SM57

Instrument Microphone

Manual for the Shure SM57 unidirectional dynamic microphone

Version: 3.3 (2024-F)
 Shure Incorporated

Table of Contents
SM57 Specifications 4
SM57 Instrument Microphone 3 Diagrams 5

General Description 3 Accessories 6

Furnished Accessories 7
Placement 3
Optional Accessories 7
General Rules for Use 3
Replacement Parts 8
Avoiding Pickup of Unwanted Sound Sources 4

Proximity Effect 4 Certifications 8

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SM57
Instrument Microphone

General Description
The Shure SM57 unidirectional dynamic microphone is exceptional for musical instrument pickup or for vocals. With its bright,
clean sound and carefully contoured presence rise, the SM57 is ideal for live sound reinforcement and recording. It has an ex­
tremely effective cardioid pickup pattern which isolates the main sound source while minimizing background noise. In the stu­
dio, it is excellent for recording drums, guitar, and woodwinds. For musical instruments or vocals, the SM57 is a consistent
choice of professional performers.

Placement
General Rules for Use
• Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source (such as the talker, singer, or instrument) and away from unwanted
sources.
• Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired sound source.
• Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
• Use only one microphone to pick up a single sound source.
• Use the fewest number of microphones as practical.
• Keep the distance between microphones at least three times the distance from each microphone to its source.
• Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces.
• Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.
• Avoid excessive handling to minimize pickup of mechanical noise and vibration.
• Do not cover any part of the microphone grille with your hand, as this will adversely affect microphone performance.

Note: The grille on top of the microphone should rotate freely. This is part of the design and does not mean the grille is broken. In certain applications (such as
close-miking drums) an audible rattle might occur. A windscreen or a very small piece of foam wedged under the grille can eliminate this problem, but do not
apply tape or otherwise cover or block the grille vents, as this disrupts the directionality of the microphone. Please visit the Shure website for more information.

The following table lists the most common applications and placement techniques. Keep in mind that microphone technique is
largely a matter of personal taste; there is no one "correct" microphone position.

APPLICATION SUGGESTED MICROPHONE PLACEMENT TONE QUALITY

One mic on each tom, or between each pair of toms,

2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in.) above drum heads. Aim
Tom-Toms each microphone at top drum heads. On double Medium attack; full, balanced sound.
head toms, you can also remove bottom head and
place a mic inside pointing up toward top drum head.

2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in.) above rim of top head of

Most "snap" from drumstick. More
Snare Drum drum. Aim mic at drum head. If desired, place a sec­
"snare" sound.
ond mic just below rim of bottom head.

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APPLICATION SUGGESTED MICROPHONE PLACEMENT TONE QUALITY

2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker, on-axis with center of

Sharp attack; emphasized bass.
speaker cone.

2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker, at edge of speaker Sharp attack; higher frequency
cone. sound.
Guitar & Bass Amplifiers
15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in.) away from speaker and
Medium attack; full, balanced sound.
on-axis with speaker cone.

60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft.) back from speaker, on-axis

Softer attack; reduced bass.
with speaker cone.

Robust sound, emphasized bass,

Lips less than 15 cm (6 in.) away or touching the
Vocals maximum isolation from other
windscreen, on axis to microphone.
sources.

Avoiding Pickup of Unwanted Sound Sources

Place the microphone so that unwanted sound sources, such as monitors and loudspeakers, are directly behind it. To minimize
feedback and ensure optimum rejection of unwanted sound, always test microphone placement before a performance.

Recommended Loudspeaker Locations for Cardioid Microphones

Proximity Effect
Unidirectional (cardioid) microphones progressively boost bass frequencies by 6 to 10 dB below 100 Hz when the microphone
is at a distance of about 6 mm (1/4 in.) from the sound source. This phenomenon, known as proximity effect, can be used to
create a warmer, more powerful sound. To prevent explosive low frequency sound during close-up use, the bass response
gradually rolls off. This provides greater control and helps the user take advantage of proximity effect.

SM57 Specifications
Type
Dynamic (moving coil)

Frequency Response
40 to 15,000 Hz

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Polar Pattern
Cardioid

Output Impedance
310 Ω

Sensitivity
(@ 1 kHz, open circuit voltage)

­56.0 dBV/Pa[1] (1.6 mV)

Polarity
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3

Net Weight
0.284 kg (0.625 lbs)

Connector
Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male

Housing
Dark gray, enamel-painted, die-cast steel with a polycarbonate grille and a stainless steel screen.

[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL

Diagrams
Typical Shure SM57 Frequency Response

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Typical Shure SM57 Polar Patterns

SM57 Dimensions

Internal Connections

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Accessories

Microphone Clip

Zippered Carrying Bag

Furnished Accessories
Microphone Clip for SM58, SM57, SM87A, BETA87A, BETA87C, PGA57, PGA58,
A25D
PGA48, PGA81

Carrying/Storage Bag 95A2313

Optional Accessories
Gray Locking Foam Windscreen for 545 Series, SM57 A2WS-GRA

Desk Stand S37A

Shock Stopper® Isolation Mount A55M

Over/Under Dual Mount for two microphones: SM57, BETA57A or 545 Series micro­
A26M
phones

25 foot (7.5m) Triple-Flex® Microphone XLR Cable with Switchcraft connectors C25E

25 foot (7.5m) Triple-Flex Microphone XLR Cable with chrome connectors C25F

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Replacement Parts
Grille for Shure SM57 and 545SD RK244G

Cartridge for SM56 and SM57 R57

Certifications
This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is eligible for CE marking.
The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from: www.shure.com/europe/compliance
Authorized European representative:
Shure Europe GmbH
Global Compliance
Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12
75031 Eppingen, Germany
Phone: +49-7262-92 49 0
Email: [email protected]
www.shure.com

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