Shure SM57LC

The Shure SM57 is the legendary cardioid dynamic microphone that has been a studio and stage workhorse for decades. Its bright, clean sound and contoured presence make it a first choice for guitar amps, snare drums, horns, and woodwinds, and it handles vocals and speech with equal ease. The SM57-LC version ships without a cable, with a break-resistant stand adapter and zippered pouch.

Highlights

• Industry-standard instrument and vocal microphone
• Contoured 40 Hz-15 kHz frequency response for clean instrument reproduction
• Uniform cardioid pattern isolates the source and reduces background noise
• Pneumatic shock-mount system reduces handling noise
• Extremely durable construction
• Includes stand adapter and zippered pouch (cable not included)

Shure SM57: The Workhorse Microphone

Few microphones have earned the reputation of the SM57. Its tailored response captures the crack of a snare, the bite of a guitar cabinet, and the brassy edge of horns with remarkable clarity, while its cardioid pattern keeps neighboring instruments out of the mic. Sound engineers trust it in studios and on stages around the world, and it’s been a fixture on presidential podiums for decades.

Built to Take a Beating

The SM57 is famous for its durability. It survives drumstick hits, drops, and years of touring, and its pneumatic shock mount reduces handling and stand noise. Because it’s a dynamic mic, it needs no phantom power and handles very loud sources without distortion.

Setting Up the SM57

Mount the SM57 on a stand with the included adapter and connect it to a mixer or interface with an XLR cable. For guitar amps, place it an inch or two from the grille, aimed between the center and edge of the speaker cone. For snare, position it above the rim, angled toward the center of the head and away from the hi-hat.

What to Pair With the SM57

Pair the SM57 with sturdy boom stands, drum mic clamps, quality XLR cables, and SM58 vocal mics for a complete stage setup. Many engineers keep several SM57s on hand for drums and amps.

Miking Guitar Amps With the SM57

Small changes in placement make a big difference. Moving the SM57 toward the center of the speaker gives a brighter, more aggressive tone, while moving toward the edge gives a warmer, darker sound. Angling the mic off axis softens the high end. Experiment during soundcheck to find the tone that fits the mix.

SM57 vs. SM58

The SM57 and SM58 share a similar cartridge, but the SM57’s grille is smaller and lets it get closer to instruments, giving a slightly brighter, more present sound. The SM58’s ball grille includes a built-in pop filter, making it the better choice for handheld vocals. Many setups use both.

A Microphone Every Stage Should Have

Because it handles so many sources well, the SM57 is often the first microphone engineers reach for. Venues and churches keep several in their mic lockers for drums, amps, brass, and backup vocals, and its affordable price makes it easy to stock spares. Its consistent sound from one unit to the next means you can swap mics without changing your mix.

Shure SM57 FAQ

Does it need phantom power? No. The SM57 is a dynamic microphone.

Is a cable included? No. The SM57-LC includes a stand adapter and pouch but no cable.

Shure SM57 Specifications at a Glance

• Type: dynamic
• Pickup pattern: cardioid
• Frequency response: 40 Hz-15 kHz
• Impedance: low impedance
• Shock mount: pneumatic
• Connector: XLR-3
• Included: stand adapter, zippered pouch

Who Buys the Shure SM57

• Live sound engineers
• Recording studios
• Drummers and guitarists
• Churches, schools, and venues

Why Buy the Shure SM57 From Metro Sound & Lighting

Metro Sound & Lighting isn’t a catalog-only retailer. We design, install, and service sound systems in-house, so our team can help you choose the right microphones and support your system after the sale. We offer B2B and integrator pricing for churches, schools, and venues.

Browse more options in our Instrument Microphones category, or see the full specifications on the official Shure SM57 product page.