Shure SM57From real comments

Verdict distilled from 65 mentions across 13 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment82%
PROS 82%
CONS 18%

Rank based on 65 mentions across 13 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want one affordable mic that handles guitar cabs, vocals, and acoustic instruments well
  • You record in an untreated room and need strong rejection of ambient noise
  • You want a nearly indestructible mic that will last decades of heavy use

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need a mic that sounds great straight out of the box without EQ shaping
  • You want maximum output level or sensitivity for quiet, detailed vocal recording
  • You've had persistent hum or capsule issues that some users report unresolved

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal sound
Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
High price tag
2Premium
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
Ultrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
3Premium
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operation
Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibilityVersatile across instrumentsStrong, non-boomy low endPrice barrier for some buyersUnclear M/S and connector design questionsLacking low-mid presence on some vocals
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibility
Versatile across instruments
Strong, non-boomy low end
Price barrier for some buyers
Unclear M/S and connector design questions
Lacking low-mid presence on some vocals
5Mid
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound qualityVersatile onboard EQ switchesBuilt-in gain boostHigh price for some buyersUncertain added value over existing setupFiddly dip switches
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound quality
Versatile onboard EQ switches
Built-in gain boost
High price for some buyers
Uncertain added value over existing setup
Fiddly dip switches
6Mid
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57Excellent on acoustic guitarDurable, long-lasting buildCan sound harsh in some applicationsAppearance not universally likedInconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57
Excellent on acoustic guitar
Durable, long-lasting build
Can sound harsh in some applications
Appearance not universally liked
Inconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
7Mid
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
8Premium
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm characterCompetitive with top-tier micsFull-bodied, rich low endHard to distinguish from cheaper alternativesVery high pricePositioning-sensitive
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm character
Competitive with top-tier mics
Full-bodied, rich low end
Hard to distinguish from cheaper alternatives
Very high price
Positioning-sensitive
9Premium
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67Warm, creamy tube toneAttractive appearance
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67
Warm, creamy tube tone
Attractive appearance
Best value
10Mid
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
You are here
17Budget
Shure SM57
Extremely versatileGreat value for priceSurprisingly good on vocalsCan sound muffled compared to alternativesSounds thin/bright out of the boxPlacement-sensitive
Shure SM57
Extremely versatile
Great value for price
Surprisingly good on vocals
Can sound muffled compared to alternatives
Sounds thin/bright out of the box
Placement-sensitive

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Commenters treat the SM57 as the ultimate desert-island mic for versatility. Multiple engineers and hobbyists say if they could own only one microphone, it would be the SM57, using it on vocals, guitar cabs, snares, acoustic instruments, and even pianos. Entire albums, including work by The Killers, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Sufjan Stevens, were reportedly recorded using little else, showing how far a single 57 (or a few) can carry a full production across wildly different sources.

Its toughness and low price make it a legendary workhorse. Users describe SM57s surviving being buried for six months, run over by a car, dropped, rained on, and used for decades without failing. At roughly $100, several comment they buy extras on impulse and keep multiple units in their kit, calling it comparable to a Fender Telecaster in reliability and reputation among musicians and engineers alike.

It handles untreated rooms and rejects noise better than pricier condensers. Several users highlight that the SM57 filters out low-frequency rumble and high-frequency hiss, ignoring room noise, fans, and traffic that condenser mics would pick up. This makes it valuable for home studios lacking acoustic treatment, though a few note it needs EQ shaping, careful off-center placement, and can develop a thin, stuck-capsule sound requiring a quick fix.

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