Which SM57???

[ukslinger]

Just wondering when the pro's say they use SM57s are they refering to the regular ones or the high dollar version, beta I think??? I've used the standard on stage and recording and got good results but was wondering which one was used on albums like GNR's, ect.... Thanks for the help.

[mccreadyisgod]

The SM57 is the regular old 57. Anytime someone says they use a 57 or an SM57, it's the classic model. If it's a Beta, then they'll specify Beta (and there's no "SM" in the Beta model). There are also the original Betas, which have become somewhat collectible... the current model is technically the Beta 57a.

The top two and bottom mics are original Beta 57's, and the third one down is a current Beta 57a:



I would say that, overall, the original 57 is still more popular than the Beta. I own 2 Beta 57a's, and I use them all the time, but a regular 57 is a go-to mic.

[ukslinger]

Thanks. I confused myself. Happens all the time.

[storm319]

All of the "Beta" series mics have a hypercardioid pattern and all of the SM series have a normal cardioid pattern.

The most common use I see the Beta 57a used for is a snare. I also like to use it on vocals too.