Shure 545SD versus SM57?

[Roscoe East]

Has anyone encountered a good use for a Shure 545SD that wouldn't be
just as easily accomplished with an SM57?

(Ignoring the dual impedance & on/off switch; I'm just referring to
the sound.)

Reason I ask is, I have a 545SD in need of repair. It's never been in
working condition for as long as I've owned it, so I don't really know
what it's supposed to sound like. But I figure why waste money fixing
it if it's not going to give me anything I don't already have? I've
got plenty of SM57s, & for the price of a new R45 replacement
cartridge for the 545SD I could buy another brand new SM57!

Thanks.

[Scott Dorsey]

Roscoe East > wrote:
>Has anyone encountered a good use for a Shure 545SD that wouldn't be
>just as easily accomplished with an SM57?
>
>(Ignoring the dual impedance & on/off switch; I'm just referring to
>the sound.)
>
>Reason I ask is, I have a 545SD in need of repair. It's never been in
>working condition for as long as I've owned it, so I don't really know
>what it's supposed to sound like. But I figure why waste money fixing
>it if it's not going to give me anything I don't already have? I've
>got plenty of SM57s, & for the price of a new R45 replacement
>cartridge for the 545SD I could buy another brand new SM57!

It's pretty much the same mike. BUT, the switch is a very, very handy
thing in a lot of applications. Not just live sound either.

Also it's a nice shiny nickel, and that is a big deal in Asia. They
sell a huge number of those mikes to the karaoke market out there.
You'll find they jump out at customers a lot more... they might not
sound better, but people will think they sound better because of the way
they look.

Send it back to Shure for repair... they will probably charge you less to
repair it than they would charge you for the parts seperately.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[Scott Dorsey]

Roscoe East > wrote:
>Has anyone encountered a good use for a Shure 545SD that wouldn't be
>just as easily accomplished with an SM57?
>
>(Ignoring the dual impedance & on/off switch; I'm just referring to
>the sound.)
>
>Reason I ask is, I have a 545SD in need of repair. It's never been in
>working condition for as long as I've owned it, so I don't really know
>what it's supposed to sound like. But I figure why waste money fixing
>it if it's not going to give me anything I don't already have? I've
>got plenty of SM57s, & for the price of a new R45 replacement
>cartridge for the 545SD I could buy another brand new SM57!

It's pretty much the same mike. BUT, the switch is a very, very handy
thing in a lot of applications. Not just live sound either.

Also it's a nice shiny nickel, and that is a big deal in Asia. They
sell a huge number of those mikes to the karaoke market out there.
You'll find they jump out at customers a lot more... they might not
sound better, but people will think they sound better because of the way
they look.

Send it back to Shure for repair... they will probably charge you less to
repair it than they would charge you for the parts seperately.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[umbriaco]

in article , Roscoe East at
wrote on 6/4/04 12:20 PM:

> Has anyone encountered a good use for a Shure 545SD that wouldn't be
> just as easily accomplished with an SM57?
>
> (Ignoring the dual impedance & on/off switch; I'm just referring to
> the sound.)
>
> Reason I ask is, I have a 545SD in need of repair. It's never been in
> working condition for as long as I've owned it, so I don't really know
> what it's supposed to sound like. But I figure why waste money fixing
> it if it's not going to give me anything I don't already have? I've
> got plenty of SM57s, & for the price of a new R45 replacement
> cartridge for the 545SD I could buy another brand new SM57!
>
> Thanks.
My experience is 545's have a more exaggerated upper mid peak (around 6K)
Shure spec sheets confirm this.
I find them unique from 57's and useful for snare or anything I would use a
57 with some top end eq.

[umbriaco]

in article , Roscoe East at
wrote on 6/4/04 12:20 PM:

> Has anyone encountered a good use for a Shure 545SD that wouldn't be
> just as easily accomplished with an SM57?
>
> (Ignoring the dual impedance & on/off switch; I'm just referring to
> the sound.)
>
> Reason I ask is, I have a 545SD in need of repair. It's never been in
> working condition for as long as I've owned it, so I don't really know
> what it's supposed to sound like. But I figure why waste money fixing
> it if it's not going to give me anything I don't already have? I've
> got plenty of SM57s, & for the price of a new R45 replacement
> cartridge for the 545SD I could buy another brand new SM57!
>
> Thanks.
My experience is 545's have a more exaggerated upper mid peak (around 6K)
Shure spec sheets confirm this.
I find them unique from 57's and useful for snare or anything I would use a
57 with some top end eq.

[Orion61]

The 545 has aunique quality where the bottom end is not quite as boomy,
It makes a better harp mic. Top in isn't quite a silky which is why I like it for vocal backup it is sonically visable without infringing on the lead vocal.
The rear port is different which is why In my opinion gives a more natural sound. This is why they still make them even after over 50 years, one of the, if not THE longest production run in a Microphone Fix yours because the older ones (if it has not been abused!) sound better than the new ones I have personally tested this!!! I actually chose one of these over a 58 for lead vocals in the past, depending on the PA system...
I also like it BETTER on Snare drumsThe sound footprint is more compact and FITS the snare better..
PLUS they are COOL looking with those '60's vibes..If you don't want to fix it send it to me I will.
Peace
Orion Has anyone encountered a good use for a Shure 545SD that wouldn't be
just as easily accomplished with an SM57?

(Ignoring the dual impedance & on/off switch; I'm just referring to
the sound.)

Reason I ask is, I have a 545SD in need of repair. It's never been in
working condition for as long as I've owned it, so I don't really know
what it's supposed to sound like. But I figure why waste money fixing
it if it's not going to give me anything I don't already have? I've
got plenty of SM57s, & for the price of a new R45 replacement
cartridge for the 545SD I could buy another brand new SM57!

Thanks.