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 41 to 60 of 438 Reviews

Great Mic for everything!

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Sep 26, 2006

Reviewed by Greeny on Guitar Center

If I had to choose a single Mic to record or use live, the sm57 would be it, period. You can buy 24 of these bad boys to mic your drum kit, guitar(and bass amps, if not going direct), vocals, horns, congas, any other instrument you can think of! This is the most versitle mic on the market, period. If you are working on a budget, this mic will do it all! If money is no object, then you can spend over $100,000 on microphones to record a record, or mic a live band. Im sure a lot of seasond recording engineers will agree with me. ... More

Standard, Cheap, GREAT!

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Nov 6, 2006

Reviewed by QualityGuy on Guitar Center

The Shure SM57, hmmm... The standard of any studio. This mic is just $100. The 57 can mic any part of a drum kit you would want it to, it does vocals with high quality, I have even used it to mic clarinets and horns. It does everything. With a good pre-amp, this mic will sound incredible. The 57 is revolutionary in standard mics. An SM57 is impossible to regret buying. Heck, get 10 of them, they will always be used. High quality, and a ridiculously low price. Any studio should have one. They are simply fantastic.

The Undisputed Champ!

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

May 21, 2008

Reviewed by Billy Doran on Guitar Center

Since its introduction in 1967, It's been the top dog on stage and in the studio. Top performers and artist around the world use the SM57. Over the years I have had these mics, and some others, but nothing beats the SM57! It seems no matter what mic I try to use for my drums or Amps,live or in the studio, 99% of the time I end up using SM57's. They are that good and for what like, a hundred bucks, I'm suprized everyone doesn't have at least one.

Best multipurpose mic around

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Jul 15, 2020

Reviewed by Brian B. on Guitar Center

The first thing I did when I decided to record at home was buy a pair of these mics. In addition to music, I record thunderstorms and other ambient sounds and I wanted a good matched pair. I record my acoustic guitars and mic my drums with them. Even the kick drum sounds great. (though I have just invested in a Beta 52A so stay tuned) I also play in bar bands and there is no better instrument mic IMO. I used one to mic my guitar amp and another to sing through. 15 years of daily use and I have no complaints. Inexpensive, versatile and durable. What more can one ask? ... More

Still a classic

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Jul 12, 2013

Reviewed by Scott Sinner on B&H Photo Video

legendary mic. Good EQ attenuation for many sources. Fairly high spl. I had some that were 20 years old and were beat all to hell. Still worked, but I think something internally was degrading, on one of them. At this price I just got two new ones and I'll use em for the next 20 years I expect.

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Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone
$99
SweetWater
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Shure SM57 Mic Pack with Stand and Cable
$155
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$209
SweetWater
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Shure SM57 LC
99€
Thomann
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Shure SM57 Amp Profi Bundle
172€
Thomann
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Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone
$99
Guitar Center
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Shure SM57 Mic Four Pack with Cables
$440
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Guitar Center
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Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone
$99
Musicians Friend
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Shure SM57, Stand & Cable Package
$109.99
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$449.99
Musicians Friend
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$440
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Zzounds
Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

A True Classic

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Jan 20, 2009

Reviewed by Gordon Kaswell on Guitar Center

No mic is perfect for everything, but the SM57 comes close. Great sound mic-ing guitar cabs, and excellent for live vocals. I've been gigging with the same one for 30 years--really! In the studio, it's not usually my first choice for vocals, but on some tunes, it actually sounds better than my $700 condensers. With all the hype in the music biz, it's nice to see something worthy of its reputation. The 57 is the real deal.

The King of All Mics

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Oct 11, 2006

Reviewed by darren on Guitar Center

Nobody will ever dislike this mic. There will be no bad reviews. It's a shame that this one is one number away from the 58 (not worth all the hype). This is the standard snare/guitar cab/instrumental mic. Every now and then I see people singing on it, which makes me say something like, "Look! That guy's singing on a 57!!" And singing is something it can handle, especially if you want to take advantage of the proximity effect which is a big factor in this mic. If you use mics for anything, you need at least one of these. They are also invincible, so if money is tight you can get a bunch of used ones too. ... More

A classic mic

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Jan 24, 2014

Reviewed by mmaitzen on B&H Photo Video

This purchase replaces an SM57 that finally gave up the ghost. It was a go-to voice mic for us for decades. Great response and frequency range. Sounded great to the last but a drop to the floor one last time did it in. This is always a good buy.

Best mic for my voice (see review)

Shure SM57, Stand & Cable Package Review

Shure SM57, Stand & Cable Package

Aug 22, 2018

Reviewed by Carl on Guitar Center

Best hammer I ever owned, great defensive weapon...and it's a microphone too? Sm 57, just a standard workhorse of the industry. The stand, though a budget accessory, is fine and works properly. The 4 star rating is only because of the mic cord which is pretty flimsy. The price was right I use the 57 for my vocals, it just works better for my voice than the 58. yes, I gig (40+ years) this package deal was at a great price point, arrived FAST in perfect condition. Thanx GC !

It's a classic for a reason

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Oct 3, 2006

Reviewed by Backdrop Guitarist on Guitar Center

I have 2 of these, and use them primarily for micing guitar amps for recording. At any angle towards the speaker, it records the sound in a unique and perfect way. I have also used it on a snare drum (awesome) and even for vocals when jamming (decent). Overall, this Microphone is amazing for instrumental recording, but I went ahead and bought the SM58 for vocals. Also, good luck finding a competitor in this price range.

Great all around workhorse mic

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Jan 21, 2019

Reviewed by Bret on B&H Photo Video

I needed a mic to do basic voice overs for my youtube videos. I did a ton of research. The SM57 is classic mic used on the presidential podium and many other VIP speaking venues. I figured if it is good enough for the president then it is good enough for me, so I decided to give it a try. It works really well for my voice over work. I am happy with the sound of my voice through it. Being a dynamic mic, it doesnt pick up any unwanted noise in my untreated room. It feels solid and professionally built. It is also very cost effective. ... More

SM57 - The best thing since sliced bread!

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone

May 19, 2015

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

These things are awesome. Simple device with more utility than a Swiss army knife. You can't go wrong with these. Mic anything from drums to vocals to guitar cabs. Can't have enough of them.

The All-Around Mic!!

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Aug 15, 2006

Reviewed by varelam13 on Guitar Center

This mic has added new meaning to the word "universal." It has a 1001 uses and then some! And for this price, you get the most bang for your buck! It's awesome for snare drums and for miking amps, as well as vocals and anything else that you can think of! If you're looking for a great mic and are a little strap for cash, then look no further than the SM57 - it is moderately priced and will last you a very long time! Why wouldn't you use this mic? Everyone else in the business does, so trust the test of time!! ... More

This mic can save you money.

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Jan 26, 2017

Reviewed by Raymond on Guitar Center

The need to heighten the level of the Snare when using brushes created the need to check out the SM57. I play drums for the Church and its drum set needed to have a fuller sound in the vast air space of this large Catholic Church. The SM57 worked there so I decided to try it with my set. I gave it 4 stars because when the SM57was placed under the cymbals and near the drums ,at practice, it performed very well. I need to try it out on an actual gig later this coming month before I can give it 5 stars. The mic also enhances the cymbal sounds ,an added plus. ... More

Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

Aug 27, 2017

Reviewed by Darryl S. on Reverb

I bought two SM57's that were classified as good condition. I would consider one of them in good condition and the other in fair. The cover on the diaphragm of the mic I consider to be fair comes off and seems to have had an impact that pressed it down too far. There were also no mic clips included. That being said, I do appreciate how quickly the seller responded to me and mailed out the product. The seller also emailed me to let me know that he would sell me another 57 without extra shipping costs. Overall really good experience. ... More

Met and exceeded my expectations

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Mar 22, 2022

Reviewed by Steve on Guitar Center

I've only had chance to do a quick sound check miking my Bugera V22 and recording the sound using my new Tascam DP-008 EX 8-track recorder. Sound quality was very good, especially for a basic home office recording setup. I can see why this mic is so popular in the industry. For perspective, I am a hobbyist and don't perform, but like to have the best sound for my limited budget to make recordings for myself and maybe friends and family. This mic lives up to its rep for being a great value for what you pay, punching above its class, no doubt. ... More

Decent Workhorse for Most Anything

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Aug 23, 2006

Reviewed by JonB on Guitar Center

I used the Shure SM57 to mic live or recording. I use it mostly on guitar amps with sound full and faithfully reproduced. I've also used the to mic Congas and other percussion. This is a great point and shoot mic which handles most applications adequately. I've even mics a bass amp successfully. There are specific mics that can handle all these applciations better, but for versatility, these are worth having at least two in your bag. I've owned them for over 5 years and the finish is still like new through both studio and live gigs.

Rock solid

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Sep 28, 2006

Reviewed by Steve on Guitar Center

This mic may not be as pretty as a lot of mics are, but it sounds better then most. For the money you can not beat the reliabilty and the sound. I swear you could build a studio using a 57 as your hammer, and then use that mic to record your first product it is that rugged. I have seen this mic fall 8 feet on to concret and nothing happened to it. It is the swiss army knife of your studio, you wont regret buying it.

Great basic microphone

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57-LC Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Dec 20, 2017

Reviewed by thefrenchguy on B&H Photo Video

First let me tell you that the package (mic + stand + cables) is pretty awesome. The mic is well built and does a great job. I am also fully aware that at that price, there are some trade-offs compare to very expensive (high end) microphone. I use four mics with my Tasman recorder and I am very satisfied (as well as my clients) with the quality of the sound as recorded. Nothing to complain about - nice product.

Industry Standard

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review

Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Nov 21, 2006

Reviewed by colorprotocol on Guitar Center

This is the microphone used in just about any studio in the world for recording snare, guitar cab, and any other number of things. This is mainly because it works great, sounds great, and just about indestructible. I've used this on many different things, though you probably wouldn't want to use it on vocals unless performing live.

Showing 41 to 60 of 438 Reviews