Ok this has probably been answered before but I just want to be clear on this. If I want to play a Shure SM57 through a normal valve amp or any other amp what do I have to do? I know it is a low impedance mic and the amp is high impedance so what happens if I just plug it into the amp? Will I get a sound?
If not then what must I add to this to make the mic work on my amp?
I just been reading the "Blowsmeaway" website where they are selling some great modified SM57s, a shorter version one and one endorsed by Jason R. If it's good enough for him and a lot of other harp players it must be a good mic, right? I'd be grateful for any feedback on this.
If you will be playing it through a cord, you will need to by an impedance transformer. You can get them at Guitar Center for about $13. Just plug the transformer into the amplifier. If you do not buy a transformer, the volume will be very low. ---------- Brandon Bailey
Will this affect the sound that I get from the mic Brandon? What I mean is ...if the mic was plugged straight into a PA, would that sound be different from what you'd get plugged into an amp with the impedance transformer? Perhaps sound is the wrong word I mean...will perform the same, give you the same tone?
It will not effect the tone. As a matter of fact, you will not get all of the tone from the mic if you do not use the transformer. So you really need it. ---------- Brandon Bailey
Hi Oisin, I have been down this road already and the question i think you want to ask yourself is what is the sound that you are after? Are you looking for a certain sound from your amp or a PA or am I asking the wrong question here. The SM 57 is a great mic but if your after a Fat chicago sound/tone then you are better off spending your money on a good repuatble customizer like Dennis Gruenling for example. I also bought from Blowsmeaway for my SM57 a volume control and Impedence matching transformer (low to High)in the same product ie the volume control. They work well but the tone from the Mic is quite clean through my tube fender Bassman and other tube Amps. If you want to sound like that then thats the one to go for or a Paul Butterfield 545 mic or a Shure spher-o-dyne 533SA they are all very good mics. Like I said it depends on what sound/tone you are trying to get? hope this helps. Remember Jason Ricci plays through an SM 57 but has an massive pedal box for his sound/tone effects. Let me know what you think?
Last Edited by on Jan 25, 2009 6:15 AM
This is exactly the kind of info I was after Oxharp. I have a couple of old shure mics (515s and 5888s) which give a nice tone but not the crunch I'm really after..I read that Jason used the SM57 and keep hearing a lot of good things about it but if the sound is going to be similar to the above shure mics then I don't think that is what I'm after. I'm anticipating a huge lottery win soon so I'll have to wait till then to purchase one of Dennis's mics.
Hi Oisin, Now that I have got you on the right track there are other issues to think about with regards to the fat/dirty tone you are after. The first one is what are you going to use as your main Amp. If you are looking for 'THAT' tone this will lead you to purchase amps you dont need(thinking that this will do for the money I have) The best thing for you to do is to email me and we can chat about what you have and the best mic to go with tha depending on your budget. Skype me on nikkinruss12 in the UK or email russ.turner@ntlworld.com cheers Russ
Hey Russ...the rig I'm using at the minute gives me that crunchy tone but I just wanted to really know about the SM57 as I'd heard so much about it. I have a Fender champion 600, a Vox AVDT50 212 and my favorite amp which is a little Hacker extension valve amp that was designed to be used as a Stereo speaker for an old valve record player. I have played through a reissue bassman at my local jam and also through a Vox AC30, a Peavy BluesKing (I think that's what it was called) and a few other valve amps that guys have let me use and I still love the tone from my little Hacker the best. It has to be mic'ed up of course but when it's cranked and I use my 520DX or even a little stick crystal mic it blows the others away (IMHO anyway).
I knew that the SM57 was a low z mic and i've never used a lo z mic before I just wanted to see if it would give a different tone.
Thanks a lot for the advice Russ. I don't think I'll be buying any gear for a while as the credit crunch is biting hard here but as soon as i've got some dosh together i'll give you a shout before i buy anything more.
Brandon...That's sounds great Brandon. You got lots of different tones from the mic. You are indeed a talented young man. So when are we going to see a BRandon Bailey website then?
How about "www.Brand(on)NewBluesHarmonica.com"?
Get your butt over to the UK on tour man...we'd love to see you over here.And bring Mr Gussow with you.
Lol..... Right now I'm a 17 year old college freshmen, trying to work towards becoming a doctor. It might be a while before I can some to the UK (or even have a world tour). Perhaps I will get a website in the future. ---------- Brandon Bailey
Brandon, I think you are a fantastic harp player. Stick with being a doctor. It Pays better. I've spent 8 years in college for two different degrees. I could've spent those years of school towards being a doctor and had more money!
Brandon: I thought you were the Doctor. Dr Blues! Good luck in Memphis. Would like to be there to cheer you on. Also because its really cold in Ohio, got cabin fever, just shot six holes in my freezer! K.C.
