gyraf said:
In our studios, every 57 had a color code so you could differentiate the one that starred at gtr cabinets from the ones for snare-under. Just picking up any 57 and expecting it to sound in a particular way is a bit naive. When you buy a new one, make sure to listen to all the ones the shop has in stock.
I don't have the same experience you had, from all the dynamic mics we had in the studio the 57 were the ones more consistent to each other after years of use.
You should listen to the 421 and 409 mics we had, those were all over the place frequency wise.
I will not even speak about the AKG D12/D20 (well much older, yes), as I never had 2 sounding pretty close to each other at all. It's not only low end (common problem) but also the high end and mids were completely different.
Not a big fan of the SM57 in terms of sound, but it's pretty cheap, really strong and even if doesn't sound amazing it never sounds bad also.
I was also never in contact with an SM57 that completely failed, ever, both in the studio or live. Even when the monster drummer hits the capsule full blast with the stick.
I cannot say the same for any other dynamic microphone
I also don't see the point in buying a copy or a counterfeit of such a cheap mic as the SM57.
but like JR said "mic companies have been trying to win market share any way they can... "
About your video,
you are doing different performances for each mic, so thats a downer for me.