Guitar Gear Forum

I was reading about how the old Shure Unidyne IIIs were made in the USA and sound superior to the current Mexican made SM57s. I wanted another 57 anyway so I figured I'd see if there are any differences. This 1976 mic was on ebay in awesome shape with all the original packaaging stuff for just a little more than a new 57 so I had to get it.





Anyway here are some quick clips. I used my LP custom into an Engl Blackmore into my orange 1x12 with a vinttage 30. Clips were recorded quickly. Itried to get the mics close to the same position, but I obviously couldn't get them 100%.

Unidyne III:

https://soundcloud.com/absolutevengeance/unidyne-iii

SM57:

https://soundcloud.com/absolutevengeance/sm57

Congrats on the new mic!!!

Both mics sound good.
The Unidyne sounds a bit beefier and the SM57 sounds brighter.

ajaxlepinski wrote:Congrats on the new mic!!!

Both mics sound good.
The Unidyne sounds a bit beefier and the SM57 sounds brighter.

Yep, but the SM57 was slightly closer to the center so Ill have to do some more experimenting. I'm happy with the purchase though, it's a cool looking vintage mic that's made in the USA for almost the same price as the current sm57.

They don't sound very similar at all to me. The Unidyne definitely sounds a lot better there. The SM57 sounds harsh there. But I wouldn't judge the mics from that, some mics are just really finnicky about placement.

Unidyne sounds awesome there. Very natural.

The SM57 sounds really rough in comparison.

Cool find! Thanks for the tip!

So, what is the model number of that mic? I want to get one or two.

It's the unidyne iii 545sd I believe