This has apparently been out for a while, but I only recently stumbled on it.
The Behringer SL75C is a visual copy of the Shure SM57 instrument mic. Review videos I've seen show it has similar performance (not identical). Inside build may not be as rugged.
But the cost! $14 to $18 at top retailers.
They also make a $14 SM58 copy, SL85S (with switch).
Anybody using any of these as low-cost alternatives to Shure and others?
quote:
Originally posted by Old HickoryAnybody using any of these as low-cost alternatives to Shure and others?
No.
I'll start with the disclaimer first: I worked for Shure for 12 years. I worked with the engineers who designed the SM57 and SM58. Most importantly, I saw first hand what went into their product design, validation and quality.
So, with the SM57 and SM58, you pay $100 for microphones with proven audio response, reliability and ruggedness. Bring an SM57/58 to a gig, and it will perform. Knock one onto the floor, it will perform. Leave it outside in the gear trailer, it will perform.
For me, knowing gear will work is the prime factor. I trust Shure products. I don't have similar experience and trust with other mics, especially (low cost) wolves in Shure's clothing.
Edited by - banjodobro56 on 04/07/2025 18:31:38
I agree with Dave. In my experience, Behiringer products are designed and built to a price point, quality be damned.
For home recording purposes, wherein if the mic craps out you can order from Sweetwater or pop on over to the nearest Guitar Center? No worries. You might get lucky,
To gig a band with that stuff? No way. Audix will save you $10/mic and offer you nearly-as-good-as-Shure quality and reliability.
I have owned some Behringer gear. It's cheap, and it works, until it doesn't.
Thanks both of you.
I appreciate the perspective. I'm not even sure I'm in the market.
I have a recording project coming up. Don't know for sure how many guys are in. Recorder can handle four simultaneous inputs. I have three SM58. Over 30 years old, so I can confirm the reliabiity. One of the participants can bring another or an SM57. I also have an AT2020. So I don't necessarily need any new microphones for this.
Having worked in manufacturing for my entire career, the thing that impresses me most about the Shure SM57 is that the price today is pretty much the same as it was in 1980.
Yes. The SM57 and 58 have been $100 for decades. At least since the 1990s in my personal experience. My local volume discount music retailer used to throw in a 20-ft cable. Maybe they still do.
If you want to read a work of fiction, check out the spec sheet of any Behringer gear. Nothing real on those pages.
I have over a hundred microphones of all types from high end to Radio Shack from the 1970s when I had no money plus SM57s and 58s from the 1960s through the 1990s.
My only problem with the Shure 57/58 is that the specs haven't changed but their nominal 150Ω outputs were designed to be plugged into tube PA systems with the old Bell Telephone 600Ω input impedance. PA systems, recording desks/interfaces etc. have changed and ranged from 1300Ω – 2400Ω with 1800Ω being typical. Read about it here:
For live sound if it works, it works but I can't recommend the the Shure 57/58 unless you know how to use the impedance mismatch to your advantage (toms, amp cabinets etc.) or have a variable impedance preamp.
For $100 ea. there are better microphones. AKG and Sennheiser dynamics have a typical 600Ω output. Put an AKG D5 against a 57 or 58 and the first thing you'll notice that your words are more easily understood — and yes, they're rugged, too.
