Shure SM57 - Manual

Model SM57 User Guide
© 2006, Shure Incorporated
27C2903 (Rev. 5)
Printed in U.S.A.
MODEL SM57
UNIDIRECTIONAL DYNAMIC MICROPHONE
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
extremely effective cardioid pickup pattern which isolates the main
sound source while minimizing background noise. In the studio, it
is excellent for recording drums, guitar, and woodwinds. For
musical instruments or vocals, the SM57 is a consistent choice of
professional performers.
Features
• Frequency response tailored for drums, guitars, and vocals
• Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source
while reducing background noise
• Pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise
• Extremely durable under the heaviest use
• Supplied break-resistant swivel adapter that rotates 180°
• Legendary Shure quality, ruggedness, and reliability
STAGE MONITOR & P.A. LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT
Place the stage monitor directly behind the microphone (see
Figure 1). Locate the P.A. loudspeakers so that they point away
from the rear of the microphone. With the speakers located in
these positions, the possibility of feedback is greatly reduced.
Always check the stage setup before a performance to ensure
optimum placement.
RECOMMENDED LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT
FIGURE 1
APPLICATION AND PLACEMENT
Some of the most common applications and placement techniques
for the SM57 are listed in the following table. Remember that mi-
crophone technique is largely a matter of personal taste-there is no
single “correct” microphone position.
PROXIMITY EFFECT
When the sound source is less than 6 mm (1/4 in.) from the
microphone, the microphone boosts bass frequencies (by 6 to 10
dB at 100 Hz), creating a warmer and richer bass sound than when
farther away. This effect, known as proximity effect, happens in
unidirectional microphones like the SM57. The SM57
low-frequency roll-off provides greater control, allowing the user to
take full advantage of proximity effect.
GENERAL RULES FOR MICROPHONE USE
1. Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source and
away from unwanted sources.
2. Locate the microphone as close as practical to the desired
sound source.
3. Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
4. Use only one microphone per sound source.
5. Locate multiple microphones at least three times as far from
other microphones as from the sound source.
6. Use as few microphones as practical.
7. Place microphones away from sound reflecting surfaces.
8. Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors, for
closeup speech, or vocals.
9. Avoid excessive handling to minimize mechanical noise.
180 °
90 °
0 °
90 °
P.A.
LOUDSPEAKERS
STAGE
MONITOR
SOUND
SOURCE
MICROPHONE
APPLICATION SUGGESTED MICROPHONE
PLACEMENT
TONE QUALITY
Tom-Toms One SM57 on each tom, or between
each pair of toms, 25 mm (1 in.) to
75 mm (3 in.) above the heads. Aim
each mic at the top heads.
Medium attack,
balanced sound.
On double head toms, remove the
bottom head and place a mic inside
aimed at the head.
Medium attack, bal-
anced sound.
25 mm (1 in.) to 75 mm (3 in.) above
the rim of the top head of the drum.
Aim the mic at the head.
Most “snap” from
drumstick impact
Snare Drum If desired, place a second mic just
below the rim of the bottom head.
More “snare”
sound.
25 mm (1 in.) from the speaker,
on-axis with the speaker cone.
Most attack,
emphasized bass
Guitar & Bass
Amplifiers
150 mm (6 in.) to 300 mm (12 in.)
away from speaker and on-axis with
speaker cone.
Medium attack, full,
balanced sound
.5 m (18 in.) to 1 m (3 ft) back from
the speaker, on-axis with the speak-
er cone.
Softer attack, thin,
reduced bass
sound.
On-axis with the edge of the speak-
er cone.
Thinner, reduced
bass sound.
Brass:.3 m (1 ft) to 1 m (3 ft) away,
on-axis with bell of instrument.
Bright, clear sound.
Brass & Wood-
winds
Woodwinds: 25 mm (1 in.) to 150
mm (6 in.) away, on-axis with bell of
instrument.
Bright, clear sound.
Bell of the instrument 90° off-axis
from the front of the mic.
Softer, mellow
sound.
Vocals &
Speech
25 mm (1 in.) to 150 mm (6 in.) from
the vocalist's mouth.
Rich, warm sound.