SHURE SM57 Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone User Manual

June 12, 2024
Shure

SHURE SM57 Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone

SHURE SM57 Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone

INTRODUCTION

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

  • Performance tested, industry standard
  • Uniform cardioid pick-up pattern for maximum gain before feedback and excellent rejection of off-axis sound
  • Tailored frequency response specifically shaped for guitars, drums and vocals
  • Advanced pneumatic shock mount system that minimizes transmission of mechanical noise and vibration
  • Enamel coated metal construction, polycarbonate grille with stainless steel screen resist wear and abuse
  • Furnished with zippered storage bag and break resistant stand adapter
  • Extremely durable under the heaviest use
  • Shure quality, ruggedness and reliability

APPLICATIONS AND 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.

RECOMMENDED LOUDSPEAKER LOCATIONS FOR CARDIOID MICROPHONES
Applications And Placement
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.

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
Tom-Toms 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 each microphone at top drum heads. On double head toms, you can also remove bottom head and place a mic inside pointing up toward top drum head.| Medium attack; full, balanced sound.
Snare Drum| 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in.) above rim of top head of drum. Aim mic at drum head. If desired, place a second mic just below rim of bottom head.| Most “snap” from drumstick. More “snare” sound
Guitar & Bass
Amplifiers| 2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker, on-axis with center of speaker cone.| Sharp attack; emphasized bass.
2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker, at edge of speaker cone.| Sharp attack; higher frequency sound.
15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in.) away from speaker and on-axis with speaker cone.| Medium attack; full, balanced sound.
60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft .) back from speaker, on-axis with speaker cone.| Softer attack; reduced bass.
Vocals| Lips less than 15 cm (6 in.) away or touching the windscreen, on axis to microphone.| Robust sound, emphasized bass, maximum isolation from other sources.

Proximity Effect
Unidirectional microphones such as the SM57 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 SM57 bass response gradually rolls off. This provides greater control and helps the user take advantage of proximity effect.

SPECIFICATIONS

Type Dynamic (moving coil)
Frequency Response 40 to 15,000 Hz
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Output Impedance 310 Ù
Sensitivity (at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage) −56.0 dBV/Pa (1.6 mV)

1 Pascal=94 dB SPL
Polarity| Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
Weight| Net: 0.284 kg (0.625 lbs)
Connector| Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male
Case| Dark gray, enamel-painted, die-cast steel with a polycarbonate grille and a stainless steel screen.

TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE

Typical Frequency Response

TYPICAL POLAR PATTERNS

Typical Polar Patterns

OVERALL DIMENSIONS – DIMENSIONS HORS TOUT

Overall Dimensions – Dimensions Hors Tout

INTERNAL CONNECTIONS

Internal Connections

ACCESSORIES AND PARTS

Furnished Accessories

Swivel Stand Adapter A25D
Storage Bag 95C2313

Optional Accessories

Locking Windscreen – Gray A2WS-GRA
Desk Stand S37A
Shock Stopper™ Isolation Mount A55M
Dual Mount A26M
7.6 m (25 ft.) Cable C25E
TRIPLE-FLEX™ Cable and Plug 7.6 m (25 ft.) C25F

Replacement Parts

Grille RK244G
Screen and Grille Assembly R57

CERTIFICATION

Eligible to bear CE Marking. Conforms to European EMC Directive 2004/108/ EC. Meets Harmonized Standards EN55103-1:1996 and EN55103-2:1996, for residential (E1) and light industrial (E2) environments.
The Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from:
Authorized European representative:
Shure Europe GmbH
Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa
Department: EMEA Approval
Wannamaker Str. 28
D-74078 Heilbronn, Germany
Phone: +49 7131 72 14 0
Fax: +49 7131 72 14 14
Email: EMEAsupport@shure.de

Customer Support

SHURE Incorporatedhttp://www.shure.com
United States, Canada, Latin America, Caribbean:
5800 W. Touhy Avenue, Niles, IL 60714-4608, U.S.A.
Phone:847-600-2000
U.S. Fax:847-600-1212
Intl Fax:847-600-6446
Europe, Middle East, Africa:
Shure Europe GmbH, Phone: 49-7131-72140
Fax: 49-7131-721414
Asia, Pacific:
Shure Asia Limited, Phone: 852-2893-4290
Fax: 852-2893-4055

Documents / Resources

| SHURE SM57 Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone [pdf] User Manual
SM57 Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone, SM57, Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone, Dynamic Microphone, Microphone
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