3 Reasons the Shure SM57 Beats Budget Condensers for Intimate Vocals

It handles close-miking without harshness The SM57 lets you get right up on the mic without the sibilance and room echo that plague cheap condenser microphones. This creates that present, in-the-room vocal sound.

It shares the same capsule design as the SM7B The SM57 uses the same capsule as the industry-standard SM7B, just with less built-in presence boost. You can easily add that back with EQ.

It costs less than a decent budget condenser The SM57 is cheaper than most entry-level condenser mics and far more forgiving of untreated rooms. Boring is good when you are on a budget.