Alternatives to shire sm57

[Masashi is God]

Hey guys

I'm looking at purchasing an sm57, are there any better mice in the same price range? I've tried my sm58 and it sounds nothing like what I hear commingle out of the cab

I'll be recording clean and driven tones from an ampeg svt-210 cab. Any hints on mic placement for maximum attack would be awesome too

Many thanks

 

[Masashi is God]

Or maybe shure

 

[SquierJazz72]

I think only Hobbits record with the Shire mics.

Bad joke, but I couldn't help myself.

A lot of people like the sm57 for bass, if you don't need too much bottom end, and want more bite from the sound.

I have heard that some people use for bass the same kind of mics used for kick drums, to get that low end to pick up properly.

I'm no expert, and this is only stuff I have heard, but it might help you consider what kind of mic you want to use for the sound you're trying to capture.

In the Shure line, a lot of people like the beta 52a, as its geared toward bass drums and other low range instruments.

 

[Thomas Kievit]

The AKG D 112 Kick Drum / Bass Dynamic Microphone is a good alternative for the shure sm57. It's expensive, about 200 dollar, but it works very well.

It's actually a kick drum mic, but it can be used too for bass cabs and still sounds very clean.

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If you don't have the money, the AKG 2 Dynamic Bass microphone might work for you too, it's about 127 dollar.

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[ddnidd1]

And keep in mind, while 57's and 58's are used to mic various instruments, they were originally designed as vocal mics. Not for wide range low frequency response.

 

[Thomas Kievit]

And keep in mind, while 57's and 58's are used to mic various instruments, they were originally designed as vocal mics. Not for wide range low frequency response.

Doesn't surprise me, look at how small how things are xD Doesn't look like a mic that would go well for things like bass cabs and such..

 

[audioglenn]

If you already have an SM58, I would not buy an SM57. If you take a look at the specifications for each mic, you will see that the frequency response and curve are very similar. They are both cardioid mics. I've used both the AKG D112 and the Beta 52 many times on bass amps and they work great. As always, placement of the microphone is critical.

 

[silky smoove]

An RE20 is my favorite if you are using a "traditional" bass tone and want to retain bottom end. It's affected by proximity less than most mics.

If proximity effect isn't a concern and you want a sweeter top end, I reach for a Shure SM7B.

 

[bluestarbass]

If you are looking for something very similar to a 57, an audix i5 is pretty close.

 

[Hellbastard]

Hey guys

I'm looking at purchasing an sm57, are there any better mice in the same price range?

Heil PR20

 

[seamonkey]

For recording, you should look into a omni-directional mic

Read this:
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You can get a multi-pattern condenser mic for a good price that will fit many live and recording needs.

Yes, For general live micing they work good too.

In anycase I recommend you record through DI, then re-amp to try and fit in the cabinet and room sound. It's much easier to move the mic and adjust the amp controls while a track is playing back to get it just right.