Shure SM57 — The Definitive Instrument Microphone

The Shure SM57 has been a fixture on professional stages and studio floors for over five decades. This unidirectional dynamic microphone delivers a bright, clean sound with a carefully contoured presence rise that brings out the best in instruments — from loud guitar amps to delicate acoustic sources.

Key Features

• Type: unidirectional dynamic microphone
• Polar pattern: cardioid — effective rejection of off-axis noise and stage bleed
• Contoured frequency response with accentuated presence for instrument clarity
• Versatile use: electric guitars, snare drums, brass, woodwinds, and vocals
• Durable all-metal housing built for demanding live environments
• Handheld or stand-mountable design
• Includes mic clip, storage bag, and user guide

Ideal For

The SM57 is the go-to microphone for close-miking guitar and bass cabs, capturing snares and toms with punch, and recording brass and woodwind instruments with natural detail. Its cardioid pattern keeps stage bleed and monitor feedback under control during live performances. The fact that it has served at the U.S. presidential podium for over 30 years speaks directly to its reliability under pressure.