All user reviews of 5/5 for the Shure SM57

This is a dynamic cardioid microphone. This is probably one the most, if not THE most, popular mic for both recording and live situations. It is a dynamic, so it doesn't have the best transient response and high frequency response, but even considering that it still sounds good on a lot of things. It is a cardioid mic, so sound from everywhere except right in front of it gets rejected, and this obviously comes in handy.

OVERALL OPINION

I have been using these since I started with music. They have been around for a long time and are still in wide use. They are very versatile and cheap to buy, so they are everywhere. Some common applications are guitar cabinets, drums, vocals, bass cabinets, and almost anything else. They have a presence peak which can help things be more clear and audible. There is also a roll off in the lower frequencies, which can help proximity effect and add to clarity. These things are like a rock, you could throw it at the wall and it would work fine. I have used a lot of other microphones. From beginners to seasoned pros, almost everyone uses these in some capacity. They are the go to mic for most people on guitar cabs and snare drums especially. They usually come with a soft case and a clip, so that cuts down on other costs too. If you have a very delicate instrument that you want to record, like a violin or maybe a soft female voice, this obviously is not a good choice. But for hard loud sources like drums and guitars, this will do the job and you don't have to worry about blowing out a capsule like on a condenser. For the price, it's hard to beat them. Many people own several of them. If you are looking for your first microphone, this is probably the one to get. I would definitely get it again, and probably will.

This small diaphragm dynamic microphone is the pinnacle of modern recording technology. It has a high-mid frequency boost which can make it difficult to control in terms of harshness but has heavy off-axis coloration to dampen the highest of frequencies.

OVERALL OPINION

This is the swiss army knife of your studio. You can use it on any source in the studio from Accordion to Xylophone. Keep in mind that this microphone is heavily influenced by the type of preamp that you pair it with. The better quality preamp, the better reproduction of sound you can expect. Currently in 2008, they are easily had for $100 new and anywhere from $50 and up used.
This microphone is also built like a tank. I've never been able to break one and I have hung pictures with it. This is originally intended to be used as a live microphone for sound reinforcement though the large polar pattern makes it less than suitable for fighting feedback. It is now most suitable in a recording situation.
To sum it up, if you put this microphone in front of your source, it'll pretty much sound just like you heard it in the room. Highly recommended.

I've used the Shure SM57 both in the studio and live, but primarily in the studio. I've used it mostly on guitars and snare drum, but have also used it on tom toms, kick drum, as well as other applications and for vocals in a live. To me the midrange response is great, but it definitely lacks some low end definition. For these reasons I stick to using them on guitars mostly. These are classic dynamic mics that every studio should have handy.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had my 57s for 3 or 4 years now and no studio should be without them. I've never gone into a studio that hasn't had at least a few 57s. They are great because they are cheap and since they are dynamic mics they can take some abuse, which is great if a drummer accidentally hits it with their stick, or if you are using them in a live setting. They are just so versatile and can really handle a beating. For the price, you can't really justify not having a few of these in your studio.