Shure SM57 Dynamic Cardioid Instrument Microphone

The Shure SM57 is the most-used instrument microphone in history — the dynamic cardioid that has captured snare drums, guitar amps, brass, and US Presidential speeches at the podium since 1965. Found in every professional studio, every touring rig, and every venue rental locker worldwide.

What it does well:

• Snare drums — the de facto standard; positioned above the rim, captures crack and body
• Guitar amplifiers — from clean Fender to roaring Marshall, the SM57 handles loud sources without distortion
• Brass and horns — trumpets, trombones, saxes — with placement and EQ it just works
• Speech and podiums — used by US Presidents at official press conferences for decades

Specifications:

• Cardioid polar pattern — rejects sound from the rear
• Frequency response: 40 Hz – 15 kHz
• Output impedance: 150 Ω (low-Z)
• Pneumatic shock isolation reduces handling and rim-shot noise
• Hardened steel mesh grille survives drop tests and stick hits
• Indestructible reputation — SM57s from the 1970s are still working today

Stock for: Recording studios, live sound engineers, mobile DJs, drummers, guitarists, churches, schools, and anyone serious about audio. If you don't own at least one SM57, you should.