

PC

 

[PowerCouple]

See for yourself...

Check it out man...

Peace...

PC

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Re: hmmm

In fact THERE IS a slight difference between them.

Is not as simple as "take the shield off" (1st time I disagree with the Big Blue Bear

Actually you aren't disagreeing with me at all... I said "essentially" in my post...

I know there's a "slight" difference -- I've compared both and I've always found the difference to be relatively inconsequential...

Bruce

 

[PowerCouple]

All right then...

Hey...glad to know the Big Blue Guru is with me...

Yeah I know it's very VERY subtle, but I noticed it comes more notorious in recordings (than live), specially if it's a simple tune (guitar and vocals)...no kidding here...maybe I am imagining...possible...lol

Peace...

PC

 

[chessrock]

Actually, in the context of a mix, there does appear to be an important difference between the two. Since the 57 is generally used on snare drum and guitar amps, one would think there would be the need for a bit more bass-cutting if you were to use a 58 for either of those chores in place of the 57. Otherwise, I could see where they might sound a little too full, and either could cause some clashing with the bass guitar.

200 khz is an ideal place to start rolling off for either of the two, which is where the 57 begins to tail off. That is one of the major reasons it is so popular for guitar and snare. The 200 khz rolloff just helps them to sit in the mix better, and thus requires less eq.

 

[PowerCouple]

Right on...!

You got it...

Excellent explanation.

Peace...

PC

 

[Buck62]

This is like comparing a set of identical twins and noticing that one of them has a zit.

 

[LongWaveStudio]

there are very small differences, but these are very small!

"poo" (hmm?), the best thing to do it to try the 58, if you can hear the difference you are making, and you like it, go for it. otherwise, there isn't a major reason why you should change microphones, apart from what someone said about exchanging an old SM for a new.

-Ro.

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

This is like comparing a set of identical twins and noticing that one of them has a zit.

Yeah... that's pretty much it!

Bruce

 

[battleminnow]

On the economical plus side, the 58 is worth $99 new and the 57 is $79. If you do want to sell it, you might get a few extra chunks of crack.

Pete

 

[cominginsecond]

If you already have 3 57s I say take it. If they're so similar, it certainly couldn't hurt. Plus you'll get to add a new item to your equipment list. That's always fun!

 

[chessrock]

Who cares?

Don't you have more important things to worry about?

 

[LongWaveStudio]

some people are trying to give some opinions to help someone. i think thats the point of the board.