[Harp-L] Customized Shure SM57 review

[Greg Heumann <greg@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi, Michael - 

That Granelli "elbow" is indeed a cool product. I can see it working great for mic'ing drums. It does make a heavy mic heavier which isn't ideal for hand holding, although with the 90 degree bend it is better than sticking straight out for sure. You're correct that my in-line volume control lengthens an already long mic - which is ultimately what led to my development of the Ultimate Series Mics. They not only add a volume control but shorten and lighten the complete package by over 30% compared to a stock SM57. But the in-line volume control is still an economical and viable option for some, especially when the mic is stand-mounted - so I wanted to let everyone know that although my "standard" is to line the knob up with the XLR latches, I will orient it any way you like if you let me know when you order. My web site says this but it might be easy to miss. As you point out That orientation is no big deal for a stick mic, but with a mic that isn't symmetrical it can be very important. 

FYI - behind the head of an SM57, once it is screwed into the barrel, is a relatively small airspace. Below that is the mic's transformer, which is fully potted in hot melt glue, sealing off the rest of the barrel. This is hardly a scientifically designed acoustic chamber to begin with.  In fact Shure used different glues and transformer mounting systems in older mics like the 545 and older SM57's. The amount of glue and its final shape varies from mic to mic. I've never measured the difference in volume between the stock barrel and an Ultimate barrel. I believe the Ultimate has a little more airspace volume, but I am not sure. Although a few people have told me they like the tone of an Ultimate 57 better than a stock 57, and nobody has ever complained that they thought it was worse,  the vast majority of my customers have not reported at all, which, I presume, is because they don't hear any significant difference. 

/Greg

http://blowsmeaway.com
http://facebook.com/blowsmeawayproductions
http://bluestateband.net



> From: Michael Easton <diachrome@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> Date: June 10, 2011 7:08:21 AM PDT
> To: Harpl list <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [Harp-L] Customized Shure SM57 review
> 
> I<snip>
> 
> With the addition of the Heumann volume pot to my SM57 it gets to be pretty long. I could have had my mic cut down but I like the balance
> of an pistol shaped mic with the cable coming straight down rather then out.  The new mic I can either use like a 545 or tuck the extended wand between by arm and chest when playing. Basically playing down into the mic rather then straight out.
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> When using the Heumann vol. pot with the mic the knob ends up facing out.  I was able to quickly remedy it by slightly unscrewing the bottom half of the mic until the knob was facing me.  I then used electrical tape to secure the position.
> 
>