Shure SM57 Microphone Review: A Timeless Classic for Studio and Live Acoustic Guitars

When it comes to recording studio and live performances, capturing the rich and authentic sound of acoustic guitars is crucial for creating an immersive and enjoyable listening experience. Among the plethora of microphones available, the Shure SM57 has earned its legendary status as a reliable workhorse. It made my list of the 7 Proven Winners: Discovering the Best Mic for Acoustic Guitar. In this Shure SM57 review, I’ll dive into the qualities that make the Shure SM57 a popular choice for recording and amplifying acoustic guitars in both studio and live settings.

Shure SM57

The Shure SM57 is a legendary and versatile microphone that excels in capturing the warmth and authenticity of acoustic guitars, making it a must-have for both studio and live performances.

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Timeless Design and Durability

The Shure SM57 has been a staple in the music industry for over five decades. Its design has stood the test of time. The microphone’s rugged construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of the road. This makes it a trustworthy companion for live performances. The durable build includes a steel mesh grille that protects the internal components and a robust body that resists damage from accidental bumps and drops.

The microphone’s time-tested design has made it a favorite among touring musicians and live sound engineers alike. Its ability to withstand the demands of live performances and touring schedules has earned it a reputation for reliability and longevity. Whether used on stage for amplifying acoustic guitars or snare drums, the SM57 consistently delivers outstanding performance and maintains its integrity over time.

Cardioid Polar Pattern

The SM57 utilizes a cardioid polar pattern, which is ideal for recording acoustic guitars. The cardioid pattern captures sound primarily from the front while minimizing pickup from the sides and rear. This feature effectively isolates the guitar’s sound source, reducing the impact of room reflections and background noise. As a result, the SM57 excels at delivering clear and focused recordings of acoustic guitars.

In a recording studio, where controlling ambient noise and room acoustics is essential, the SM57’s cardioid pattern shines. It allows engineers to precisely capture the nuances of the acoustic guitar without unwanted interference from other instruments or environmental sounds. This makes it an excellent choice for producing clean and isolated guitar tracks.

Warm and Natural Sound

One of the most significant aspects of the SM57’s appeal is its ability to capture acoustic guitars’ warmth and natural tonal characteristics. Whether you’re recording a delicate fingerpicked pattern or a strummed chord progression, the SM57 faithfully reproduces the instrument’s nuances, creating a balanced and organic sonic representation.

The microphone’s frequency response is carefully tailored to accentuate the midrange frequencies, resulting in a pleasing and warm sound. This characteristic makes the SM57 particularly suitable for recording acoustic guitars. It brings out the instrument’s inherent qualities without adding excessive coloration.

Versatility and Adaptability

The Shure SM57’s versatility is unmatched, and it’s not limited to recording acoustic guitars alone. It excels at capturing the essence of acoustic instruments. It’s also widely used for recording electric guitars, percussion, brass instruments, and even vocals. This adaptability makes the SM57 a go-to microphone for many recording engineers and live sound professionals.

For recording electric guitars, the SM57’s midrange emphasis helps cut through the mix and provides a crisp and present tone. Its ability to handle high SPLs also makes it a favorite for close-miking guitar amplifier cabinets, capturing the raw power and character of electric guitar tones.

Moreover, drummers and sound engineers appreciate SM57’s ability to handle the intensity of drums and percussion instruments. Its durability and reliability have made it the go-to choice for capturing the attack and impact of snare drums, toms, and percussion instruments on stage and in the studio.

Interestingly, some vocalists prefer using the SM57 for certain applications due to its unique tonal qualities. In particular, it has found favor among rock and punk vocalists looking for a slightly edgy and gritty vocal sound. While not a conventional choice for vocals, the SM57’s versatility and ability to add character to the voice have led to its creative use in the recording studio.

Handling High Sound Pressure Levels (SPL)

Acoustic guitars, especially when played with vigor, can produce high sound pressure levels. The SM57’s ability to handle high SPL without distortion makes it an excellent choice for recording live performances or recording dynamic and powerful acoustic guitar playing in the studio. This capability allows you to capture even the loudest and most energetic performances without worrying about compromising the quality of the recording.

When capturing the energy and excitement of live performances, the SM57’s ability to handle high SPLs is a crucial advantage. Whether positioned near a booming kick drum or in front of a roaring guitar amp, the microphone consistently delivers clean and accurate recordings, making it a popular choice for live sound reinforcement.

In the studio, this feature proves invaluable when recording acoustic guitars with a wide dynamic range. From soft fingerpicking to aggressive strumming, the SM57 captures every nuance of the instrument’s performance, ensuring that the recording faithfully represents the artist’s intent.

Budget-Friendly Solution

For aspiring musicians, home studio owners, or small recording setups, budget considerations play a vital role in selecting recording equipment. The Shure SM57 offers an affordable solution without sacrificing quality. Its reasonable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of users, making it a popular microphone for musicians and engineers on a budget.

Considering its exceptional performance, durability, and versatility, the SM57 represents an outstanding value for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Whether you’re a hobbyist recording your first songs or a professional looking to expand your microphone collection, the SM57’s affordability makes it an attractive option.

My Shure SM57 Likes and Dislikes

Likes:

• Timeless design and durability, make it a reliable choice for live performances and studio recordings.
• The cardioid polar pattern effectively isolates acoustic guitar sound, reducing room reflections and background noise.
• Versatility and adaptability for recording various instruments and vocals, offering excellent value for its affordable price.

Dislikes:

• Lacks additional polar patterns or features found in some higher-end microphones.
• Some users may find the midrange emphasis not ideal for certain vocal styles.
• While durable, its all-metal construction can be relatively heavy compared to compact condenser microphones.

Specifications

Alternatives to the AKG C451B

Beyerdynamic M 160

The Beyerdynamic M 160 is a superb double-ribbon microphone that faithfully captures the intricate nuances of acoustic guitars with its balanced and transparent sound reproduction.

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Neumann KM 184

The Neumann KM 184 is a highly regarded small-diaphragm condenser microphone known for its exceptional clarity, detailed sound reproduction, and versatile performance in a wide range of recording applications.

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Wrap Up

In conclusion, the Shure SM57 is a timeless classic that has cemented its place as a go-to microphone for recording and amplifying acoustic guitars in both studio and live settings. Its durability, warm and natural sound reproduction, cardioid polar pattern, and ability to handle high SPL are just a few of the features that contribute to its widespread appeal.

The SM57’s longevity and popularity among musicians and engineers demonstrate its continued relevance in an ever-evolving audio landscape. Its adaptability to various instruments and vocal applications ensures that it remains a versatile tool in the hands of creative minds.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your musical journey, the Shure SM57 is a microphone that should undoubtedly be in your collection. From intimate studio recordings to energetic live performances, the SM57’s ability to faithfully capture the essence of acoustic guitars is unrivaled, making it an indispensable tool for any musician or recording enthusiast.

Looking for other options for microphones? Check out my post on finding the Best Mic For Acoustic Guitar, including ribbon microphones.

Also, check out our other useful articles:

• Mastering the Art of How to Mic an Acoustic Guitar: A Comprehensive Guide
• Unveiling the Secrets of Condenser Microphones: Ideal Tools for Capturing Acoustic Guitar
• Exploring Ribbon Microphones: A Unique Approach to Recording Acoustic Guitar
• Best Pedal Guitar Tuners: A Comprehensive Comparison Guide

Editorial Process:

My reviews are made by a team of one, myself, before being written and come from real-world experience. Read my editorial process here.

Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to us at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid plan. You can read my affiliate disclosure in my privacy policy.

Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.