The SM58 is the microphone many people picture when they think of a singer on stage. Its close relative, the Shure SM57, tends to get introduced with a shorter description: “instrument mic”. That description is accurate, but it leaves out much of what makes it useful.
The Shure SM57 is a cardioid dynamic microphone for instruments and vocals, equally at home on a guitar amplifier, snare drum or recording session. If you are choosing your first serious microphone, or adding a versatile option to an existing setup, it deserves more than a passing look.
What is the Shure SM57?
The SM57 is a wired XLR microphone with a moving-coil dynamic capsule and a cardioid pickup pattern. It picks up sound most strongly from the front, with reduced sensitivity behind it. Shure specifies a frequency response of 40 Hz–15 kHz, shaped for clarity rather than a completely flat response.
Its compact grille makes positioning straightforward around instruments. There are no batteries to charge or wireless channels to coordinate: connect it to a suitable microphone input and set your gain.
Check the Shure SM57 price and availability at Concert AV.
Why the SM57 deserves a place outside the SM58's shadow
The SM57 is hardly a secret among sound engineers. Introduced in 1965, it has earned its place through decades of use on stages and recordings. The “overlooked” part is often how new buyers see it: a specialised purchase for a drummer or guitarist, rather than a microphone that can cover several jobs.
Its recording history tells a broader story. Shure documents Justin Vernon's use of an SM57 on Bon Iver's breakthrough album, including vocals, and Nile Rodgers' use of one for his guitar parts on “Get Lucky”. Those examples are a useful reminder that a familiar, relatively simple microphone can belong in an ambitious recording setup.
Lemmy from Motorhead Singing through an SM57
For someone building a microphone collection, that flexibility matters. You can buy it for a guitar amp today and still have a reason to keep it when your equipment list grows.
Shure SM57 vs SM58: what is the difference?
Shure says the SM57 and SM58 are based on the same cartridge design. Their grille assemblies create different acoustic conditions around the diaphragm, so choosing between them involves more than their appearance.
| Feature | Shure SM57 | Shure SM58 |
|---|---|---|
| Usual starting point | Close-miking instruments | Handheld live vocals |
| Grille | Compact resonator/grille assembly | Ball grille with built-in pop filtering |
| Close positioning | Allows the source closer to the diaphragm | Ball grille maintains more separation |
| Vocal use | Worth trying with added pop protection | Convenient for regular stage singing |
The SM57's design also produces somewhat more output above 5 kHz and allows a stronger proximity effect when used very close. That means moving it can change both clarity and bass weight. Neither model wins every application: choose around your main use, then listen.
Compare the Shure SM58 vocal microphone, or read our SM58 vs Beta 58A guide if live singing is your priority.
What is the Shure SM57 good for?
Electric guitar amplifiers
A guitar amp is one of the most natural places to start. Position the mic close to the speaker grille, then compare the centre of the speaker with a position farther towards its edge. The centre generally gives a brighter sound; moving outward tends to soften it.
Make a short recording at each position while keeping the amp settings and playing consistent. Listen in the song, not only with the guitar soloed. A sound that seems slightly lean on its own may leave useful space for bass and vocals.
Snare drums and percussion
The SM57 is a familiar choice for capturing snare attack. Start above the rim, aimed towards the head, and leave enough clearance for the drummer's sticks. Move it to balance the drum's body, attack and spill from nearby cymbals.
Top and bottom microphones capture different parts of the snare sound. If using both, check how they combine and compare the result with polarity inverted on one channel. Tuning and head condition still matter: a microphone cannot fix the source. Despite the SM57's tough reputation, its grille should be kept clear of stick strikes.
Brass and other instruments
The SM57 also suits brass and other strong acoustic sources. Its value here is that it gives you another usable option when the session changes. Rather than assigning every microphone permanently to one instrument, try the available choices and compare them at matched listening levels.
Can you use a Shure SM57 for vocals?
Yes, the SM57 can record and amplify vocals. It is worth auditioning when you already have one, particularly before buying a second microphone solely because the first is labelled “instrument”.
Use a pop filter or suitable windscreen for close vocals. Record the same phrase at several distances, listening for bass build-up, breath noise and intelligibility. Keep the preferred distance consistent through the take.
For a singer who primarily wants a handheld stage mic, the SM58 remains the more straightforward starting point. For someone alternating between singing and recording instruments, the SM57 deserves a place on the shortlist.
What do you need to connect an SM57?
You need an XLR microphone cable and a microphone input on a mixer, recorder or audio interface. For computer recording, use an interface with an XLR mic input; the SM57 does not have a direct USB connection.
The microphone itself does not require phantom power. It does need preamp gain, and a quiet voice will require more gain than a loud guitar cabinet. If your recording is too quiet, check that you are using the microphone input, your cable is correct and your placement is sensible before buying extra equipment.
Who is this for?
- Guitarists and bands: an adaptable microphone for amps, rehearsals and recordings.
- Drummers and home studios: a practical addition for snare, percussion and trying different recording setups.
- Schools, churches and venues: a useful option where one equipment cupboard serves several performers.
- Buyers building their first setup: particularly those who need to record instruments as well as experiment with vocals.
If your only job is handheld singing, start by comparing vocal microphones. If you want to record several different sources, think about the whole setup: microphone, stand, cable and interface. That makes a more useful budget than considering the microphone price alone.
Shure SM57 FAQs
Is the SM57 a condenser microphone?
No. It is a moving-coil dynamic microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern.
Does the SM57 need 48V phantom power?
No. The SM57 operates without phantom power. An external active accessory may have its own power requirements.
Can I use the SM57 for home recording?
Yes. Connect it through an audio interface with a microphone preamp. Start with a source you know well, make short test recordings and adjust placement before committing to a full take.
Is the SM57 better than the SM58?
The better choice depends on the job. The SM57 is particularly convenient around instruments; the SM58's grille and pop filtering make it an easy starting point for stage vocals.
Where can I buy a Shure SM57 in Australia?
You can buy the Shure SM57 online from Concert AV. Check the product page for current pricing and availability.
Why buy your Shure SM57 from Concert AV?
Concert AV is a Melbourne-based audiovisual specialist supplying musicians, venues, schools, churches, installers and AV professionals across Australia. Alongside online retail, we specialise in wholesale supply, installation, integration and industry equipment hire.
Whether you are choosing one microphone or equipping a venue, ask us about the connections and accessories your setup needs.