The Vintage King Shure SM57 VK Edition dynamic microphone improves on the timeless design of the original with a custom TAB-Funkenwerk T58 transformer for a brighter, cleaner sound.
Introduced in 1965, the Shure SM57 quickly became a studio and live sound staple thanks to its rugged build, affordable price, and high SPL capabilities. An absolute legend on snare drums and guitar cabs, the SM57 has been used on countless recordings and stages around the world. In fact, there are rumors of whole albums being recorded using just an SM57.
But eventually, engineers started looking for ways to improve the SM57, leading to a wave of innovative modifications that add versatility without losing the familiar character that made the original mic great in the first place.
One of the most popular upgrades is the TAB-Funkenwerk T58 transformer mod, which replaces the stock transformer with a premium hand-wound, USA-made component for improved clarity and detail throughout the frequency range.
Only available at Vintage King, the Shure SM57 VK Edition dynamic microphones have been expertly modded by our team of Microphone Technicians at the Vintage King Tech Shop. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Vintage King Shure SM57 VK Edition mics, including mod specifications, what benefits they offer over traditional SM57s, and how they can improve your studio or live setup.
Shure SM57 VK Edition with Tab-Funkenwerk T58 Transformer
The stock transformer inside a traditional SM57 has always been part of the microphone’s signature sound, delivering that classic midrange punch, but the low-end tapers off around 200 Hz, and there’s a pretty steep roll-off on the high-end, too.
The Shure SM57 VK Edition replaces the stock transformer with a TAB-Funkenwerk T58, which fixes the frequency response issues, delivering a more focused sound with improved clarity and a distinct presence boost. Don’t worry, though; it still retains that aggressive midrange bite that makes the SM57 a classic.
The Shure SM57 VK Edition sounds great on everything you would use a traditional SM57 on: guitar cabs, snare drums, brass, and even vocals. You might be surprised how swapping out the transformer can help bring your tracks to life!
