Alternatives to SM57

[Johtosotku]

I seem to have misplaced my 57. I need a microphone for home recording. I'd prefer to not get just another one as the 57 should come up somewhere some day.

What are some similarly priced alternatives? It ahould be able to handle big volume. I'll only use it to record guitar and bass.

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

Audix i5, Sennheiser e609, sennheiser MD421 (used it comes in around 200).

The audix comes in as the closest, you can find lots of comparisons between that and a 57. The other two sound completely different but are used alot for the same application. I personally like the 421 mixed with a 57 on guitar, so when you find that 57 you'll be another step ahead. Usually the i5 and 57 are used interchangeably, so not much dual application there. Keep in mind I own and am familiar with the 421U5 and NOT the MKII which apparently is alot brighter.

Best of luck!

 

[dystrust]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

+1 for a Sennheiser MD-421U5; I'd try to avoid the mk II if possible. I've had the chance to try both head to head, and the mk II is MUCH BRIGHTER.

I also own an Audix i5 and I'm considering getting rid of it. It doesn't sound exactly like a SM57, but it isn't really all that different either. I've never had the chance to try a Sennheiser e609, but I've heard it's a good guitar mic. You might also want to consider an e906 which is essentially a e609 with a 3-way voicing switch.

 

[FretFire]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

I love the Sennheiser e906 for guitars (more than the SM57, personally). I got one used for $100.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

The "and bass" part is where I would steer you away from the i5 or 906/609 paradigm.

You should be looking at either a ribbon or LDC mic. You have to watch the amount of air you are moving with a ribbon when tracking bass guitar, though; it may not be ideal (this is not an SPL issue with modern ribbons, but the actual AIR MOVEMENT).

In the sub-$200 range, the Audio Technica AT2020 would be my first recommendation. They also have a USB version if you want to skip the 'middle man' of an interface or mic pre.

 

[Progbusters]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

MXL R144 ribbon can be used like an SM57 up close center or off center and no need for phantom power, sounds more wide ranging though - highers and lowers. I use it and the Sm57 together. Also no phase issues when they're up close together.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

A $100 passive ribbon mic with more high freqs than an SM57?

Gonna have to call shenanigans on that one. Even my Cascade Fathead starts dumping the high freqs at 7k.

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

The AT2020 looks very intriguing! It's quite affordable. I certainly wouldn't mind if the mic can be of more general use. I do have an AKG I've used on vocals and as a room mic.

How good is the AT2020 on guitar amplifiers? That is my main priority.

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

I forgot to mention in the original post that I have a Focusrite Scarlett interface that I record through, if it matters.

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

The Sennheisers look interesting but they look a bit pricey. There really isn't an used market for microphones around here.

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

How would a Rode M3 compare?

 

[B2D]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

Heil PR30 or 40?

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

I'm sure a Heil would be nice but they're at least three to four times more expensive than many other options.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

How would a Rode M3 compare?

The M3 is an excellent choice, but it will struggle to capture the very low bass as it us an end-address SDC to capture sub-50Hz. You need a large 1+" diaphragm mic ... It's just the way physics works. The M3 isn't even rated below 40Hz. You could try using EQ afterwards to bring the low bass up, but that is not a guaranteed result.

For use w the Scarlett ... I would do the following:

1. Get the best dynamic or LDC you can afford
2. For guitar, no problem
3. For bass, I would split the signal and use a combination of mic'd signal and DI. Use the DI for shaping the LF and the mic's signal for everything else.

This is how I record bass. I use a SansAmp Bass Driver and split from there. One path goes straight into my interface. The other goes into the Slave input on my Mesa Dual Rec and is recorded w. Sennheiser D112. I use the DI for LF and the mic signal for mids and above.

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

The M3 is an excellent choice, but it will struggle to capture the very low bass as it us an end-address SDC to capture sub-50Hz. You need a large 1+" diaphragm mic ... It's just the way physics works. The M3 isn't even rated below 40Hz. You could try using EQ afterwards to bring the low bass up, but that is not a guaranteed result.

For use w the Scarlett ... I would do the following:

1. Get the best dynamic or LDC you can afford
2. For guitar, no problem
3. For bass, I would split the signal and use a combination of mic'd signal and DI. Use the DI for shaping the LF and the mic's signal for everything else.

This is how I record bass. I use a SansAmp Bass Driver and split from there. One path goes straight into my interface. The other goes into the Slave input on my Mesa Dual Rec and is recorded w. Sennheiser D112. I use the DI for LF and the mic signal for mids and above.

That sounds very good! I do have a DI that I can use and have used before.

At the moment the best options look to be:

Audix i5
Rode M3
Audio Technica AT2020
AKG D4

All are quite readily available here and in the same price bracket.

 

[jtougas]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

Here's an AT2020 in action on guitar cab:

It's been so long since I had my full kit set up, I'm not sure if I have one of these or not (I think I do), and I seem to remember being happy with it (plus it's use for acoustic guitar and vocals. Good cheap flexible product. Hard to beat that).

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

FWIW I've used a AT2020 before. Decent cheap condenser mic for multiple applications. I recorded vocals for an entire punk album with that mic. Needed a little more post processing than I would normally like but the results turned out good.

 

[RobSoundtrack]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

If you DID go with a more expensive option, I vote SM7B
You will already know how to use it (like sm57) but on steroids and more options.

Just as well, many swear it makes for an awesome mic for most male vocals (as do i) even in an untreated room, as its unidirectional dynamic.

I should state that it takes more gain, but your scarlet should have no problems. I use a firebox and it has no problems getting levels.

---
as for equivelents, i used the 57, then used a 609, then back to the 57 before moving onward.
Depended on what speakers I was mic'ing up.
....now i just use axe fx


---
keep an eye on Used.guitarcenter.com for finding stuff on the cheaper/used side
the inventory is just getting massive and all of them will ship to your door, or local store

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

SM7 is an excellent choice but notoriously hard to drive, especially w the gain on tap from the interface on its own. With an outboard preamp like a Shadow Hills, Grace, or SSL a definite contender ... your successes with your interface is encouraging but depends on other factors as well.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Alternatives to SM57

Another option with an SM7 is to use a phantom-powered inline booster like a Cloud Lifter or Fet Head (I've heard the latter has lower self-noise).