Beyer M160 vs. Shure SM57

[Superlizard]

So here's a mic test... including a couple dual-mic setups:

Rig
==

Carvin DC150
|
MI Audio Crunchbox (on/off depending on tune)
|
JTM45RI modded to 60's specs
|
12" Celestion Alnico Gold


Mics
===
-Beyerdynamic M-160 Dual Ribbon

-Shure SM57


Clips (no FX or EQ)
============

Derailluer Gears (Steve Morse):

-M160
http://streamer2.soundclick.com/jarry_DL/22/02/vipdownload/lizardpie+dgm160.mp3

-SM57
http://storage1.soundclick.com/jarry_DL/53/04/vipdownload/lizardpie+dgsm57.mp3

Lights (Journey):

-M160
http://storage1.soundclick.com/jarry_DL/44/06/vipdownload/lizardpie+lm160.mp3

-SM57
http://storage2.soundclick.com/jarry_DL/50/03/vipdownload/lizardpie+lsm57.mp3

Rumblin' Train (Badlands):

-M160
http://streamer2.soundclick.com/jarry_DL/23/01/vipdownload/lizardpie+rtm160.mp3

-SM57
http://streamer2.soundclick.com/jarry_DL/22/05/vipdownload/lizardpie+rtsm57.mp3

You Really Got Me (Van Heusen):

-SM57 x2
http://streamer2.soundclick.com/jarry_DL/20/05/vipdownload/lizardpie+yrgmsm57x2.mp3

-SM57+M160
http://streamer2.soundclick.com/jarry_DL/20/06/vipdownload/lizardpie+yrgmsm57m160.mp3


For fun, above M160 clips with FX (no EQ)
===========================

-Derailleur Gears:
http://streamer2.soundclick.com/jarry_DL/34/02/vipdownload/lizardpie+dgm160fx.mp3

-Lights:
http://storage1.soundclick.com/jarry_DL/46/05/vipdownload/lizardpie+lm160fx.mp3

-Rumblin' Train:
http://streamer2.soundclick.com/jarry_DL/21/04/vipdownload/lizardpie+rtm160fx.mp3

-You Really Got Me:
http://streamer2.soundclick.com/jarry_DL/22/02/vipdownload/lizardpie+yrgmsm57m160fx.mp3

 

[OzziePete]

Hey thanx for posting this SL, you had me reaching for the hearing aids to hear the comparisons better.

With and without the hearing aids, I sensed that the Beyer was flatter in response, less compressed and broader strectrum than the SM57.

The SM57 had a pronounced midrange, tighter dynamic range & spectrum.

I'd imagine the SM57 would be a better mic for the live scene, as it would be prone to less bleed problems and is a better known package.

But in a studio set up the same speaker could be miced up with the Beyer and get a few more frequencies on record.

Thanx!  :icon_thumright:

 

[Superlizard]

Hey thanx for posting this SL, you had me reaching for the hearing aids to hear the comparisons better.

With and without the hearing aids, I sensed that the Beyer was flatter in response, less compressed and broader strectrum than the SM57.

The SM57 had a pronounced midrange, tighter dynamic range & spectrum.

I'd imagine the SM57 would be a better mic for the live scene, as it would be prone to less bleed problems and is a better known package.

But in a studio set up the same speaker could be miced up with the Beyer and get a few more frequencies on record.

Thanx!  :icon_thumright:

Notta prob... yes the SM57 has that midrange hump, but it does record crunchy guitar tones well.

The M160 has a phenomenally detailed midrange... to the point of "3D-ish".

Bleedwise, the M160 is a hyper-cardiod (not typical for ribbon mics), so bleed isn't an issue.

Next target is a Sennheiser 421...