The Sure SM 57 is a great professional microphone for many applications. The fact that you can purchase one for around a $100 makes it accessible for a new studio working with a small budget. But don’t let the budjet fool you. The SM57 has been used in the largest high-budget studios and on many top selling albums.
SM57 – Great mic for Guitars
While not the only solution, the SM57 has been a favorite for recording high volume guitar cabinets. If you like the sounds of Brian May form Queen, you’ve heard the SM 57.
High volume: SPL and the proximity effect
one of the great aspects of a dynamic mic is the fact that it picks up lower frequencies differently the closer it’s placed to the source. For mic’ing a guitar cabinet, you get more low-frequencies if you place the mic closer to the speaker. If you want to lessen the low end, then just move the mic away from the speaker.