5
Score
Tyler Bly
675
Asked
Microphone won't pick up any sound
My Shure SM57 Microphone stopped working. I've always heard that these things are basically indestructible and I didn't do anything rough or harsh on it, it just stopped picking up sound one day. The phantom power on the the device I plug it into does work (I know this because other mics that require phantom power work). Does anybody have any idea what could be wrong with it or what I can do to fix it?
3
Score
Brian Anderson
651
Answered
Accepted Answer
I've found that most microphones stop working because the solder joints on the XLR plug come undone. I'm not sure what type of connection the SM57 has, but that would be the first place I'd look. If it has screw terminal connections, simply loosen and re-tighten. If they're soldered, visually inspect the joints for a dry joint or simple broken connection.
In some other cases, I've seen the pickup element itself become unsoldered, usually due to someone unscrewing the windscreen and accidentally pulling on the element.
If neither of those things are the issue, I'd take the entire thing apart and look for loose or broken connections. When you get down to it, they're really pretty simple devices and almost all the issues I've seen are physical-connection related.
(Also, I'm sure you've checked this, but make sure you're using a known good cable that works with another mic on a known good channel.)
0
Score
Crisb
1.7k
Answered
0
Score
Answered
Hello,
Well to start off the SM-57 is a dynamic mic, meaning that it does not require phantom power to work.
With that said, I would recommend opening up the mic by screwing off the bottom part to reveal where most of the electronics are. Check to see if there are any loose connections. If you don't find any put the mic back together, and try using it with a different XLR. I have found that XLRs often just stop working after a while if they are not wrapped properly, or not cared for.