#beta57

Shure SM57 Beta Review

Used Price: $90-300

Main Functions: Live Vocal, Guitar Cabs, Snare Drum.

In the audio clip the standard Shure Sm57 comes first, and the Beta 57 follows.

The original Shure Beta 57 is a microphone I've wanted for years. I first noticed it being used by Mike Patton in a live Tomahawk performance. He was using 2 of them on vocals. The two would have different signal paths depending on the sound he was going for. After seeing him use it, and noticing its solid look, I tracked one down.

For reference sake, I've compared it to a standard Shure SM57.

Build Quality:

The standard 57 of course is a go to mic for a ton of applications, hence my using it as comparison. Unlike the standard 57 though, the original Beta 57 has an all metal grill. Is it extremely important? No, but if you mic a snare and the end takes a stick hit, I'm confident it would fare better than a standard 57.

Sound:

Comparing to the standard 57 the original Beta 57 has a more natural low end. Rounder. Deeper. The mid response seems similar amongst the two. High end the standard 57 has this grainy attack and presence. The Beta 57 is more smooth. Less harsh on the ears.

Overall I am happy with the microphone. I could see it being usable in a few places where a standard 57 was lacking something. I would not say it is better in all applications you would use a standard 57, but I will definitely be keeping it around.

Pro: Great mic if you're looking for a smoother, more natural sound than a standard SM57. Build Quality is superior.

Con: Being a 20 year old mic that Shure no longer produces, there are no replacement parts available. Sometimes people exaggerate the used value of this microphone, so prices are scattered.

For all you gear nerds like me...

Gibson Les Paul Double Cutaway Standard Plus > TC Electronics Hall of Fame Reverb > 1976 Fender Vibro Champ > 57 and Beta 57 > Interface > Cubase.