SM58 used as SM57 for cab recording?

[Krakmann]

Salud!

Hi, guys. I've always recorded my bass direct, but I want to experiment now mixing that signal with a miked one.

If I take the front shield/grid out from my SM58 (to avoid the foam's coloration), can I make it pass for a SM57 for the sake of recording my amp sound?

 

[two fingers]

It won't sound like a 57.

It will be harder to keep from feeding back. But if you find the distance sweet spot it might just sound great. You will just have to play with it.

I watched the Muscle Shoals documentary. The guys there just went over to a box and grabbed whatever mix was on top. They didn't know or care about vocal or instrument mics. And those recordings sounded amazing.

 

[tkonbass]

Straight from Shure's FAQ: Link Removed

SM57 vs SM58

QUESTION:
What are the real reasons an SM58 should be used for vocals, and an SM57 be used for instruments? Of course, everybody seems to use these mics as mentioned. No one has given me a convincing reason for this, other than 'That's just what you do- everyone does it this way'. Please ease my anxious mind!

ANSWER:
The SM57 and SM58 microphones are based on the same cartridge design. The main difference is in the grille design. The SM58 was designed for vocal application and it uses a ball grille that acts as an effective pop filter. The SM57 was designed as an instrument microphone where a smaller grille size is preferred. In this application, pop and wind are not usually a concern.

The SM57 uses an integral resonator/grille assembly, where grille is actually a part of the cartridge. These two grille designs place the diaphragm of each microphone in a different acoustical environment. The distance from the top of the grille to the diaphragm is shorter on the SM57 compared to that of the SM58. This allows for a closer miking position with a more pronounced proximity effect. The different resonator/grille assembly design of the SM57 is also responsible for its slightly higher output above 5 kHz.

 

[David Jayne]

In other words, yes, it's nearly identical.

 

[two fingers]

Straight from Shure's FAQ: Link Removed

SM57 vs SM58

QUESTION:
What are the real reasons an SM58 should be used for vocals, and an SM57 be used for instruments? Of course, everybody seems to use these mics as mentioned. No one has given me a convincing reason for this, other than 'That's just what you do- everyone does it this way'. Please ease my anxious mind!

ANSWER:
The SM57 and SM58 microphones are based on the same cartridge design. The main difference is in the grille design. The SM58 was designed for vocal application and it uses a ball grille that acts as an effective pop filter. The SM57 was designed as an instrument microphone where a smaller grille size is preferred. In this application, pop and wind are not usually a concern.

The SM57 uses an integral resonator/grille assembly, where grille is actually a part of the cartridge. These two grille designs place the diaphragm of each microphone in a different acoustical environment. The distance from the top of the grille to the diaphragm is shorter on the SM57 compared to that of the SM58. This allows for a closer miking position with a more pronounced proximity effect. The different resonator/grille assembly design of the SM57 is also responsible for its slightly higher output above 5 kHz.

No kidn. I stand corrected.

 

[RoeyHaviv]

I use a 58 as a 57 regularly, if you want to get up super close, just unscrew the ball.

 

[Krakmann]

Thank you all for your input!

 

[DWBass]

I always thought they were the same but with different element covers.

 

[guy n. cognito]

Both are less than ideal for bass...

 

[And I]

The SM7 sounds great on a bass cab. The 57/58 are not good choices for a bass cab in most applications. They don't really go low enough for my tastes (down almost 10db at 50hz) and their bump in high mids will bring out clankyness and string noise.

 

[JRA]

either mic can be used for bass (or almost any other instrument). pro sound guys often prefer either (over other mic choices) because of their functional reliability and the reliability of meeting 'expectations' = we know what it's supposed to sound like, on any instrument, anytime, yada yada. both mics are good choices, on the cheap! depending on how you use placement, either mic can get you some very useful recordings, especially if you want 'definition' with the bass sound. proximity experimentation is your friend.

taking the ball grill off of a 58? not necessary! good luck on your recording quest

 

[morgan138]

I use a 58 as a 57 regularly, if you want to get up super close, just unscrew the ball.

Totally. Or just take off the grille cloth or speaker cover.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

Both mics are almost identical. As long as you blend the dry signal in, you might be able to get good results. However, there are other mics that I would prefer if I have the choice.

 

[leegreenman]

Both are less than ideal for bass...

If you using a direct signal as well, a 57 might sound great depending on the cab, and sound desired.

 

[Slevage]

It won't sound like a 57.

It will be harder to keep from feeding back. But if you find the distance sweet spot it might just sound great. You will just have to play with it.

I watched the Muscle Shoals documentary. The guys there just went over to a box and grabbed whatever mix was on top. They didn't know or care about vocal or instrument mics. And those recordings sounded amazing.

Same cartridge and pattern, both are uni- directional,different screen. Either works fine for close cabinet mic'ing.
Omni directional mics would cause a problem.

 

[two fingers]

Same cartridge and pattern, both are uni- directional,different screen. Either works fine for close cabinet mic'ing.

You are correct. I quoted someone else later in the thread and said I stand corrected.

Honestly, it's good to know in case I get in a pinch. All my years of performing, and running sound, using hundreds of SM mics, I never knew that.

 

[DanAdams]

If you are planning on recording a mixture you should pay attention to phase.
after lining up the tracks in a DAW zoom WAAAAY in on the recorded track's waveforms and nudge to align the phase. then you can play around more with the phase if you like.

I would try a more sensitive mic at various distances.

I haven't been keeping track of DAWs over the past five years. maybe you can have them align the phase automatically these days.

 

[seamonkey]

Instead of mixing - try re-amping to another track.
You can more easily play with mic position than when you have a bass in your hands.
A little mic change of position can make a big difference in sound.
Especially with ported or 3-way cab.
If you have a good studio environment, an omni mic works very good. Move it out away from the driver and it can sound much more natural, like what your ear hears.

 

[40Hz]

I've used them interchangeably over the years with no issues. As was previously suggested, just remove the ball for non-vocals use.

 

[NKBassman]

Both are less than ideal for bass...

This. If you're hoping to capture some character by using an SM57 on a bass cab, then an SM58 will be more similar than different. Both will sound relatively they same compared to some of the other mic choices out there.