Shure SM57 Review

Dynamic Instrument Microphone

120,615 reviews
rank in Microphones
7
shure.com
Shure
  • For Drums, Guitars & Vocals
  • Made for the Stage and Recording
  • Cardioid Polar Pattern

Introduction

In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 120,615 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Shure SM57. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.

Ratings Based on Features

These results are a summary of user reviews of the Shure SM57. For example, 90% of 35,229 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Shure SM57 have given positive feedback.

90%
Value for money
90% of users are satisfied, based on 35,229 reviews
92%
Sound quality
92% of users are satisfied, based on 26,493 reviews
97%
Sturdiness
97% of users are satisfied, based on 24,066 reviews
93%
Versatility
93% of users are satisfied, based on 14,492 reviews
94%
Durability
94% of users are satisfied, based on 11,342 reviews
96%
Sheerness
96% of users are satisfied, based on 4,955 reviews
92%
For beginners
92% of users are satisfied, based on 4,787 reviews
96%
Light weight
96% of users are satisfied, based on 4,787 reviews
100%
Easy to use
100% of users are satisfied, based on 4,766 reviews
Average Rating (120,615 ratings)
96%
Amazon.com ( 5,759 ratings )
96%
Amazon.co.uk ( 5,598 ratings )
95%
Amazon.sg ( 5,583 ratings )
96%
Amazon.sa ( 5,578 ratings )
96%
Amazon.eg ( 5,577 ratings )
96%
Amazon.de ( 5,574 ratings )
96%
Amazon.co.jp ( 5,572 ratings )
95%
Amazon.fr ( 5,566 ratings )
96%
Amazon.es ( 5,565 ratings )
96%
Amazon.se ( 5,565 ratings )
96%
Amazon.nl ( 5,564 ratings )
96%
Amazon.ca ( 5,550 ratings )
96%
Amazon.ae ( 5,547 ratings )
96%
Amazon.com.mx ( 5,544 ratings )
97%
Amazon.com.tr ( 5,542 ratings )
96%
Amazon.in ( 5,540 ratings )
92%
Amazon.com.au ( 5,534 ratings )
96%
Amazon.pl ( 5,533 ratings )
96%
Amazon.com.br ( 5,524 ratings )
96%
Amazon.it ( 4,787 ratings )
96%
Thomann ( 4,541 ratings )
96%
Amazon.cn ( 2,562 ratings )
98%
Musicians Friend ( 1,492 ratings )
100%
B&H Photo Video ( 590 ratings )
99%
SweetWater ( 343 ratings )
100%
Guitar Center ( 260 ratings )
99%
Reverb ( 185 ratings )
97%
Zzounds ( 40 ratings )
90%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 1 to 20 of 438 Reviews

Worth Every Penny

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Sep 28, 2006

Reviewed by tacvbo on Guitar Center

After much research and with my financial status, I finally decided to buy a pair of the famous SM 57's. I am a drummer in a band and had previously tried regular vocal mics and was not to happy about the sound when recording. The day I received the SM 57's was one day before our first gig at a local venue. Having them actually made me feel more confident that the sound would be superb. At soundcheck, the whole band realized the difference these microphones made to the drum sound. We were very glad, especially with comments after the gig such as, "the drums sounded very professional." I highly recommend these to anybody because not only are they great for live gigs, but also when recording. We just finished recording our demo and can't believe how well the drums sound. ... More

Shure SM57 Instrument/Vocal Mic

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Aug 14, 2006

Reviewed by CDOG on Guitar Center

After building my friends studio it was time to record some guitars. My biggest problem with recording guitars was getting the amp sound recorded truly with no weird colaration from the mic.The SM-57 made my sound record as I hear it, not like some alien sound from another planet.I'm very suprised that a hundred dollar mic would be so good, and by the way I think this thing could withstand a nuclear blast.Vocally this mic does an excellent job I have no gripes, my hats off to the good folks at Shure!!!

Workhorse mic

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Oct 3, 2006

Reviewed by Jimlet on Guitar Center

I've had my Shure SM57 for almost 20 years now--it was the first mic I ever bought. In the meantime, it's been my primary live vocal mic and mic'ed up just about every instrument in my studio at one time or another. It's still teh classic mic to use on guitar amp and snares, and the first one I grab for eaach of those. Even when compared to mics many times the cost, the Shure SM57 consistently outperforms them, which I just find amazing for a mic under $100 bucks. In addition, these mics are indestructible. Mine has been battered, dropped, rained up, and generally abused over many years, and still functions perfectly every time. If you're on a budget, the SM57 is the only mic you need to get started, and if you're a professional, well you already know and probably own a bunch of these. You can't do without at least one! ... More

Classic Mic. Used by everyone at somepoint

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Nov 2, 2006

Reviewed by mcbain on Guitar Center

This mic is a classic and doesnt need much explanaion why. The only thing i recommned is to use the Shure pop filter with it. Shure makes a special clip on filter for this mic and works way better for cleaning up the Pop sounds. Good weight, solid construction.

As if this classic needs another review, but...

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Sep 6, 2007

Reviewed by AdamCaporello on Guitar Center

...I just need to add in my two cents. I tried everything to get my live guitar sound up to a level of quality that I thought was at least acceptable. I tried all manner of direct-line options and just about every microphone we had out of a dozen or so options to mic up a Fender FM212. We finally bit the bullet and spent the money for the SM57, what a world of difference it makes. This was truly designed for up-close mic applications when accuracy is of the utmost importance. This mic picks up every little subtle nuance that comes through my amp, and faithfully recreates the the right tone and distortion. Through this amp, I now feel like the PA speakers are an extension of my amp instead of just making a flat carbon-copy of my general sound. Highly recommended for close amp and instrument miking for mid to high frequency range applications. ... More

Ads

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone
$99
B&H Photo Video
Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone
Shure SM57-LC Handheld Dynamic Microphone Stage Kit
$119.95
B&H Photo Video
Shure SM57-LC Handheld Dynamic Microphone Stage Kit
Shure SM57-LC Microphone and Windscreen Kit
$99.99
B&H Photo Video
Shure SM57-LC Microphone and Windscreen Kit
Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Mic and Cable Kit
$104.99
B&H Photo Video
Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Mic and Cable Kit
Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Vocal Microphone Broadcaster Kit
$179.95
B&H Photo Video
Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Vocal Microphone Broadcaster Kit
Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone
$99
SweetWater
Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone
Shure SM57 Mic Pack with Stand and Cable
$155
SweetWater
Shure SM57 Mic Pack with Stand and Cable
Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone Pack with Short Stand and Cable
$209
SweetWater
Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone Pack with Short Stand and Cable
Shure SM57 LC
99€
Thomann
Shure SM57 LC
Shure SM57 Amp Profi Bundle
172€
Thomann
Shure SM57 Amp Profi Bundle
Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone
$99
Guitar Center
Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone
Shure SM57 Mic Four Pack with Cables
$440
Guitar Center
Shure SM57 Mic Four Pack with Cables
Shure SM57, Stand & Cable Package
$109.99
Guitar Center
Shure SM57, Stand & Cable Package
Shure SM57 Mic Four Pack with Cables & Stands
$449.99
Guitar Center
Shure SM57 Mic Four Pack with Cables & Stands
Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone
$99
Musicians Friend
Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone
Shure SM57, Stand & Cable Package
$109.99
Musicians Friend
Shure SM57, Stand & Cable Package
Shure SM57 Mic Four Pack with Cables & Stands
$449.99
Musicians Friend
Shure SM57 Mic Four Pack with Cables & Stands
Shure SM57 Mic Four Pack with Cables
$440
Musicians Friend
Shure SM57 Mic Four Pack with Cables
Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
$70
Reverb
Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
$99
Zzounds
Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

Straight Up Best Value

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Oct 9, 2006

Reviewed by UnderParDrummer on Guitar Center

I recieved my first SM57 in a raffle at a drum shop, and I immediately threw it into my setup as my snare mic. (of course!) The sound was nothing less than what I had expected. Pure, clean, as well as full of tone and attack. I am currently looking into buying some more for micing guitar cabs, and other instrument cabs. It's a sensitive mic built like a brick. what more can you ask for? especially for under $100.

A must have

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Jun 26, 2008

Reviewed by Matt on Guitar Center

If you record music, then you need at least one of these. A excellent all around mic that has many uses.

Great package

Shure SM57, Stand & Cable Package Review

Shure SM57, Stand & Cable Package

Mar 22, 2015

Reviewed by Keith on Guitar Center

The Shure SM57 has lived up to its reputation. I bought it to mic a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb RI amp when I recorded a cover of The Sultans of Swing with my Telecaster. It captured the tone of the guitar and amp better than I could have imagined. The boom mic stand does its job but you really have to tighten the clamp hard that angles the boom when it's extended to keep it from sagging under the weight of the mic. But for only $10.99 over the cost of the mic alone the stand and cable are a bargain. ... More

Where has this been all my life?

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Apr 25, 2007

Reviewed by The Kronical on Guitar Center

I'm a rapper that is very concerned about the sound quality of what I record. The SM57-LC is a must-have. I couldn't believe just how clear my voice sounded and how the background noise was almost entirely gone. I know that in the future I will move on to better equipment, but for right now, the SM57-LC is a great way to start.

VOCAL or Instrumental?

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Nov 7, 2006

Reviewed by dAtaZniNvAziN256 on Guitar Center

This microphone is one of my cheapest microphones that I use when I record. But even though its not super-pricey, it probably has better results than a few of my condenser mics. Its vocal reproduction quality is almost identical to the real voice input, and the pitch of the voice comes out exactly the same. It is a sturdy mic that i've dropped by accident in gigs sometimes, but thats okay, cause its like a tank that can't be destroyed. It has an optional pop filter kind of cover, that i would recommend if you want to get rid of "hisses" and "pops" and "Background noise". It is one of my favorite mics to use live, and i know that the president used this microphone when adressing the nation over cnn. =) ... More

It is a Classic!!

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Apr 20, 2007

Reviewed by Mark Bras on Guitar Center

I bought the SM57 about one year ago for my home studio and have had no complaints about it so far. I have recorded with more expensive mics, and very few have the versatility of the SM57. Bass cabinet, snare, guitar amp, even vocals! For a very good price!! You won't find another one that meet these standards, including low price!!

A standard workhorse of the music industry, but often misunderstood.

Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

Feb 20, 2018

Reviewed by T.s. K. on Reverb

We've heard it all before. "The SM57 is the first mic everyone should own" and quite often at music stores they'll just sell you one when you ask for a "microphone" regardless of what you need it for. Anecdotes aside, the SM57 continues to be a "good" microphone that can often do "great" things, but more importantly "the right things for the mix". While the specs sheets are readily available, the mic delivers a relatively flat with vintage mid-range tonality, what could be described as "boxy" in standalone listening. However, when used with tons of clean gain, via a vintage recording console, high end interface or preamp, or a cloud lifter, the SM57 becomes a different sort of animal, one limited more by the source and context than the actual microphone being a "entry level mic". It's simplicity in tone allows it to be used with these sorts of gain applications for a variety of things, from overheads to guitar amps (common) to snare drum mic, and all variety of instruments with high signal volume that could damage more sensitive mics (in theory). Regardless, other options are available, many of them more versatile and tonally palatable. This notwithstanding, putting an sm57 on a good vintage tube guitar amp, and just raising the volume continues to be an "it" sound that is used on hundreds of hit recordings to this day. And that's just because that sound works. ... More

SM57 is it's name, Versatility is it's game!

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Feb 12, 2013

Reviewed by Matthew Sampson on Guitar Center

The SM57 is a classic for a reason. First of all, from guitar amps to drums to horns, this microphone EXCELS at capturing high-spl instruments. Now, the SM57 IS billed as an instrument mic, but is that all it can do? No! The SM57 is also very useful for vocals, as it has almost NO feedback, even at high gain. Couple that with the Shure pop filter, and you've got an on-stage mic that will not fail. Speaking of not failing, this thing is made of steel and built like a tank! No breaking here, this microphone could be dropped off the stage and plugged right back in to get a nice, gritty guitar sound. Buy one! Buy five! Whatever the case, you won't be disappointed. ... More

It's an SM57.

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Mar 5, 2011

Reviewed by Edward Mowinckel on B&H Photo Video

There's a tongue-in-cheek rule of thumb in studios, that goes something like 'If you don't know how to record it, stick an SM57 on it'. It's not because a 57 is the clearest, cleanest, best sounding microphone out there, it's because it will sound 'okay' to 'great' on pretty much everything. It can take more level than a 24 bit tracking program can handle, and you can beat the heck out of it, and it will keep on ticking. It sounds great on snares, kick beaters, guitar cabs and bass cabs, sounds good on tom drums, kick drums, and strangely, sounds good on dulcimers. Sounds great on a lot of vocalists, doesn't sound bad on a lot of vocalists. It's the most versatile microphone you'll own. If you're doing any music recording, in a studio, guerilla recording, a live environment, anything, you should get one, or two, or more. ... More

Wow what a great Microphone

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Aug 5, 2008

Reviewed by zolojub on Guitar Center

This mic has the most transparent sound. You will not regret getting this mic. We use the SM 57 for recording snare drum and guitar amps, and it works great. There is a reason why it is an industry standard. PS. We also use a Shure SM 58 for live/recording vocals. Get a couple of those too!

Great Combo for the Price

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Jan 4, 2018

Reviewed by BruceH on B&H Photo Video

SM57-LC Microphone What can be said about the SM57 that hasn't already been said? It works and sounds good. I used the one I bought here for live sound and recording of our granddaughter playing violin Christmas eve. It sounded fine. Kopul 3000 Series XLR Cable I did the initial check of the microphone with my DR-40 recorder using the Kopul cable. There were no problems. While I didn't take the cable apart to check, if it is built as it claims (shrink wrapped terminations, OFC wire, multiple shields, Neutrik connectors etc.), it is a lot of cable for less than $10.00 added to the price of the microphone. All in all this is a very good deal for a widely recognized mic and a good cable. One added comment: There is a lot of chatter on the net about counterfeit SM57 microphones. I checked mine over carefully upon receipt. As would be expected with B&H being an authorized dealer, this is the genuine article with a manufacturing date just a month before I received it. ... More

Reigning Champ of Instrument Recording (Great 4 Vocals too)

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Jul 2, 2023

Reviewed by Tom on Guitar Center

The Shure SM57 is a world class microphone. It's been around for ages and, while that doesn't have to mean much because some mics such as the SM58 I find to be always an inferior option, I think with the 57 Shure have really nailed it. I bought this for a recording session for an acoustic guitarist I work with. The mic sounded great on each guitar he brought in. Or rather the guitars all sounded great through it. Naturally you'll want to do additional processing for a polished recording but this mic offers such a wonderful sound on all it captures. Just a little EQ & compression along with any time based effects will really make your source material shine. I now primarily use this as a vocal mic live and in the studio. It works wonderfully for that as well. Live I use no additional processing and in the studio I get pretty effect heavy. In both situations it stands up. The Shure SM57 is at home in anyone's studio or live rig and I truly believe Shure will probably be manufacturing this microphone for all eternity with good reason. ... More

Never the wrong choice

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Jan 23, 2012

Reviewed by Wire Boy on B&H Photo Video

I've been professionally recording rock, country, folk, blues, etc. for almost 20years. When newbies ask me what mic to choose I always respond with the same answer. Get a couple of SM-57s! If you have a full mic cabinet like mine you may find a better mic choice for a particular situation (and a bunch of bad choices) but an SM-57 is never a wrong choice. Start here with a couple of SM-57s and build your collection around them.

There's no reason you shouldn't buy this mic

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

May 30, 2009

Reviewed by Dave on Guitar Center

First of all I'm not much of a Shure fan but I felt like I needed the classic SM57 for my studio. Before I was using an e609 which is an excellent dynamic mic too (I can't decide which I like better). After experimenting with different mic positions for an acoustic guitar, I found micing the SM57 close to the bridge and using a large diaphragm condenser by the 12th fret to be very clean sounding. The SM57 has has a great crisp, dynamic sound and the condenser mic fills the sound with warmth. As far as durability, I had no trouble with the SM57 after having it for a year (Although, most dynamic mics are very durable). I also use this for micing the bottom of snares and I get the exact sound I want with this mic along with my preamp. If you buy this microphone, I highly doubt that you'll be dissatisfied. ... More

Step one in buying handheld mics.

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Jan 21, 2015

Reviewed by John in Austin on B&H Photo Video

It's the SM57. You need at least one. Enough said. Buy it early, let it roll around in the trunk of your car for a summer and a winter, drop it a few times; and it will sound just as sweet as the old ones. You're going to pay the same everywhere. B&H deserves your business!

Showing 1 to 20 of 438 Reviews