Re: SM57's (was amp mics)

[Randy Lilleston <randyl@xxxxxxxxxx>]

On Tue, 15 Nov 1994, Richard Owen wrote:

> 
> What's the difference between the SM57 and SM58 (which I believe Charlie
> Musselwhite uses).  Anyone know?

 The '57 has a straight end and is *very* directional - it only picks up 
the sounds immediately in front of it. This makes it an excellent 
microphone for close-mic use for amps, drums, etc. The SM58 has a ball 
end and a wider pick-up pattern. This makes it popular for vocals and 
it's also easier to hold, IMHO, for hand-held harp playing. The wider 
pick-up makes it more susceptible to feedback but also makes it a better 
mic for chromatic playing, among other uses.
 The tone of the two mics is very similar. If I were to pick one, I'd 
pick the 58 just because it's so much easier to hold. BTW, Musselwhite, 
James Cotton, Carey Bell and some other folks use a 58 run straight 
through the PA for the most part. They still sound great.