SHURE SM57 vs SM58 vs SM7B for podcast, livestream, or zoom calls

In this week’s episode, we compare three microphones from SHURE: the SM57, SM58, and SM7B. These noteworthy installations of the SM (‘Studio Microphone’) series include two of the bestselling mics in the world— the 57 and 58— as well as a favorite of podcasters and streamers, the 7B. In this video we walk through the SM57’s feature set, compare it to the SM58 and 7B, and discuss how, when, and where you might use each of these three great microphones. Let’s take a closer look and listen!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX. https://school.learnlightandsound.com

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Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- SHURE SM57 microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon https://geni.us/6Dtqb
- SHURE SM58 microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Trew Audio, Amazon https://geni.us/c2pxTM4
- SHURE SM7B microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Perfect Circuit, Amazon https://geni.us/GYU7dHy
- SHURE A2WS foam windshield (smaller, less imposing, for the SM57) — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon https://geni.us/clvB
- SHURE A81WS foam windshield (bigger, better for sibilant voices and wind for SM57) — B&H, Sweetwater, Trew Audio, Amazon https://geni.us/tfGpc0m
- SHURE A58WS foam windshield for SM58 — B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/BWhChl
- Table mic stand — B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/cJUHuw
- RODE PSA1+ boom stand — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon https://geni.us/jr7s
- XLR cables (high quality Canare) — B&H https://geni.us/8y4B
- FETHead in-line amplifier —  B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/zRbtL
- Sound Devices MixPre-3 audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Trew Audio, Amazon https://geni.us/O8e0
- Aputure P300C LED used as key light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store https://geni.us/TFVUy
- Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/LBXWV
- Aputure Spotlight Mount —  Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon https://geni.us/kfAj
- Rosco Gobo creates the pattern on the back wall — B&H https://geni.us/Yqzw
- Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H https://geni.us/ABYB
- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/qwsEs
- Schneider Radiant Soft diffusion filter — B&H https://geni.us/VFScD
- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/InspOl
- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/gr47

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: https://geni.us/G7by

Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd

#SHURE #SM57

Index
00:00 Start
00:19 Summary
00:29 Introduction
01:05 Samples SM57 SM58 SM7B
02:32 Practical noise performance
03:23 Directional cardioid polar pattern
03:51 Off-axis coloration sample
04:33 Plosive sample
04:45 Internal shock mounting & stand bumps
05:08 History of the SM57, SM58, & SM7B
09:30 Frequency response and bright sound for SM57
10;14 Sibilance sample
10:22 Foam covers to reduce sibilance and plosives A2WS & A81WS
11:42 Similarities of SM57, SM58, & SM7B
12:30 SM58 differences
14:33 SM7B differences
17:00 Proximity effect
17:51 Using these mics for podcast or livestream or zoom meeting
18:13 Need 60+ dB of gain in your audio interface, recorder, mixer
18:57 Foam cover for plosives and wind
20:18 Microphone stands
21:35 Microphone placement
22:30 Wrapup and recommendations
23:34 Please buy my courses