Mic Archive
Shure SM57
Photo: Shure, from its spec sheet, p. 5.

Shure

Shure SM57

Cardioid dynamic for instruments (snare, guitar cabinets) and vocals

Type
Dynamic
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−56 dBV/Pa
Impedance
150 Ω
Rated range
40 – 15k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet, p. 5. Titled "Frequency Response"; relative dB. Distance, anechoic or not, smoothing and typical-vs-individual are not stated.

Independent measurement: also drawn, from the Multi-Angle, Multi-Distance Microphone Impulse Response Dataset (Juan Carlos Franco Hernández, Bogdan Bacila, Tim Brookes, Enzo De Sena, University of Surrey) (CC BY 4.0): one unit, measured at 1.25 m and set to 0 dB at 1 kHz, from 136 Hz up. Not the manufacturer's curve.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the spec sheet, p. 5. Titled "Polar Pattern, Measured at 1000 Hz" (as printed, though it shows six frequencies); two plots, 125 Hz to 1 kHz and 2 to 8 kHz; 0° at the bottom, 5 dB per ring down to -20 dB, centre -25 dB. Measuring conditions not stated.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the spec sheet
Sensitivity−56 dBV/Pa (1.6 mV/Pa), open circuit voltage, 1 kHz. "-56.0 dBV/Pa (1.6 mV)".p. 5
Output impedance150 ohm, rated; 310 ohm actual. "Rated impedance is 150 Ω (310 Ω actual) for connection to microphone inputs rated low impedance".
Rated frequency range40 Hz to 15 kHz. Tolerance not stated.
ConnectorXLR-3 male
Weight284 g
Dimensions157 × 32 mm. "157 mm L x 32 mm W".
FinishDark grey enamel-painted die-cast steel, polycarbonate grille, stainless steel screen
Supplied accessoriesStand adapter; Zippered pouch. SM57-LC; the SM57-LCE adds a 5/8" to 3/8" thread adapter.
PolarityPositive pressure on the diaphragm gives positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
ModelsSM57-LC (stand adapter, zippered pouch); SM57-LCE (adds 5/8" to 3/8" thread adapter, swivel adapter)
Replacement partsR59 cartridge; RK244G screen and grille assembly
Optional accessoriesA2WS locking windscreen, A55M isolation mount, A25D clip, A26M dual mount, C25F 7.6 m cable, S37A/S39A desk stands

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Shure, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on shure.comRecording Hacks

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

Other mics