Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone
The Shure SM57 is a rugged cardioid dynamic instrument microphone made for guitar amps, snare drums, percussion, brass, woodwinds and live sound. It’s also handy for vocals when you want a focused, close-mic dynamic sound. This is the kind of microphone you buy once and keep finding uses for!
Used on stages and in studios around the world, the SM57 gives you bright, clean reproduction with a contoured presence rise that helps instruments cut through a mix. Plus, its dynamic design means it does not need phantom power, so it’s easy to plug into a mixer, audio interface or live sound rig and get moving.
A Favourite for Guitar Amps and Snare Drums
If you’re miking a guitar amp, snare drum or loud instrument, the SM57 is the right tool for the job. It handles high sound pressure levels well, making it a reliable choice for musos, engineers and live microphone setups that need something tough and predictable.
In addition, the compact grille design makes it easier to place close to a speaker cabinet or drum head, which is the reason why the SM57 has become such a familiar sight around guitar rigs, drum kits, rehearsal rooms and stages.
Focused Cardioid Pickup for Stage and Studio
The SM57’s cardioid pickup pattern focuses on the sound in front of the mic while reducing spill from the sides and rear. As a result, it helps keep stage noise, room reflections and nearby instruments under better control, whether you’re recording in a studio or running live sound.
Meanwhile, its 40 Hz to 15 kHz frequency response is shaped for clean instrumental reproduction and rich vocal pickup. The presence rise helps bring out attack, bite and definition, especially on sources like guitar amps, snare drums and brass instruments.
SM57 vs SM58: Why Choose the 57?
The Shure SM58 is the classic vocal mic, while the SM57 is usually the go-to when you’re miking instruments. Because of its slimmer grille, you can place the capsule closer to guitar amps, snare drums and other loud sources, which is why so many engineers reach for it around a stage or studio.
That said, you can still use the SM57 for vocals, especially with a suitable windscreen or pop filter, but its natural use case is instrument pickup. If you want one dependable dynamic mic for amps, drums, brass, percussion and general recording, the SM57 is a suitable choice.
Built for Regular Stage and Studio Use
A pneumatic shock-mount system helps reduce handling noise, while the tough Shure construction is made for regular gigging, rehearsal and recording work. Add an XLR cable and a suitable microphone stand, and you’ve got a no-frills mic for a wide range of jobs.
Key Features
- Cardioid Dynamic Design: Built for live sound, studio recording and reliable instrument pickup.
- Classic Instrument Mic: A popular choice for guitar amps, snare drums, percussion, brass and woodwinds.
- Contoured Frequency Response: Shaped for clean instrument reproduction and rich vocal pickup.
- Presence Rise: Helps bring out attack, bite and definition so instruments cut through a mix.
- Focused Pickup Pattern: Helps isolate the main sound source while reducing background noise and spill.
- No Phantom Power Needed: Dynamic microphone design plugs straight into a mixer, interface or PA system.
- Reduced Handling Noise: Pneumatic shock-mount system helps cut down bumps and movement noise.
- Rugged Shure Build: Made for regular stage, rehearsal and studio use.
- 40 Hz to 15 kHz Response: Covers the useful range for amps, drums, vocals and many acoustic instruments.
Common Questions
Is the Shure SM57 good for guitar amps?
Yes. The SM57 is one of the classic choices for miking guitar amps because it handles loud sources well and helps capture the bite, attack and midrange character of the speaker.
Is the Shure SM57 good for snare drum?
Yes. The SM57 is widely used on snare drums in live and studio setups. Its cardioid pattern helps focus on the drum, while its durable build suits close placement around a kit.
Can the Shure SM57 be used for vocals?
Yes. While it is best known as an instrument microphone, the SM57 can also work for vocals, especially in live sound or recording situations where you want a focused dynamic mic. For close vocal work, a pop filter or windscreen is worth adding.
Does the Shure SM57 need phantom power?
No. The SM57 is a dynamic microphone, so it does not need phantom power. Just connect it with a standard XLR cable to a mixer, audio interface or PA system.