majestikc
I heard these are the exact same mics in every way except the SM58 is a "Vocal Mic" because it has a built in pop screen?
Squonk
Yeah
Let's have clarity on this. I have a couple of SM58's and want to know how to use as a sm57 ?
AlanRatcliffe
Yes - exact same cartridge and transformer. However, it's worth noting that the pop screen (a thin layer of foam inside the grille), tends to attenuate high frequencies a bit, so the frequency response is slightly different (round 15-16KHz IIRC). Take the grille off an 58 (at your own risk), and you can use it as a makeshift instrument mic. They have different shaped grilles too, but that's purely cosmetic.
Neps
They are in all ways of use the same mic. I've used 57's as vocal mics before (with a pop shield in the studio), and 58's a guitar cab mics when I didnt have any 57's left. I do tend to take the pop shield off of the 58 when I use it as a '57' just to seem as if I'm using one (I have perculiar habbits)
TomCat
Absolutely spot on. The 58 and 57 are one and the same, except for the wind/pop shields.
Interesting fact. The three microphones seen on the US president's podium when press conferences are given on TV are three SM 57 microphones. They look different because they include A2-WS windshields.
The SM 57 / A2-WS is also popular as a budget guest microphone in radio studios.
IMHO I think the SM57 or Beta 57A are still the best microphones around for Guitar Amp Mic'ing. I like to call them the "Leatherman" of microphones.
Squonk
Thanks Guys ?
How about Acoustic and the Nylon. Will the Sm57 work as well? Or in my case SM58 modded to a Sm57!
AlanRatcliffe
It works, but isn't first choice. But if you only have one mic for everything, make it a 57 and you really can't go wrong.
Neps
You can try and use a 57 on an acoustic or nylon. But a condenser or ribbon would be much better.. But, then again, I once needed an acoustic to just sit in a mix and add to the overall feel, not too distinct, and so the 57 worked wonders.
So it also depends on your application, and where in the mix you want it.
majestikc
At least the prices are identical from what I can tell.....if any shop is selling the 58 for more than the 57 then know your being scammed.
AlanRatcliffe
majestikc wrote:
At least the prices are identical from what I can tell.....if any shop is selling the 58 for more than the 57 then know your being scammed.
Not necessarily - 58s are more popular and bulk deals from the importer are more common, often bringing the retail price down lower than the 57. Also the recent fluctuations in the Rand also means it depends on when they landed.
majestikc
Interesting, so basically just get the 58 if it's cheaper, even if you were going for the 57.
Whose the best importer that anyone knows of that can get the best prices on gear in general directly?
Last SM57 I bought cost a grand and a half from an importer.
Gearhead
Either SM57 or SM58 would go for 75 Euro excluding transport and importing, new in box, parallel import into Europe if you find the right oke (I did, NOT illegal just not very commercial). Stores sell it for 85-90. I have seen them here for between 1200 and 1300 depending on where you are. Someone must be making a good margin if you're paying 1500.
Riaan-Combrink
TomCat wrote:
IMHO I think the SM57 or Beta 57A are still the best microphones around for Guitar Amp Mic'ing.
As far as live stage use is concerned, however, after using a Beta 58A for a year now I can't get used to my SM-58 again. The Beta has a massively wider response (especially tops). Much clearer. I notice it in my slider and gain settings when I alternate between the two. Have to bring it down for the Beta, as it just JUMPS out of the mix!
Don't know the pros and cons of the Beta for recording though ...
Wizard
Prices of SM57's and SM58's vary hugely depending on specials etc.
In general 57's are more expensive due to high demand and low supply - lots of 58's in stock.
57's on gumtree get sold very quickly.
AlanRatcliffe
Buyer beware - there are a LOT of Chinese copies floating around. They even have the "made in Mexico" on the box, but the mics themselves are cheap copies, more like the 48s than the 58s.
TomCat
There is only one official importer for Shure and that is Wild & Marr.
They supply to all the stores.
Yes, exchange rates play a great role in the final price so it depends on who bought their stock when as far as pricing goes.
Stoner-Riff
SM57
Stoner-Riff
TomCat wrote:
There is only one official importer for Shure and that is Wild & Marr.
They supply to all the stores.
Yes, exchange rates play a great role in the final price so it depends on who bought their stock when as far as pricing goes.
I got my three SM57's for
R900.00 each.
Bought them in Florida last year Oct.
The mom&pop stores there have to compete w.MF to keep head above water, and you get good deals like that when you say "
i see Musiciansfriendsell it at . . . "
