Shure SM57
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The Shure SM57 is a common professional low impedance cardioid dynamic microphone in live sound reinforcement and studio recording applications. The SM stands for Studio Microphone.[1]
It is a popular choice among live users due to its sturdy construction. It is often used on instruments that produce high sound pressure levels, such as the snare drum and other percussion, electric guitar amplifier, and even vocals. Introduced in 1965, the SM57 remains one of the best selling microphones in the world today.
The SM57's retail list price $99–$160[2] in the United States and £65–£105 in the United Kingdom.[3]
However, due to this popularity, the SM57 has been widely counterfeited by manufacturers in China and Thailand.[4] Shure Distribution UK report that the SM57, SM58, Beta 57A and Beta 58A are their most commonly counterfeited microphones.[5] In 2006, Shure mounted a campaign against the trading of counterfeit microphones.[6]
The microphone uses an XLR connector. According to Shure, the frequency response extends from 40 Hz to 15kHz.
The SM57 is the microphone used on the lectern of the President of the United States. The microphone kit (two SM57 microphones, windscreens, microphone stands, and black right-angle XLR cables) is available online for $500, and is referred to as the VIP/high profile microphone kit.
The capsule inside the SM57 is identical to the one in the SM58. It is the windscreen that is different, which changes the sound. An SM57 cannot be turned into an SM58 or vice versa since the design of the top half of the outer casing is different.
The Shure A2WS is an accessory windscreen that gives the SM57 a distinctive shape and is always in use when the microphone is mounted on the presidential podium. The cylindrical foam windscreen is available as an accessory from Shure as well as from aftermarket producers. The A2WS windscreen cuts down on wind noise, attenuates the sound of plosives (i.e. popped sounds), and protects the microphone capsule during rough handling.
There is a popular modification for this microphone which involves removing the output step-up transformer. This increases the bass response and creates a "smoother" sound. However the output of the microphone will decrease by approximately 10dB.
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[edit] Specifications
Type: Dynamic
Frequency Response: 40 to 15,000 Hz
Polar Pattern: Unidirectional (cardioid), rotationally symmetrical about microphone axis, uniform with frequency.
Sensitivity (at 1,000 Hz) Open Circuit Voltage: -56.0 dBV/Pa* (1.6 mV)
Impedance: Rated impedance is 150 ohms (310 ohms actual) for connection to microphone inputs rated low impedance.
Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3.
Connector: Three-pin professional audio connector (male XLR type).
Case: Dark gray, enamel-painted, die-cast steel with a polycarbonate grille and a stainless steel screen.
Net Weight (without cable) 284 grams (10 oz)
[edit] References
- ^ History of Shure Incorporated
- ^ Musician's Friend
- ^ Google Products
- ^ Home Recording. Joe Shambro, Spotting a Fake Shure Microphone: How to tell if your mic is genuine - - or not
- ^ Shure Distribution UK. What is a counterfeit?
- ^ Shure Distribution UK. Shure Distribution UK Clamp Down on Counterfeiters
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
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