The Shure SM57 is one of the most recognizable and widely used microphones in the world, with a reputation for delivering clear, crisp sound in a variety of applications. From live performances to studio recordings, the SM57 has become an industry standard for capturing high-quality audio. But have you ever wondered what makes this microphone tick? In this article, we’ll delve into the heart of the SM57 and explore the capsule that lies within.
The Anatomy of the SM57
Before we dive into the capsule itself, let’s take a closer look at the overall design of the SM57. The microphone consists of a durable metal body, a grille, and a windscreen, all of which work together to protect the sensitive electronics inside. The SM57 is a dynamic microphone, meaning it uses a magnetic coil to convert sound waves into electrical signals. This design makes it well-suited for capturing loud sounds, such as those produced by drums or guitar amplifiers.
The Capsule: The Heart of the SM57
So, what’s inside the SM57 capsule? The answer lies in the microphone’s cartridge, which is comprised of a thin diaphragm, a coil, and a magnet. The diaphragm is a delicate piece of material that vibrates when sound waves hit it, causing the coil to move back and forth within the magnetic field. This movement induces an electrical current, which is then sent to a mixer or recording device.
The SM57 capsule is a type of dynamic capsule, specifically designed to handle high sound pressure levels (SPLs). It’s made up of a few key components:
- Diaphragm: The diaphragm is a thin, circular piece of material (usually Mylar or a similar polymer) that’s suspended in front of the coil. It’s incredibly sensitive, allowing it to pick up even the slightest changes in air pressure.
- Coil: The coil is a wire wound around a bobbin, which is attached to the diaphragm. When the diaphragm vibrates, the coil moves back and forth within the magnetic field, inducing an electrical current.
- Magnet: The magnet is a permanent magnet that provides the magnetic field necessary for the coil to induce an electrical current.
How the Capsule Works
When sound waves hit the diaphragm, they cause it to vibrate. These vibrations are then transferred to the coil, which moves back and forth within the magnetic field. As the coil moves, it induces an electrical current, which is then sent to a mixer or recording device. The current is proportional to the sound pressure level (SPL) of the sound wave, allowing the microphone to accurately capture the nuances of the audio signal.
The Science Behind the SM57’s Sound
So, why does the SM57 sound so good? The answer lies in the combination of its capsule design and the materials used to build it. The SM57’s dynamic capsule is designed to handle high SPLs, making it perfect for capturing loud sounds like drums or guitar amplifiers. The microphone’s frequency response is also tailored to emphasize the midrange frequencies, which are often the most important for capturing the sound of instruments and vocals.
The SM57’s sound can be attributed to several key factors:
- Proximity effect: The SM57 is designed to be used close to the sound source, which allows it to take advantage of the proximity effect. This phenomenon occurs when a microphone is placed close to a sound source, causing it to emphasize the low-frequency response.
- Frequency response: The SM57’s frequency response is tailored to emphasize the midrange frequencies, which are often the most important for capturing the sound of instruments and vocals.
- Polar pattern: The SM57 has a cardioid polar pattern, which means it’s most sensitive to sound coming from the front and rejects sound coming from the sides and rear. This helps to reduce bleed and ambient noise, allowing the microphone to capture a clear, focused sound.
Comparing the SM57 to Other Microphones
The SM57 is often compared to other popular microphones, such as the Shure SM58 and the Sennheiser MD421. While these microphones share some similarities with the SM57, they each have their own unique characteristics.
- SM58: The SM58 is similar to the SM57, but it has a slightly different frequency response and a more pronounced proximity effect. It’s often used for vocals and public speaking.
- MD421: The MD421 is a dynamic microphone with a similar frequency response to the SM57, but it has a more pronounced high-end response. It’s often used for capturing the sound of drums and percussion instruments.
When to Use the SM57
The SM57 is a versatile microphone that can be used in a variety of applications. Here are a few scenarios where the SM57 is often the microphone of choice:
- Live performances: The SM57 is a popular choice for live performances, particularly for capturing the sound of drums, guitar amplifiers, and vocals.
- Studio recordings: The SM57 is often used in the studio for capturing the sound of instruments and vocals. It’s particularly well-suited for recording loud sounds, such as drums and guitar amplifiers.
- Public speaking: The SM57 is sometimes used for public speaking, particularly in situations where a high-quality, rugged microphone is required.
Conclusion
The Shure SM57 is a legendary microphone that’s been used by countless musicians, engineers, and public speakers over the years. Its iconic design and rugged construction make it a popular choice for a wide range of applications. By understanding the inner workings of the SM57’s capsule, we can appreciate the science and engineering that goes into creating such a high-quality microphone. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the SM57 is definitely worth considering for your next recording or live performance.
| Microphone | Frequency Response | Polar Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| SM57 | 40 Hz – 15 kHz | Cardioid |
| SM58 | 50 Hz – 15 kHz | Cardioid |
| MD421 | 30 Hz – 17 kHz | Cardioid |
Note: The frequency response and polar pattern of a microphone can vary depending on the specific model and application. The values listed above are approximate and based on the manufacturer’s specifications.
What is the SM57 microphone and why is it iconic?
The SM57 microphone is a dynamic microphone produced by Shure Incorporated. It is widely used for live performances, public speaking, and recording applications. The SM57 has become an iconic microphone due to its durability, versatility, and high-quality sound reproduction.
The SM57’s popularity can be attributed to its ability to handle high sound pressure levels, making it suitable for loud applications such as live concerts and public speaking events. Additionally, its cardioid polar pattern helps to reject background noise and focus on the desired sound source, resulting in clear and crisp audio.
What is inside the SM57 microphone capsule?
The SM57 microphone capsule consists of a dynamic coil and magnet assembly, a diaphragm, and a voice coil. The diaphragm is a thin, flexible material that vibrates when sound waves hit it, causing the voice coil to move within the magnetic field. This movement induces an electrical signal, which is then sent to a mixer or recording device.
The SM57’s capsule is designed to be rugged and durable, with a metal grille and a rubber gasket to protect the internal components from dust and moisture. The capsule is also designed to be replaceable, allowing users to easily swap out a damaged or worn-out capsule with a new one.
How does the SM57 microphone capsule work?
The SM57 microphone capsule works by converting sound waves into electrical signals through the movement of the diaphragm and voice coil within the magnetic field. When sound waves hit the diaphragm, they cause it to vibrate, which in turn causes the voice coil to move back and forth within the magnetic field. This movement induces an electrical signal, which is then sent to a mixer or recording device.
The SM57’s dynamic coil and magnet assembly is designed to provide a high level of sensitivity and frequency response, allowing it to accurately capture a wide range of sounds. The microphone’s cardioid polar pattern also helps to reject background noise and focus on the desired sound source, resulting in clear and crisp audio.
What are the key components of the SM57 microphone capsule?
The key components of the SM57 microphone capsule include the diaphragm, voice coil, dynamic coil, and magnet assembly. The diaphragm is a thin, flexible material that vibrates when sound waves hit it, causing the voice coil to move within the magnetic field. The voice coil is a wire coil that is suspended within the magnetic field and moves back and forth when the diaphragm vibrates.
The dynamic coil and magnet assembly provide the magnetic field that the voice coil moves within, inducing an electrical signal when the coil moves. The SM57’s capsule also includes a metal grille and a rubber gasket to protect the internal components from dust and moisture.
How is the SM57 microphone capsule assembled?
The SM57 microphone capsule is assembled by attaching the diaphragm to the voice coil and dynamic coil assembly. The voice coil is then suspended within the magnetic field, and the diaphragm is attached to the metal grille. The capsule is then sealed with a rubber gasket to protect the internal components from dust and moisture.
The assembly process requires careful attention to detail to ensure that the components are properly aligned and secured. The SM57’s capsule is designed to be rugged and durable, with a metal grille and a rubber gasket to protect the internal components from dust and moisture.
Can the SM57 microphone capsule be repaired or replaced?
Yes, the SM57 microphone capsule can be repaired or replaced. The capsule is designed to be replaceable, allowing users to easily swap out a damaged or worn-out capsule with a new one. Shure offers replacement capsules for the SM57, which can be purchased through authorized dealers or online retailers.
If the capsule is damaged, it may be possible to repair it by replacing individual components, such as the diaphragm or voice coil. However, this requires specialized knowledge and equipment, and it is recommended that repairs be performed by a qualified technician.
What are the benefits of using the SM57 microphone capsule?
The SM57 microphone capsule offers several benefits, including its durability, versatility, and high-quality sound reproduction. The capsule is designed to handle high sound pressure levels, making it suitable for loud applications such as live concerts and public speaking events. Additionally, its cardioid polar pattern helps to reject background noise and focus on the desired sound source, resulting in clear and crisp audio.
The SM57’s capsule is also designed to be rugged and durable, with a metal grille and a rubber gasket to protect the internal components from dust and moisture. This makes it a reliable choice for live performances and recording applications, where equipment is subject to heavy use and harsh environments.