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Sure SM57

i_got_a_mohawk

i_got_a_mohawk

Feb 9, 2005
17,483
505
40
Edinburgh & Dundee, Scotland
#1
Hi guys,

A quick run-down.

Apart from having my bass gear, ive also got a Presonus Firepod, Presonus Eureka mic-pre and M-Audio Tampa mic-pre.

Ive been mainly using behringer mics (was a set of 3 for £25 or something), to give them thier dues, they were half decent mics, especially for the price!

Im just looking for a bit more.

Would an SM57 be worth adding to the stable?

This would be for micing a bass cab, guitar cab and for vocals (obv not all at the same time!)

Or would you guys recommend anything else?

Im on a bit of a tight budget for this, so for any other recommendations, please dont go too much over what the 57 costs!

Cheers

- Will
 
#3
apex 435 is a great, low cost condenser, $60 with shockmount from music go round- I used them on a recent recording on bass cabs (2, 1 on each cab, plus DI for each at the request of the player- I am glad I listened to him) and also on drum overhead. I also have a bunch of mics by superlux which are great for the price (I have their "pro" drum mic kit, which I got used for $120- kick mic is tremendous, I use the tom mics for everything but toms- great on horns, guitar cabs, snare), and you should have a 57, good all around mic, although it is not my favorite. You can find them on ebay pretty cheap, about $50. I removed the transformer from one and that is very nice now, lower output but more full range sound. Anyway, hope that helped you.
 
#4
ExaltBass said:
It would be SHURE SM 57 (microphone) - but I would go for a decent DI (I have both a Radial Pro DI - or Bassbone, for a more active approach) there are a lot of decent Whirlwind & ProCo products too.
Click to expand...

I noticed that mistake after posting it, was completelly knackered at the time, give a guy a break :P

I have the Eureka, Tampa and a SansAmp for DI duties (hell, plugging straight to board isnt bad at all as I think the preamps in the Presonus Firepod are pretty sweet).

I realise that the SM57 wont give a great bass response, but I'm thinking of using it mixed with a DI, to give the bass a bit more.


mrufino1 said:
apex 435 is a great, low cost condenser, $60 with shockmount from music go round- I used them on a recent recording on bass cabs (2, 1 on each cab, plus DI for each at the request of the player- I am glad I listened to him) and also on drum overhead. I also have a bunch of mics by superlux which are great for the price (I have their "pro" drum mic kit, which I got used for $120- kick mic is tremendous, I use the tom mics for everything but toms- great on horns, guitar cabs, snare), and you should have a 57, good all around mic, although it is not my favorite. You can find them on ebay pretty cheap, about $50. I removed the transformer from one and that is very nice now, lower output but more full range sound. Anyway, hope that helped you.
Click to expand...

Have you had a chance to use the 435 for vocals or guitar? I had a quick look about and cant seem to find much on them over here, so would probably have to buy one from the US.
 
#6
i_got_a_mohawk said:
I realise that the SM57 wont give a great bass response, but I'm thinking of using it mixed with a DI, to give the bass a bit more.
Click to expand...

This is exactly what I do in my home studio. I've gone 57-only as well, depending on the tune and in particular the kick, but I usually mix in at least a bit of the DI signal (or a large-d condenser a few feet away back when I had one).

I believe Blood Sugar Sex Magik was recorded with only a 57 on the kick so don't write it off as a bass mic! It can sound terrific, especially when you're going for that svt sound. I'm sure you know that moving an inch in close-placement can make a huge difference, so experiment.

Another note, the 58 is just as good and sometimes easier to find -- the inevitable dented windscreen seems to help bring the price down as well.

Ken.
 
#7
ExaltBass said:
If you already have a DI, then, the SM57 is a good utility mic to have in the toolbox. Experiment with placement and you should be able to get a nice cabinet sound. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Im sure i'll have plenty fun toying about with placement, spent ages playing about with the behringers :)



Pokeroo said:
This is exactly what I do in my home studio. I've gone 57-only as well, depending on the tune and in particular the kick, but I usually mix in at least a bit of the DI signal (or a large-d condenser a few feet away back when I had one).

I believe Blood Sugar Sex Magik was recorded with only a 57 on the kick so don't write it off as a bass mic! It can sound terrific, especially when you're going for that svt sound. I'm sure you know that moving an inch in close-placement can make a huge difference, so experiment.

Another note, the 58 is just as good and sometimes easier to find -- the inevitable dented windscreen seems to help bring the price down as well.

Ken.
Click to expand...

Cheers :)

Thankfully dont need to worry about micing drums as our drummer has an E-kit ! (saves soo much hassle! ).

I'll look for 58s at the same time, but they usually seem to be a bit more expensive.
 
#9
sm57s are the only mic you "HAVE TO" have. Buy it, you wont regret it. Even if it doesnt shine on a bass cab youll use it for everything else. Its never a good 1 mic bass mic but as you stated, does work well when mixed with other sources. I have a hard time micing a bass amp with 1 mic anyway, i almost always use 3, plus a DI for backup.
 

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