When it comes to miking acoustic guitars, the Shure SM57 is a classic choice. It’s a dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern, which means it picks up sound from directly in front of the microphone, while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. This makes it ideal for isolating the sound of the guitar from other instruments on stage or in the studio.
Editor’s Notes:The SM57 is a versatile microphone that can be used on a variety of instruments, but it’s particularly well-suited for acoustic guitars. Its cardioid polar pattern helps to reduce feedback, and its rugged construction makes it durable enough to withstand the rigors of live performance.
To help you make the most of your SM57, we’ve put together this guide to miking acoustic guitars. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right mic placement to setting the gain and EQ.
Key Differences or Key Takeaways:
| Feature | SM57 |
|---|---|
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz-15kHz |
| Sensitivity | -56.0dBV/Pa |
| Maximum SPL | 160dB |
Main Article Topics:
- Choosing the Right Mic Placement
- Setting the Gain and EQ
- Troubleshooting Common Problems
1. Polar pattern
The cardioid polar pattern of the SM57 is one of the key factors that makes it such a good choice for miking acoustic guitars. By rejecting sound from the sides and rear of the microphone, the cardioid pattern helps to reduce feedback and isolate the sound of the guitar from other instruments on stage or in the studio. This makes it easier to get a clean, natural sound from the guitar, even in loud environments.
Here are a few real-life examples of how the cardioid polar pattern of the SM57 can be used to improve the sound of acoustic guitars:
- In a live sound situation, the SM57 can be used to mic an acoustic guitar without having to worry about feedback from other instruments on stage. This is especially important in small venues, where feedback can be a major problem.
- In a studio recording situation, the SM57 can be used to isolate the sound of an acoustic guitar from other instruments in the room. This can be helpful for creating a more controlled and focused sound.
Overall, the cardioid polar pattern of the SM57 is a valuable asset for miking acoustic guitars. By reducing feedback and isolating the sound of the guitar from other instruments, the cardioid pattern helps to ensure that you get a clean, natural sound from your guitar.
| Polar Pattern | Benefits for Miking Acoustic Guitars |
|---|---|
| Cardioid | Reduces feedback and isolates the sound of the guitar from other instruments |
2. Frequency response
The frequency response of a microphone is the range of frequencies that it can accurately reproduce. The SM57 has a frequency response of 40Hz-15kHz, which means that it can capture the full range of the acoustic guitar’s sound, from the lowest lows to the highest highs.
This is important because it ensures that the SM57 will accurately reproduce the sound of your acoustic guitar, without any loss of detail. This is especially important for recording, where you want to capture the full range of the guitar’s sound so that it can be reproduced accurately on playback.
Here are a few real-life examples of how the SM57’s frequency response can be used to capture the full range of the acoustic guitar’s sound:
- In a live sound situation, the SM57 can be used to mic an acoustic guitar without having to worry about losing any of the guitar’s sound. This is important because it ensures that the guitar will sound full and natural, even when it is being played in a loud environment.
- In a studio recording situation, the SM57 can be used to capture the full range of the acoustic guitar’s sound. This is important for creating a high-quality recording that accurately reproduces the sound of the guitar.
Overall, the SM57’s frequency response is a valuable asset for miking acoustic guitars. By capturing the full range of the guitar’s sound, the SM57 ensures that you get a clean, natural sound that is true to the original source.
| Frequency Response | Benefits for Miking Acoustic Guitars |
|---|---|
| 40Hz-15kHz | Captures the full range of the acoustic guitar’s sound, from the lowest lows to the highest highs |
3. Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a microphone is a measure of how well it can convert sound into an electrical signal. The higher the sensitivity, the more output the microphone will produce for a given sound level. The SM57 has a sensitivity of -56.0dBV/Pa, which is relatively high for a dynamic microphone. This means that it can produce a strong signal even when the sound source is relatively quiet.
This is important for miking acoustic guitars because it allows you to get a good signal without having to crank up the gain on your preamp. This can help to reduce noise and feedback, and it can also help to preserve the natural sound of the guitar.
Here are a few real-life examples of how the SM57’s sensitivity can be used to get a good sound from acoustic guitars:
- In a live sound situation, the SM57 can be used to mic an acoustic guitar without having to worry about getting enough gain. This is important because it allows you to keep the gain on your preamp low, which can help to reduce noise and feedback.
- In a studio recording situation, the SM57 can be used to capture the natural sound of an acoustic guitar. This is important because it allows you to get a clean, uncolored sound that is true to the original source.
Overall, the SM57’s sensitivity is a valuable asset for miking acoustic guitars. By allowing you to get a good signal without having to crank up the gain, the SM57 can help you to reduce noise and feedback, and it can also help to preserve the natural sound of the guitar.
| Sensitivity | Benefits for Miking Acoustic Guitars |
|---|---|
| -56.0dBV/Pa | Can produce a strong signal even when the sound source is relatively quiet |
4. Maximum SPL
The maximum SPL of a microphone is the sound pressure level that it can handle before it starts to distort. The SM57 has a maximum SPL of 160dB, which means that it can handle very loud sound sources without distorting. This is important for miking acoustic guitars because it allows you to get a clean, undistorted sound, even when the guitar is being played loudly.
Here are a few real-life examples of how the SM57’s high maximum SPL can be used to get a good sound from acoustic guitars:
- In a live sound situation, the SM57 can be used to mic an acoustic guitar without having to worry about distortion, even when the guitar is being played loudly. This is important because it allows you to get a clean, undistorted sound that will cut through the mix.
- In a studio recording situation, the SM57 can be used to capture the natural sound of an acoustic guitar, even when the guitar is being played loudly. This is important because it allows you to get a clean, uncolored sound that is true to the original source.
Overall, the SM57’s high maximum SPL is a valuable asset for miking acoustic guitars. By allowing you to get a clean, undistorted sound, even when the guitar is being played loudly, the SM57 can help you to capture the best possible sound from your guitar.
| Maximum SPL | Benefits for Miking Acoustic Guitars |
|---|---|
| 160dB | Can handle loud sound sources without distorting |
5. Durability
The durability of the SM57 is an important factor to consider when using it to mic acoustic guitars, especially in live sound situations. Acoustic guitars are often played in a variety of environments, from small clubs to large concert halls, and the SM57’s rugged construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of the road.
Here are a few real-life examples of how the SM57’s durability can be beneficial when miking acoustic guitars:
- In a live sound situation, the SM57 can be used to mic an acoustic guitar without having to worry about it getting damaged if it is bumped or knocked over. This is important because it allows you to focus on getting a good sound from the guitar, without having to worry about the microphone.
- The SM57 can also be used to mic acoustic guitars in outdoor environments, where it may be exposed to rain or other elements. The SM57’s rugged construction ensures that it can withstand these conditions without being damaged.
Overall, the durability of the SM57 is a valuable asset when using it to mic acoustic guitars, especially in live sound situations. By ensuring that the microphone can withstand the rigors of the road, you can focus on getting a good sound from the guitar, without having to worry about the microphone.
Key Insights:
- The SM57 is a rugged microphone that is built to withstand the rigors of live performance.
- The SM57’s durability is an important factor to consider when using it to mic acoustic guitars, especially in live sound situations.
- The SM57 can be used to mic acoustic guitars in a variety of environments, from small clubs to large concert halls, and its rugged construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of the road.
| Feature | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Durability | Can withstand the rigors of live performance |
| Rugged construction | Can be used in a variety of environments, from small clubs to large concert halls |
6. Affordability
The affordability of the SM57 is a key factor in its popularity for miking acoustic guitars. Acoustic guitars are often played by musicians of all levels, from beginners to professionals, and the SM57’s affordable price point makes it a great choice for musicians on a budget. Additionally, the SM57’s durability and versatility make it a good long-term investment, even for musicians who may eventually upgrade to a more expensive microphone.
- Title of Facet 1: The SM57 is a great choice for musicians on a budget.
The SM57 is one of the most affordable microphones on the market, making it a great choice for musicians who are just starting out or who have a limited budget. Despite its low price, the SM57 offers excellent sound quality and durability, making it a great value for the money.
- Title of Facet 2: The SM57 is a good long-term investment.
The SM57 is a well-built microphone that can withstand the rigors of live performance and studio use. This makes it a good long-term investment for musicians who are looking for a microphone that will last for many years.
Overall, the affordability of the SM57 makes it a great choice for musicians of all levels who are looking for a high-quality microphone that will not break the bank.
7. Versatility
The versatility of the SM57 is one of its most appealing features, especially in the context of miking acoustic guitars. Its ability to capture a wide range of sound sources makes it a valuable tool for musicians and engineers alike.
- Title of Facet 1: Versatility in the Studio
In the studio, the SM57 can be used to mic a variety of instruments, including acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass, drums, and vocals. Its ability to capture a wide range of sound sources makes it a valuable tool for engineers who need a single microphone that can handle a variety of tasks.
- Title of Facet 2: Versatility on Stage
On stage, the SM57 is a popular choice for miking acoustic guitars due to its ability to handle high sound pressure levels without distorting. It is also a good choice for miking other instruments, such as electric guitars, bass, and drums, making it a versatile tool for live sound engineers.
- Title of Facet 3: Versatility for Home Recording
For home recordists, the SM57 is a great choice due to its affordability and versatility. It can be used to mic a variety of instruments, including acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass, drums, and vocals, making it a great all-around microphone for home studios.
Overall, the versatility of the SM57 makes it a great choice for miking acoustic guitars, as well as a variety of other instruments. Its ability to capture a wide range of sound sources makes it a valuable tool for musicians and engineers alike.
8. Popularity
The popularity of the SM57 is a significant factor in its use for miking acoustic guitars. Its widespread availability and ease of replacement make it a reliable choice for musicians and engineers alike.
- Title of Facet 1: Wide Availability
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The SM57 is one of the most popular microphones in the world, which means that it is widely available in music stores and online retailers. This makes it easy for musicians to find and purchase an SM57, even in remote areas or on short notice.
- Title of Facet 2: Ease of Replacement
The SM57 is also relatively easy to replace if necessary. Its popularity means that there are many used SM57s available on the market, and its rugged construction makes it less likely to be damaged or broken. This gives musicians peace of mind, knowing that they can easily replace their SM57 if it is lost or damaged.
Overall, the popularity of the SM57 is a key factor in its use for miking acoustic guitars. Its wide availability and ease of replacement make it a reliable choice for musicians and engineers alike, ensuring that they can always have a high-quality microphone on hand.
9. Sound quality
The SM57 is renowned for its warm, natural sound quality, making it a popular choice for miking acoustic guitars. Its ability to capture the and subtle overtones of acoustic guitars, while also providing a balanced and clear sound, makes it a favorite among musicians and engineers alike.
- Title of Facet 1: Clarity and Detail
The SM57’s cardioid polar pattern and tailored frequency response work together to deliver exceptional clarity and detail when miking acoustic guitars. It accurately captures the guitar’s natural sound, preserving its harmonic complexity and allowing the nuances of the performance to shine through.
- Title of Facet 2: Warmth and Presence
The SM57’s warm and full sound is particularly flattering for acoustic guitars. It adds a touch of warmth and presence to the guitar’s tone, enhancing its natural resonance and making it sit well in a mix.
- Title of Facet 3: Versatility Across Different Guitars
The SM57’s versatility extends to its ability to capture the unique characteristics of different acoustic guitars. Whether it’s the bright and jangly sound of a steel-string guitar or the warm and mellow tones of a nylon-string guitar, the SM57 adapts seamlessly to deliver a consistent and high-quality sound.
- Title of Facet 4: Consistency and Reliability
The SM57’s consistent and reliable performance is a crucial factor in its popularity for miking acoustic guitars. Engineers and musicians can count on the SM57 to deliver a great sound, night after night, making it an indispensable tool in the world of live sound and recording.
In conclusion, the SM57’s warm, natural sound quality, combined with its clarity, detail, and versatility, make it an exceptional choice for miking acoustic guitars. Its ability to capture the and subtle overtones of the guitar, while also providing a balanced and consistent sound, has made it a mainstay in the world of acoustic music.
10. Feedback rejection
Feedback rejection is a crucial consideration when selecting a microphone for live sound applications, and the SM57’s cardioid polar pattern plays a vital role in its success in this area. The cardioid polar pattern of the SM57 focuses its sensitivity primarily in front of the microphone, while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for miking acoustic guitars on stage, where feedback can often be a problem due to the high volume levels and close proximity to other instruments.
By reducing feedback, the SM57 allows guitarists to achieve higher volumes without risking uncontrollable squeals or howls. This is especially important in live settings where the sound system may not be perfectly tuned or where there are multiple sources of sound on stage. The SM57’s ability to isolate the guitar’s sound helps to maintain a clear and balanced mix, even in challenging acoustic environments.
Here are some real-life examples of how the SM57’s feedback rejection benefits acoustic guitarists in live sound applications:
- In a small club setting, where space is limited and stage volume can be high, the SM57’s cardioid polar pattern helps to prevent feedback from nearby instruments, such as drums or amplifiers.
- At a large outdoor festival, where wind and other environmental factors can contribute to feedback, the SM57’s focused pickup pattern minimizes unwanted noise and ensures that the guitar’s sound is clearly heard by the audience.
- In a live recording situation, where multiple microphones are used to capture the sound of a band, the SM57’s feedback rejection helps to isolate the guitar’s sound and reduce spillover from other instruments, resulting in a cleaner and more controlled recording.
Overall, the feedback rejection provided by the SM57’s cardioid polar pattern is a critical factor in its suitability for miking acoustic guitars in live sound applications. By effectively reducing feedback, the SM57 allows guitarists to perform with greater confidence and clarity, even in challenging acoustic environments.
Key Insights:
- The SM57’s cardioid polar pattern focuses its sensitivity primarily in front of the microphone, while rejecting sound from the sides and rear.
- This characteristic helps to reduce feedback, which is particularly advantageous for miking acoustic guitars on stage.
- The SM57’s feedback rejection allows guitarists to achieve higher volumes without risking uncontrollable squeals or howls.
- This is especially important in live settings where the sound system may not be perfectly tuned or where there are multiple sources of sound on stage.
Table: Feedback Rejection Benefits of the SM57 for Acoustic Guitars in Live Sound Applications
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Reduced feedback | The cardioid polar pattern minimizes unwanted noise and prevents feedback from nearby instruments or environmental factors. |
| Clearer sound | By isolating the guitar’s sound, the SM57 helps to maintain a clear and balanced mix, even in challenging acoustic environments. |
| Greater confidence and clarity | The reduced feedback allows guitarists to perform with greater confidence and clarity, knowing that their sound will be heard without unwanted noise or interference. |
11. Proximity effect
The proximity effect is a phenomenon that occurs when a microphone is placed close to a sound source. This effect causes the microphone to capture more of the low frequencies, resulting in a fuller, warmer sound. The SM57 has a pronounced proximity effect, which makes it an ideal choice for miking acoustic guitars.
- Title of Facet 1: Enhancing the Natural Warmth of Acoustic Guitars
The proximity effect of the SM57 can be used to enhance the natural warmth of acoustic guitars. By placing the microphone close to the guitar’s soundhole, engineers can capture the full, resonant sound of the instrument. This technique is particularly effective for capturing the low end of the
guitar, which can sometimes be lost when using other microphones. - Title of Facet 2: Controlling Feedback in Live Settings
The proximity effect of the SM57 can also be used to control feedback in live settings. By placing the microphone close to the guitar, engineers can reduce the amount of sound that is picked up from other sources on stage. This helps to prevent feedback loops, which can ruin a performance.
- Title of Facet 3: Achieving a Consistent Sound Across Different Guitars
The proximity effect of the SM57 can help to achieve a consistent sound across different guitars. By using the same microphone placement technique on each guitar, engineers can ensure that the sound of each guitar is balanced and well-integrated in the mix.
- Title of Facet 4: Versatility in Recording and Live Applications
The proximity effect of the SM57 makes it a versatile microphone for both recording and live applications. In the studio, engineers can use the proximity effect to create a warm, intimate sound for acoustic guitars. On stage, engineers can use the proximity effect to control feedback and ensure that the guitar’s sound is heard clearly.
Overall, the proximity effect of the SM57 is a valuable asset for miking acoustic guitars. By understanding how to use this effect, engineers can capture the best possible sound from their acoustic guitars.
FAQs about Using SM57 on Acoustic Guitars
The Shure SM57 is a popular microphone for miking acoustic guitars, but there are some common questions and misconceptions about its use.
Question 1: Is the SM57 a good choice for miking acoustic guitars?
Answer: Yes, the SM57 is a good choice for miking acoustic guitars. It has a cardioid polar pattern, which helps to reduce feedback, and it has a frequency response that is well-suited for capturing the natural sound of an acoustic guitar.
Question 2: How do I position the SM57 when miking an acoustic guitar?
Answer: The best way to position the SM57 when miking an acoustic guitar is to point it at the 12th fret, about 6 inches away from the guitar’s soundhole. This will help to capture a balanced sound with good clarity and warmth.
Question 3: What are some tips for getting a good sound from the SM57 when miking an acoustic guitar?
Answer: Here are a few tips for getting a good sound from the SM57 when miking an acoustic guitar:
- Use a high-quality microphone cable.
- Experiment with different mic positions to find the one that sounds best for your guitar and playing style.
- Use EQ to adjust the sound of the SM57 to taste.
Question 4: Can the SM57 be used to record acoustic guitars as well as live sound applications?
Answer: Yes, the SM57 can be used to record acoustic guitars as well as live sound applications. It is a versatile microphone that can be used in a variety of situations.
Question 5: What are some of the advantages of using an SM57 on an acoustic guitar?
Answer: Here are some of the advantages of using an SM57 on an acoustic guitar:
- It is a relatively affordable microphone.
- It is durable and can withstand the rigors of live performance.
- It has a good sound quality that is well-suited for acoustic guitars.
- It is easy to use and position.
Question 6: What are some of the disadvantages of using an SM57 on an acoustic guitar?
Answer: Here are some of the disadvantages of using an SM57 on an acoustic guitar:
- It can be susceptible to feedback if it is not positioned correctly.
- It does not have a very wide frequency response, so it may not be able to capture the full range of an acoustic guitar’s sound.
Summary: The SM57 is a good choice for miking acoustic guitars, but it is important to use it correctly to get the best possible sound. By following the tips in this article, you can get a great sound from your SM57 and capture the natural beauty of your acoustic guitar.
Transition to the next article section: Now that you know how to use an SM57 on an acoustic guitar, you can start experimenting with different mic techniques to find the one that works best for you.
Tips for Using an SM57 on Acoustic Guitar
The Shure SM57 is a versatile microphone that can be used to capture the natural sound of an acoustic guitar. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your SM57:
Tip 1: Choose the right mic position.
The best way to position the SM57 when miking an acoustic guitar is to point it at the 12th fret, about 6 inches away from the guitar’s soundhole. This will help to capture a balanced sound with good clarity and warmth.
Tip 2: Experiment with different mic techniques.
Once you have found a basic mic position that you like, you can start experimenting with different techniques to find the one that works best for your guitar and playing style. For example, you can try moving the microphone closer to the soundhole to get a warmer sound, or you can move it further away to get a more natural sound.
Tip 3: Use EQ to adjust the sound.
Once you have recorded your acoustic guitar, you can use EQ to adjust the sound to taste. For example, you can boost the high frequencies to add some sparkle, or you can cut the low frequencies to reduce boominess.
Tip 4: Use a high-quality microphone cable.
A high-quality microphone cable will help to ensure that you get the best possible sound from your SM57. Look for a cable that is made with high-quality materials and that has good shielding.
Tip 5: Experiment with different preamps.
The preamp that you use can also have a significant impact on the sound of your SM57. Try experimenting with different preamps to find one that gives you the sound that you want.
Summary: By following these tips, you can get a great sound from your SM57 and capture the natural beauty of your acoustic guitar.
Transition to the article’s conclusion: Now that you know how to use an SM57 on an acoustic guitar, you can start experimenting with different mic techniques and preamps to find the sound that you want.
Conclusion
The Shure SM57 is a versatile and affordable microphone that is well-suited for miking acoustic guitars. Its cardioid polar pattern helps to reduce feedback, and its frequency response is well-suited for capturing the natural sound of an acoustic guitar.
By following the tips in this article, you can get a great sound from your SM57 and capture the natural beauty of your acoustic guitar. Experiment with different mic positions, techniques, and preamps to find the sound that you want.
The SM57 is a great choice for both live sound and recording applications. Its durability and affordability make it a great value for the money. If you are looking for a microphone to capture the natural sound of your acoustic guitar, the SM57 is a great option.
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