3 Alternative Guitar Mics to the SM57

The Shure SM57 is quite possibly the most popular and widely used microphone to record electric guitars. The frequency response and presence peak help to cut through a mix, while the high SPL handling makes it ideal for loud sound sources such as guitar amps. Great for most applications, granted, but good quality sound is extremely subjective, and there are plenty of occasions that call for something different.

When choosing a mic, you should consider the bigger picture and the desired end result. This might involve trying a number of microphones before you find the one that works best for your application. Here are three alternatives to consider:

Nexadyne 5 - Supercardioid Dynamic Amp Mic

The Nexadyne 5 is purpose-built to capture the sound of a guitar amplifier with fidelity and detail. Its patented dual-engine technology preserves harmonic overtones, breakup texture, and dynamics, producing a natural and uncolored reproduction of your speaker. Whether recording a pristine clean amp or a cranked half stack, the NXN5 a leading choice for faithful tone reproduction and a clean, clear signal.

The tight supercardioid polar pattern provides superior isolation from drum bleed, stage wedges, bass cabinets, and other unwanted sound. By managing off-axis noise internally, it helps ensure that what reaches the mix is your amplifier rather than the rest of the stage. 

Because of its compact design, it can hang from the top of a cabinet or attach to a traditional microphone stand, providing flexible placement for both stage and studio recording. If you’re looking for faithful guitar tone with focused isolation in a compact dynamic microphone, the NXN5 could be the mic for you.

SM7B - Large Diaphragm Dynamic Mic

For the development of the SM7, Shure engineers were given the SM57 cartridge elements (Unidyne III) and asked, without restrictions on size or cost to essentially make it better. Very subjective perhaps, but thanks to its large diaphragm design and bigger housing, the SM7 has a wider frequency response; particularly in the lower frequency ranges. The optional presence peak or low cut filtering also allows greater control over frequency response, allowing you to tweak the mic to suit different guitar or amplifier combinations. If you like the SM57, but would welcome greater creative control over low and high frequency response, the SM7B could be the mic for you. 
 

KSM313 - Ribbon Mic

Ribbon mic's belong to the dynamic family. However, they have an electrically conductive diaphragm, which moves directly in the magnetic field. By losing the voice coil, you reduce mass and allow the diaphragm to move faster. This produces a microphone with wider frequency response in comparison to regular dynamic microphones. Ribbon microphones have a smoother high end compared with condenser microphones, and are often described as having a warm and full sound. If you're looking for a fuller and brighter sound than a dynamic, but also prefer a warmer sound than condenser mics, ribbon mics could be the best option.

Where Ribbon mics traditionally fall down is in their high SPL handling and durability. A loud sound source alone could be enough to damage the mic. This is not the case with Shure Roswellite™ Ribbon Technology, which replaces traditional foil ribbons with a high tensile strength, toughness, and shape memory. This ultimately results in superior resilience at extreme SPLs.

The KSM313 has an additional advantage through its dual-voice tuning: one side of the mic is warm and full for amplifiers, and the other is designed for bright and flattering vocal response. If you're a singer and guitar player or just want a microphone than can handle both applications, the KSM313 delivers.