Shure's SM57 is one of the world's most popular mics, and for good reason: this affordable, durable dynamic mic is a stage and studio workhorse that will give great results with all kinds of instrumental and vocal sources. Pro and home studios alike turn to the SM57 for its well-known guitar cabinet and snare drum sounds, and count on it for clear, reliable reproduction of instruments and percussion. In addition, its tailored frequency range makes it a popular choice for vocals. The tight, highly-controlled cardioid pattern minimizes background noise and isolates the sounds you want, also making it a great podium mic.
Due to its versatility and rugged construction, the SM57 makes an ideal "first mic" for home recordists. But unlike some firsts, this a tool you'll keep coming back to. You'd be hard-pressed to find a studio or stage anywhere without the SM57 or its equally-popular sibling, the SM58.
