**The (Mostly) Unbiased Guide to the SM57: The World's Most Iconic Microphone**

Introduction

If you've ever been to a live music show, you've probably seen the Shure SM57 microphone. It's the workhorse of the music industry, and it's been used to record countless iconic albums. But what makes the SM57 so special? And why does it continue to be so popular?

A Brief History of the SM57

The SM57 was first introduced in 1965, and it was an instant hit. It was quickly adopted by musicians and engineers alike, and it soon became the standard microphone for recording drums, guitars, and vocals.

The SM57 is a dynamic microphone, which means that it converts sound waves into electrical signals using a moving coil. This type of microphone is known for its durability and ruggedness, and it can handle high sound pressure levels without distorting.

The Sound of the SM57

The SM57 has a bright, punchy sound that is perfect for capturing the transients of drums and guitars. It also has a natural-sounding midrange that makes it a great choice for vocals.

The SM57's Applications

The SM57 is a versatile microphone that can be used for a wide variety of applications. It is most commonly used to record drums, guitars, and vocals, but it can also be used to record other instruments, such as saxophones, trumpets, and trombones.

In addition to being used in the studio, the SM57 is also a popular choice for live sound reinforcement. It is often used to mic drums, guitar amps, and vocals on stage.

The SM57's Durability

One of the things that makes the SM57 so popular is its durability. It is a well-built microphone that can withstand the rigors of touring and everyday use. The SM57 is also relatively inexpensive, which makes it a great value for the money.

The SM57's Legacy

The SM57 has been used to record some of the most iconic albums in history. It has been used by artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd. The SM57 is a true classic, and it will continue to be a popular choice for musicians and engineers for years to come.

Humorous Story #1

One of my favorite stories about the SM57 involves the legendary producer Rick Rubin. Rubin is known for his minimalist approach to recording, and he often uses the SM57 to record drums.

One time, Rubin was recording drums for a band, and he was having trouble getting the sound he wanted. He tried different microphones, but nothing seemed to work. Finally, in desperation, he grabbed an SM57 and stuck it in front of the kick drum.

To Rubin's surprise, the SM57 captured the perfect drum sound. It was punchy, clear, and full of transients. Rubin was so happy with the sound that he ended up using the SM57 to record all of the drums on the album.

Humorous Story #2

Another funny story about the SM57 involves the band Green Day. Green Day is known for their energetic live shows, and they often use SM57s to mic their guitars.

One time, Green Day was playing a show in a small club. The club was packed, and the crowd was going wild. During one of the songs, Billie Joe Armstrong, the band's lead singer, accidentally kicked one of the SM57s off the stage.

The microphone landed in the crowd, and it was quickly trampled on by the moshing fans. To Armstrong's surprise, the microphone still worked perfectly. He picked it up and continued playing, much to the amusement of the crowd.

Humorous Story #3

The SM57 is such a popular microphone that it has even been featured in movies and TV shows. In the movie "The Hangover," Zach Galifianakis' character uses an SM57 to record his wedding vows.

In the TV show "The Office," Dwight Schrute uses an SM57 to record his a cappella performance of "The Raincoats of Castamere."

These stories are just a few examples of the SM57's popularity and versatility. It is a truly iconic microphone that has been used by countless musicians and engineers over the years.

Effective Strategies for Using the SM57

Here are a few effective strategies for using the SM57:

• Use it to mic drums. The SM57 is a great choice for recording drums, especially kick drums and snare drums. It can also be used to record toms and cymbals.
• Use it to mic guitars. The SM57 is a popular choice for recording both electric and acoustic guitars. It can be used to capture the natural sound of the guitar, or it can be used to add a bit of punch to the sound.
• Use it to mic vocals. The SM57 can also be used to record vocals. It is a good choice for recording lead vocals, backing vocals, and even spoken word.

How to Use the SM57 Step-by-Step

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the SM57:

1. Choose the right microphone placement. The placement of the microphone will affect the sound you get. For drums, the SM57 is typically placed 2-3 inches away from the drum head. For guitars, the SM57 is typically placed 6-12 inches away from the speaker cone.
2. Set the gain. The gain is the amount of amplification applied to the microphone signal. You want to set the gain so that the signal is loud enough to be heard clearly, but not so loud that it distorts.
3. EQ the microphone. EQ is the process of adjusting the frequency response of the microphone signal. You can use EQ to boost or cut certain frequencies to get the desired sound.
4. Compress the microphone. Compression is the process of reducing the dynamic range of the microphone signal. You can use compression to make the signal more consistent and to add punch to the sound.

Pros and Cons of the SM57

Here are some of the pros and cons of the SM57:

Pros:

• Durable
• Versatile
• Inexpensive
• Classic sound

Cons:

• Can be harsh on some sources
• Not as sensitive as some other microphones
• Can be difficult to position correctly

Conclusion

The SM57 is a truly iconic microphone that has been used by countless musicians and engineers over the years. It is a versatile microphone that can be used for a wide variety of applications, and it is known for its durability and ruggedness. If you are looking for a microphone that will give you great sound for a reasonable price, the SM57 is a great option.