[Deren]

So I've heard much talk about micing amps and stuff. Popular opoin suggest getting a Shure SM57 to do the job.
Just outta curiousity, I'm gonna get one, but what makes these mics so good? What is the diference between the SM57 and SM58 And which one is better for micing amps. Which one is better for our singer to use?
In general, can someone give me the goods on Shure mics?

Thanks!
-Deren

[Major Tom]

The 57 is engineered for a reasonably flat response. They have been the standard for mic'ing guitar amps 'cause they sound good for that, no other real reason other than the fact that they are capable of handling high DB's, although most dynamic mics do. The 58 is engineered with a "presence peak" to help vocals cut through a little better, and it also has a "proximity effect" which means when you get right up on it the bass is enhanced. You can use either mic for either application with decent results, some people like the 57 for vocals.

[Shredcheddar]

People use both for micing amps. Go with what you like.. and if you can even tell a difference, then bravo Either way, you'll be good.. but Tom has some good information there to think about.

I think the SM57 looks cooler.

[LWatford]

Originally Posted by Major Tom

The 57 is engineered for a reasonably flat response. They have been the standard for mic'ing guitar amps 'cause they sound good for that, no other real reason other than the fact that they are capable of handling high DB's, although most dynamic mics do.

Plus they're cheaper than something like the MD421...

[Brent]

If you get a 58 you can also use it as a hammer if you're in a pinch. Guaranteed to still be working after you're finished hammering, too.

[Deren]

Can I use it to mic drums? say a bass drum too? Or how about a bass amp?

Thanks,
-Deren

[Major Tom]

Yes, all of the above for the 57 (and for that matter the 58 if that's what you have) - it is also a very popular mic for drums - toms, snares, bass drum if you don't have a larger bass drum mic. For cymbals you would generally use a condenser mic, but a 57 would be better than nothing. Some drummers prefer to use a vocal mic on the snare....

[emo_boy]

Originally Posted by Deren

Can I use it to mic drums? say a bass drum too? Or how about a bass amp?

Thanks,
-Deren

NO! don't use a regular mic to mic a bassamp or drums. You will destroy it. Use a dedicated drum mic for drums and bass guitar. A drum mic even works good for electric guitar.

[LWatford]

NO! don't use a regular mic to mic a bassamp or drums. You will destroy it. Use a dedicated drum mic for drums and bass guitar. A drum mic even works good for electric guitar.

It won't hurt a 57/58 or almost any other dynamic mic...you might not get the result you wanted though. Drum mics are usually made to withstand higher SPLs, and some have an extended low range to them. That's the reason you usually see them being used on bass cabs and kick drums. The 57 is like the standard for snare drum micing, and alot of guys like them on toms also (though it seems like the MD421 might be just as popular). There are alot of guys who will mic a bass drum beater with a 57 or MD421, then throw up a LD condenser outside the drum a few feet from the head...the dynamic gets the attack, the condenser gets the thump.

You DO need to be careful using other types of mics around loud sources. Certian condeners and especially ribbon mics can be destroyed by air hitting them too hard.