The Shure SM57 is a dynamic microphone renowned for its durability and versatility. One of the key features that contribute to its exceptional performance is its directional polar pattern. In this article, we will explore the directional characteristics of the Shure SM57 and delve into the details of its polar pattern, shedding light on how it captures sound from different angles.
Understanding Polar Patterns
Polar patterns describe how a microphone responds to sound coming from various directions. The Shure SM57, like many microphones, features a specific polar pattern that influences how it captures audio. Let’s explore the polar pattern of the SM57:
Cardioid Polar Pattern
The Shure SM57 is equipped with a cardioid polar pattern. Here’s what you need to know about this directional pattern:
- Frontal Sensitivity: A cardioid microphone is most sensitive to sound coming from the front, which is the area directly facing the microphone grille. This frontal sensitivity captures the primary sound source with clarity and detail.
- Rejection of Off-Axis Sound: Cardioid microphones like the SM57 reject sound from the sides and rear. This off-axis rejection helps minimize the pickup of unwanted background noise and interference, making it ideal for isolating sound sources.
- Directional Angle: The cardioid pattern resembles a heart shape, with the front being the “top” of the heart and the sides and rear forming the curved part. The degree of directionality can vary slightly among different microphones, but in general, the SM57 provides a substantial degree of directionality.
Applications of the Cardioid Pattern in the SM57
The cardioid polar pattern of the Shure SM57 makes it highly versatile for various applications:
- Instrument Miking: The SM57 is commonly used for close-miking instruments such as guitar amplifiers, snare drums, and brass instruments. Its directionality allows it to focus on the instrument’s sound while minimizing bleed from other sources.
- Vocal Capture: When used for vocal recording or reinforcement, the SM57 is positioned in front of the vocalist, capturing the voice while rejecting sound from the sides and back.
- Live Sound: In live sound setups, the cardioid pattern helps reduce feedback by rejecting sound from monitor speakers and other on-stage sources. This makes it an excellent choice for concerts and performances.
- Studio Recording: In studio environments, the SM57’s directionality is valuable for capturing sound sources with precision and controlling the recording environment’s acoustics.
Adjusting Mic Placement
To maximize the directional benefits of the SM57, proper microphone placement is essential. Here are some tips:
- For instrument miking, position the SM57 close to the sound source for greater directionality and clarity.
- When miking vocals, have the vocalist sing directly into the microphone’s grille for optimal sound capture.
- Experiment with mic placement angles and distances to fine-tune the sound capture to your liking.
Conclusion
The Shure SM57’s cardioid polar pattern provides a notable degree of directionality, making it an excellent choice for capturing specific sound sources while minimizing unwanted background noise and interference. Its versatility, durability, and ability to excel in a wide range of applications have solidified its reputation as a go-to microphone for musicians, engineers, and broadcasters worldwide. Understanding its directional characteristics is key to achieving the best results when using the SM57 in various audio recording and reinforcement scenarios.
