Shure SM57 + X2U Microphone Dynamic Instrument Mic w/ XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter

Product Information For SM57:

What is the SM57 best suited to?

It’s the most popular choice for a professional musician who wants to mic up their amplified or acoustic instrument such as a guitar amp or bass amp, saxophone, trumpet or drums. It is used on stages and in studios around the world.

How does it sound?

The contoured frequency response with its presence rise, helps the instrument cut better through the main mix. The extremely effective cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source and will simply record what you point at it while rejecting sound from the rear.

Features

Contoured frequency response for clean, instrumental reproduction and rich vocal pickup
Professional-quality reproduction for drum, percussion, and instrument amplifier miking
Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while reducing background noise
Pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise
Extremely durable under the heaviest use
Frequency response: 40 to 15,000 Hz
Tech Specs

Transducer Type : Dynamic
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency Response from: 40 Hz
Frequency Response to: 15 KHz
Sensitivity (dBV/Pa): -54,5 dBV/Pa
Sensitivity (mV/Pa): 1,88 mV/Pa
Weight: 284 g

Product Information For X2U:

What is the X2u best suited to?

The X2u, combined with any wired microphone can be easily connected directly to a computer without the need for any additional hardware. This would make it ideal for home recording studios.

Will it work with my computer?

The X2u is compatible with Windows 7 (32 & 64 bit), Vista (32 & 64 bit), XP, 2000 and Max OS X (10.1 or later). It features a built in headphone jack so that you can monitor the sound without the need for an additional sound card. It also includes an integrated pre-amp with mic gain control which allows you to control the signal strength.

Can I use a condenser microphone with the X2U?

The X2U does have phantom power so yes you can connect your condenser microphone straight into the computer

And what about latency?

Latency can be described as the time taken between initiating a request in the computer and receiving the answer. You can expect zero latency monitoring with the X2U. Zero-latency monitoring means real-time playback and multi-tracking without delay and 16-bit/48 kHz sample rate provides better-than-CD-quality audio.

What is monitor mix control?

With Monitor Mix Control (which is featured on the X2U) you can blend the mic signal and audio playback as you desire.

Features

USB Plug and Play connectivity
Compatible with Windows Vista, XP, 2000, and Mac OS X (10.1 or later)
Integrated pre-amp with Microphone Gain Control allows control of input signal strength
Zero Latency Monitoring for real-time playback and multi-tracking without disorientation
Headphone jack with volume control for monitoring
Monitor Mix Control for blending microphone and playback audio
Provides +48V phantom power for use with condenser microphones
Includes 3 m USB cable and zippered pouch
Further Technical Specs

Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000 Hz +/- 1 dB
Power Requirements: USB-powered, 500 mA, maximum
Digital Noise Floor (20 Hz to 20 kHz, A-weighted)
Minimum MIC GAIN setting: −81 dB FS
Maximum MIC GAIN setting: −78 dB FS
Sampling Rate: up to 48 kHz
Bit Depth: 16 bit
Peak Signal Indicator (Tri-color)
OFF: −30 dB FS
Green: −30 to −12 dB FS
Yellow: −12 to 0 dB FS
Red: >0 (digital converter clipped)
Adjustable Gain Range: 40 dB
Headphone Output: 3.5 mm (1/8 inch)