SM57 |
|
| Manufactured by | Shure |
|---|---|
| Dates | 1965–present |
| Technical specifications | |
| Type | Dynamic |
| Frequency response | 40–15,000 Hz |
| Polar pattern(s) | Cardioid |
| Sensitivity | -56.0 dBV/Pa (at 1,000 Hz) |
| Impedance | 150 Ω |
| Connector | XLR |
The Shure SM57 is a low impedance unidirectional dynamic microphone made by Shure Incorporated and commonly used in live sound reinforcement and studio recording. It is one of the best-selling microphones in the world; used extensively in amplified music and by every U.S. president since its introduction in 1965. In 2004, honoring its four decades of "solid, dependable performance", it was inducted into the first-ever TEC Awards TECnology Hall of Fame.[1]
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The SM57 traces its origin to 1937 when Shure engineer Ben Bauer developed the first single-element directional microphone, the Unidyne, which had a cardioid pickup pattern.[1] In 1959, another Shure engineer, Ernie Seeler, advanced the art significantly with the Unidyne III.[1] Seeler torture-tested the Unidyne III during three years of research and development, and so produced the SM series of rugged and reliable Shure microphone capsules.[1] The "SM" stands for Studio Microphone;[2] Seeler was an aficionado of classical music, and expected the SM57 to be used for orchestras. He "despised" rock music but the microphone ended up being one of the most widely used for amplified concerts.[1]
The SM57 uses a capsule similar to that of the popular SM58, but has some mechanical and acoustic differences. Like the SM58, the SM57 is fitted with an XLR connector and features a balanced output, which helps to minimize electrical hum and noise pickup. According to Shure, the frequency response extends from 40 Hertz (Hz) to 15 kHz. The SM57 is manufactured in the USA, Mexico and China.
The Shure A2WS is an accessory windscreen for the SM57 that attenuates wind noise and plosives ("pop" sounds), and protects the microphone capsule.
The SM57 is a popular musicians' choice due to its sturdy construction and ability to work well with instruments that produce high sound pressure levels, such as percussion instruments and electric guitars. The School of Audio Engineering (SAE) recommends the SM57 (along with other makes and models) for four roles in a drum kit: kick drum, snare drum, rack toms and floor tom.[3] The cardioid pickup pattern reduces the pickup of unwanted background sound and the generation of acoustic feedback.
Every United States President since Lyndon B. Johnson has delivered speeches through an SM57.[1] It became the lectern microphone of the White House Communications Agency in 1965, the year of its introduction.[4]
Due to its popularity, the SM57 has been widely counterfeited by manufacturers in China and Thailand.[5] Shure Distribution UK report that the SM57, SM58, Beta 57A and Beta 58A are their most commonly counterfeited microphones.[6] In 2006, Shure mounted a campaign against the trading of counterfeit microphones.[7]