If there is one microphone that has earned its reputation as an absolute studio and live-sound essential, it is the Shure SM57. Whether you are throwing it in front of a loud guitar cabinet, capturing a snare drum, or using it for speech, this dynamic microphone simply refuses to quit.
Priced affordably and built like an absolute tank, the SM57 is famous for handling extremely high sound pressure levels without distorting. Its rugged plastic and metal construction means it can take a beating on the road or in a busy home studio and still deliver clean, reliable audio time after time.
While it doesn’t have the ultra-wide frequency response or high-end air of a high-end condenser microphone, its mid-range presence boost helps vocals and instruments cut straight through a mix. For anyone putting together a reliable audio locker on a budget, it remains a mandatory first purchase.