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[Johnny B]

I'm looking for some historical info on the venerable Shure SM57. How and when was it developed? When did it go into production? Has there been many changes or mods made by Shure over the years?

What kinds of mod's do the users or third parties make to the SM57?

For example, some say to literally hammer out the transformer? Are there instuctions for this procedure?

Do people ever replace the capsules with non-standard parts?

How about the transformer? Do these ever get replaced with non-Shure components?

Has anyone done any unique experiments or odd-ball applications with the SM57?

So, in short, this thread is intended to be all about the SM57, if you have any information at all to share, please post it. Thanks.

[Vertigo]

I hear "SM57" and I think "Andy Simpson"...

-Lance

[Johnny B]

I'm just looking for some good data or links to resources that people can share simply because the SM57 is so common and ubiquitious.



 

[Jim Williams]

As I can remember, the 57 evolved out of the 545 in the early seventies. I believe the original purpose was for a stage mic without reflective chrome hence the dull finish. Major changes were done unintentionally when manufacturing was sent from Illinois to Juarez, Mexico. The Mexican 57's don't have the clean top end of the unidyne III USA versions.

If you remove the transformer, the output drops 12 db. The low end does extend down toward 20 hz, where the stock mic drops fast under 50 hz. The top end is clearer and faster making it a good candidate for drum micing.

[Robert Beck]

So, Jim, would you then recommend having a "transformerless" 57 around for drums?  If so, is it simply a matter of opening the mic, removing the xformer, and soldering leads to the XLR?  Sounds like a fun project, and I could stand to lose 12 dB (and have some more HF to play with) when miking snare.

Thanks,
Bob

[squeegybug]

I don't know what other changes were made from 545 to 57, if that's where it came from.  But to me the current 545SD sounds nothing like the SM57.  Matter of fact, I think that 545SD is hands-down one of the worst sounding microphones I've ever used, for any purpose.  But I've liked the 57 for many things, including the Mexican version.  Shure claims no difference in the USA vs Mexican models...

Steve

[Johnny B]

So Jim,

If one were to hammer out the transformer, it would be best to do so on the easily replaceable Mexican made SM57s and not the older ones made in ILL., USA? Is that right?

If so, are there markings, serial numbers, or badges that let you know one from the other?

[compasspnt]

Johnny B wrote on Mon, 14 November 2005 23:37

I'm just looking for some good data or links to resources that people can share simply because the SM57 is so common and ubiquitious.

I'm glad to know it is BOTH "common" AND "ubiquitous."

Indeed it sounds interesting about the transformer removal.  Has anyone done this, and can supply a full report?

[J.J. Blair]

If you are going to hammer the transformer, you should do it with another 57.  

Does anybody know what year they started production in Mexico?

[squeegybug]

SM57 and 58 moved to Mexico around 1985, according to Shure:

http://tinyurl.com/d6sax
and
http://tinyurl.com/cyzh9


Steve

[J.J. Blair]

I guess that explain the reason that my SM57s need a siesta every afternoon.  

[Johnny B]

compasspnt wrote on Wed, 16 November 2005 13:56

I'm glad to know it is BOTH "common" AND "ubiquitous."

Ah, you got me on doing the "Department of Redundancy Department" thing.  

Anybody here actually hammer out the x-frmer? Is it easy to bang the thing out?

Or, has anyone ever tried swapping out parts on these things with better/different components?

For example, I know some harp players will swap out parts on their bullets. I would think the ole 57 might have been subject to quite a bit of experimentation in the same manner simply because it is so ( ) "common" and "ubiquitous."  

[J.J. Blair]

Here's another question: Are all of the components made in Mexico, or is it just assembled there?

[Jack Schitt]

Its a good thing it went to mexico. If it went to china it would be too bright.    

[Malcolm Boyce]

... and what's a PE66?  I remember seeing these around a lot years ago.

http://www.shure.com/pdf/discontinued/pe66l.pdf

Looky the same, but are they?