When it comes to drumming, having the right equipment can make all the difference in producing a great sound. One of the most crucial elements in achieving a professional-sounding drum kit is the microphone setup. Among the many microphone options available, the Shure SM57 is a popular choice among drummers and sound engineers. But the question remains, are SM57s good for toms?
Understanding The SM57 Microphone
Before we dive into whether the SM57 is suitable for toms, let’s take a closer look at this iconic microphone. The Shure SM57 is a dynamic microphone designed for capturing loud sounds, making it a popular choice for live performances and studio recordings. Its cardioid polar pattern helps to reject background noise and focus on the sound source, producing a clear and crisp audio signal.
The SM57’s frequency response ranges from 40 Hz to 15 kHz, with a slight emphasis on the midrange frequencies (200 Hz to 500 Hz). This makes it an excellent choice for capturing the attack and body of drums, as well as the warmth of vocals. Its durability and affordability have earned it a spot in the kits of many professional drummers and sound engineers.
The Challenges Of Miking Toms
Capturing a great tom sound can be a challenge, even for experienced sound engineers. Toms are notoriously difficult to mic due to their resonant nature, which can cause the sound to bleed into other microphones and create unwanted resonance.
There are several factors to consider when miking toms, including:
- Tom size and material: Smaller toms tend to produce a brighter, more focused sound, while larger toms produce a deeper, more resonant sound. The material used to construct the tom (e.g., wood, metal, or synthetic) can also affect the tone.
- Tom tuning: The tuning of the tom can greatly impact the sound produced. A well-tuned tom will produce a clear, resonant sound, while an out-of-tune tom can sound dull and lifeless.
- Mic placement: The placement of the microphone can greatly affect the sound captured. Experimenting with different mic positions and angles can help to find the sweet spot for optimal tone.
Using SM57s On Toms: The Pros And Cons
So, are SM57s good for toms? The answer is a resounding “maybe.” While the SM57 can produce a great sound on toms, it’s not without its limitations.
Pros:
- Durability: The SM57 is built to withstand the rigors of live performances and studio recordings. Its durable construction can withstand the high sound pressure levels (SPLs) produced by toms.
- Affordability: The SM57 is an affordable option compared to other high-end microphones. This makes it an attractive choice for drummers and sound engineers on a budget.
- Versatility: The SM57 can be used on a variety of instruments, including drums, vocals, and guitar amps.
Cons:
- Frequency Response: The SM57’s frequency response may not be ideal for capturing the full range of tonal complexity produced by toms. The microphone’s emphasis on midrange frequencies can result in a sound that’s lacking in both high-end clarity and low-end punch.
- Proximity Effect: The SM57’s cardioid polar pattern can result in an exaggerated low-end response when placed close to the tom. This can lead to a boomy, unbalanced sound.
- Limited Headroom: The SM57 has a limited headroom, which means it can become overloaded and distort when presented with high SPLs. This can result in a poor sound quality, especially when used on larger toms.
Alternatives To The SM57 For Miking Toms
While the SM57 can produce a great sound on toms, there are other microphones that may be better suited for the task. Some popular alternatives include:
- Sennheiser MD421: Known for its clear and detailed sound, the MD421 is a popular choice for miking toms. Its flat frequency response and smooth high-end response make it ideal for capturing the full range of tonal complexity produced by toms.
- Shure KSM137: The KSM137 is a condenser microphone that offers a more detailed and nuanced sound than the SM57. Its flat frequency response and extended high-end response make it ideal for capturing the subtleties of tom tone.
Tips For Using SM57s On Toms
If you do decide to use an SM57 on your toms, here are some tips to help you get the best possible sound:
Experiment With Mic Placement
Try placing the SM57 at different positions and angles around the tom to find the sweet spot for optimal tone. Some popular positions include:
- Center of the Tom: Placing the microphone in the center of the tom can result in a balanced sound with good attack and body.
- Off-Center: Placing the microphone off-center can help to reduce the low-end response and emphasize the attack and midrange frequencies.
Use A Drum Mic Stand
Using a drum mic stand can help to position the microphone at the ideal distance and angle from the tom. This can help to reduce vibrations and improve the overall sound quality.
Pad The Mic
If you’re finding that the SM57 is becoming overloaded and distorting, try using a pad to reduce the signal level. This can help to prevent distortion and improve the overall sound quality.
Conclusion
While the SM57 is a great microphone for many applications, it may not be the best choice for miking toms. However, with the right placement, technique, and adjustments, it’s possible to get a great sound from an SM57. Ultimately, the best microphone for miking toms will depend on your personal tone preferences, the size and material of your toms, and your budget.
Remember, experimentation is key when it comes to finding the perfect microphone and placement for your toms. Don’t be afraid to try out different microphones and techniques to find the sound that works best for you. With patience, persistence, and practice, you can achieve a professional-sounding drum kit that will elevate your music to the next level.
Are SM57s Only Good For Vocals And Snare?
The notion that SM57s are only good for vocals and snare drums is a common misconception. While they are indeed excellent for these purposes, their versatility extends far beyond that. In reality, the SM57 can be used on a wide range of instruments, including guitars, basses, horns, and even drums.
In the context of drumming, the SM57 can be used on toms, and many engineers have reported great results. The key is to experiment with mic placement andAngles to find the sweet spot that captures the tone you’re looking for. Don’t be afraid to try new things and push the boundaries of what you think the SM57 is capable of – you might be surprised at the great sounds you can get.
Do SM57s Lack The Detail For Toms?
Some critics argue that the SM57 lacks the detail and nuance required to capture the full range of tonal complexities of toms. While it’s true that the SM57 is not the most sensitive or detailed microphone on the market, it’s still more than capable of delivering great results.
The secret to getting the best out of your SM57 on toms is to focus on the attack and tone rather than trying to capture every subtle vibration. The SM57 excels at capturing the attack and body of the tom, which can add a lot of character to your drum sound. If you’re looking for a more detailed sound, you can always pair the SM57 with a more sensitive mic to create a blended sound.
Can You Use SM57s On High-Tuned Toms?
High-tuned toms can be notoriously difficult to mic, especially when using a dynamic mic like the SM57. However, with the right technique and placement, it’s definitely possible to get great results.
The key to miking high-tuned toms with an SM57 is to experiment with mic placement and angles. Try placing the mic closer to the head and at an angle to reduce the high-end harshness. You can also try using a small amount of padding or a windscreen to help tame the high-end frequencies. With a little patience and experimentation, you can get the SM57 to work beautifully on even the highest-tuned toms.
Do SM57s Sound Too Boxy On Toms?
Some engineers claim that the SM57 has a boxy or resonant sound that can be problematic on toms. While it’s true that the SM57 has a distinct tone, it’s not necessarily boxy or resonant.
In reality, the SM57’s tone is often described as warm and punchy, which can be a great asset when miking toms. If you’re finding that the SM57 is sounding too boxy, it may be due to the mic placement or the drum itself rather than the mic. Try placing the mic in a different position or using a different drumhead to see if that improves the tone.
Are There Better Mic Options For Toms?
While the SM57 is a great choice for toms, there are certainly other mic options that can deliver great results. Some popular alternatives include the Sennheiser MD421, the AKG D112, and the Audio-Technica ATM250.
Ultimately, the best mic for your toms will depend on the tone you’re looking for and the sound of your drums. The SM57 is a great all-purpose mic, but if you’re looking for a more detailed or specialized sound, one of these alternatives might be a better fit. Experiment with different mics and find the one that works best for you.
Can You Use SM57s On Floor Toms?
Floor toms can be challenging to mic due to their large size and low frequencies. However, the SM57 can be a great choice for floor toms, especially when used in conjunction with a complementary mic.
The key to miking floor toms with an SM57 is to focus on capturing the attack and body of the drum. Place the mic near the head and at an angle to reduce the low-end rumble. You can also try using a small amount of padding or a windscreen to help tame the low-end frequencies. With a little experimentation, the SM57 can deliver great results on even the largest floor toms.
Are SM57s Worth It For Tom Miking?
Ultimately, whether the SM57 is worth using on toms comes down to personal preference and the sound you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a reliable, versatile, and affordable mic that can deliver great results, the SM57 is definitely worth considering.
Even if you’re not entirely convinced, the SM57 is such a ubiquitous and affordable mic that it’s worth having in your mic locker regardless. You never know when you might need it, and it’s always better to have options. So, go ahead and give the SM57 a try on your toms – you might be surprised at the great sounds you can get.