The Shure SM57 has become a defacto standard (as much as any microphone could ever be standardized amongst recording engineers) for both snare drum and electric guitar cabinet recording. The bass buildup due to the proximity effect, the inherent internal compressed sound when presented with loud sounds coupled with the mic's consistent sonics and super-ruggedness have made it ubiquitously loved and used throughout the world.

But within drum kit setups there has always been a problem sneaking a SM57, with attached XLR cable sticking out, close enough to the snare drum where it works best. Depending on your drummer, you may have to compromise positioning (and therefore sound) to stay out of the way of his flailing sticks. So enter the best idea since the invention of the SM57 itself: the Granelli Audio Labs G5790 right-angle SM57.

I put two of the mics on short boom stands for top and bottom mics on my drummer's kit in the studio. Depending on how close the first high tom or hi-hat is to the snare drum determines which side of the snare I place the SM57. But with the G5790 you can go either side and I prefer the hi-hat side to try and get the back (or side) of the mic towards the hat for minimizing leakage. Putting the mic between the first two toms aimed at the snare usually means you're also aiming at the hi-hat too.

With a regular SM57 the XLR cable sticks outs (even with a right-angle XLR) and is easily tagged by some drummers. Also with the G5790 you can, for a different sound, aim the mic straight down on the edge of the head right near the rim equally spaced between two lugs. This is nearly impossible with a stock SM57.

Guitar cabs gain a clean stage look with the G5790 because the XLR connector and cable go straight down to the floor. In addition, there's less chance of the mic moving if someone brushes the cable, mic or (boom) stand. By just twisting the mic in the holder, it is also easier to precisely aim or angle the mic anywhere from the center to the outside of the speaker cone.

The G5790's sound is exactly like a brand new SM57 because these are brand new SM57s purchased from Shure. On both snare drums and guitar cabs, there is no difference in sound. In fact since you can position the mics exactly and without compromise, the recorded sound can be better.

The G5790 sells for $149.99 or three mics for $419.99. They come with and fit into Shure's leatherette storage bags and are warranteed for two years by Granelli (since the original Shure warranty is nullified) Much more at: www.granelliaudiolabs.com