Best Shure SM57 LC Alternatives

Based on 2 reviews

I have 3 of these microphones and they are the core of my set. I used them to record an album with drum toms and the underside of the snare. I use them live as well for producing bands and recording the drums, cellos and a saxophone. The audio quality for the price is superb, having used lots of different microphones over the years i am really impressed. The big disadvantage with the microphones is the size with the drum clamp on smaller toms they are just a little bit too bit and some drummers have found it difficult to play around the microphone. It is a minor disadvantage that means sometimes it is better to use a boom stand rather than the drum clips. Summary: Great mic awesome audio response and great build quality. Love the clip it fits onto every drum rim. Price is very good. Just...

Based on 1 reviews

I didn't want to get a D112 or Beta 52, I'm not a fan of the Beta and I was curious about the 25 AX I don't regret the decision, it's got a nice thump and I'd back it as a contender with the others Mainly been using it for kick out, I've been using a 57 for the kick in and very happy with the results I know the Pro range was designed to be the more entry level set compared to other AT ranges but it doesn't sound cheap; with this, 2 AT2020s and a snare mic (57 or equivalent) then you can get a decent rock sound without breaking the bank too much. (Glyn Johns Method)

Based on 13 reviews

The audix D4 is for me the best floor tom mic with almost no need for EQ. Great low frequency response and punchy sound. I play metal and like the sturdyness of the capsule, and it can definitely take a hit or two without breaking (unlike Shure SM57). I would however recommend to buy another tom mount than the audix ones as they are made of plastic and hard to fixate (they tend to rattle a bit and not stay in place). I bought a kit of microphones and one additional D4 for the extra floor tom i have and it sound awesome.

Based on 10 reviews

This microphone is one of the best microphones to use on a drum kit especially on the toms. It is ultra sturdy and can handle any knocks with ease without damaging the internal components. Any of the Shure Beta series will not let you down with the sound it produces. It is very compact and designed for very close mic placement handling high SPL's. It keeps the sound isolated due to its super cardioid polar pattern. It is well worth saving up for a professional microphone like this instead of working up to it or going for a cheaper alternative. The XLR connector at the bottom of the mic simplifies the setup and makes the placement much more flexible.

Based on 53 reviews

I have never heard a better kick drum mic! I've been working in studios for a while now. There was always debate over these vs a D112 but for most application this would win, hands down. The vast majority of people seem to agree with me on this too. It's absolutely insane the amount of low end thud and clip these give you. One of my favourite three mics ever! Wouldn't trade it for anything else within the price range. I think the D112 is more of a standard... but standards aren't always good ;) both are great mics to be fair but this is just more versatile and provides a nicer eq. Happy purchasing!

Based on 43 reviews

I've used mostly this and the AKG D112 and I have to say I like the Shure Beta 52 better. Even though the frequency response is pretty similar I do prefer the sound coming from the Shure. The build quality is great, and if feels like you could choose a Beta 52a as you weapon of choice in the coming zombie apocalypse and you'd stand a pretty good chance. I do wish they had designed the "holder" for the mic a bit differently, I find that the mic is to tall to work good with floor kick stands. But then again I don't have the most flexible of stands. I have (contrary to the other review) used this on bass amps and I really like it, maybe not as a solo mic, but as a complement (with a 57 and/or a line signal) it's nice, this has been mostly heavily distorted bass. Recording clean...

Based on 48 reviews

Blew my mind. Way better sounding than in most comparisons I've seen online. Much deeper bass, much wider sound. I've always used it with my SM57 and together they form a monstrous sound, canceling each others fizz. Though the mic clip they sent with it can't hold the mic without tilting over... Other than that it looks bullet proof. Works amazing both on guitar and bass cabs. Also tried it on kick and it worked awesome for a demo. Output is a bit higher in level than an SM57, but not considerably. Smaller than SM57 so it can fit into tight spaces. I now use it as my main heavy guitar mic and use the SM57 as a way to cancel out fizz and to reinforce the low mids and mids. I'd chose it over an SM57 if I couldn't use both. Works well in a mix despite what some reviews said.

Based on 24 reviews

I already have a set of cheap drum mics (Superlux) and the tom mics look exactly like this one. I needed another tom mic, so I bought this. I use this in my rehearsal space to record practice and drum cover videos. I like the fact that the threaded hardware for mounting this to a clip-on mount or mic stand is already attached to the body. Of course, the 'sound' depends on the drum, the tuning, the room, processing, ... but based on my experience so far this microphone satisfies my requirements. I would be interested to compare this to a Sennheiser e604 for example.

Based on 99 reviews

The Sennheiser e609 shape makes it uniquely useful in a situation where a stage needs to look clean or stands are in short supply. That was until I discovered the Superlux PRA628 MKII. Shaped like the 609 it can be hung over the front of the cab. I first discovered it while touring with a band as a sound engineer. I had let the house engineer set up and patch the mics on stage. We did the gig and I went up to the stage afterwards and happened to notice what I thought were oddly shaped e609's on the guitar cabs. It was only when I asked the house engineer about the mic that I realised what they were. I'd thought they were 609's all along from the sound. When I got home I looked up the 628 and was amazed at the price. I immediately bought two to go with an order of other things that were...