Microphones: Shure SM-57 & Neumann KM 184 This comparison between these two mics is to give you an idea how they sound different and how you can use this--I'm not trying to show that one is "better" than another (that's why this isn't titled "SM 57 vs KM 184--TWO MICS GO IN BUT ONLY ONE LEAVES!!!") but rather, how you can use the differences you hear to your advantage. This dynamic mic is a real workhorse in the sound reinforcement Industry as well as the recording Industry. Even though it is low priced for a microphone (you can buy one for under a $100) it can be used to great advantage on; electric guitar, snare, toms and some vocalists, just to name a few. Frequency response curve of SM-57 As you can see from the picture above the 57 is not what you would call a "flat" microphone--but that's o.k. since this can work for you--if you keep the bump it has in the upper-mid range in mind. Here's an example of the SM-57 micing a steel string guitar in: click here to listen SM57 Neumann KM 184 This condenser microphone is Neumann's idea of a "budget" microphone--you can get one for around $500+ if you shop around. While that might sound like a lot it's worth it. It's great on cymbals (i.e. drum overheads), acoustic guitar, and many other instruments--it's even used as a stereo pair to record symphony orchestras. Frequency response curve of KM 184 Compare this curve with the SM-57's you'll see that this one is much "flatter". Though there is a little rise at around 10k it's nothing like the upper-mid range bump of the 57. Also, the high frequency range extends out to 20k with the 184. Here's an example of the KM 184 used on the same steel string guitar as the 57 (both mics were almost in the same position): click here to listen km184 At first you might not think there is much of a differences between the 57 & 184--but listen closely--you'll find the 184 is much "brighter" sounding than the 57. Also, the 57 sounds more "gutsy" then the 184. (you might want to listen with headphones). Depending on what you were recording this might work for or against you. While my first choice for acoustic guitar would be the 184 I think the 57 sounds quite usable. In fact, mixing(204k) the two might be a way to go, depending on the sound you were looking for. back to 397 page back to Music Page