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→SM57 On/Off Axis
=== SM57 On/Off Axis ===
90% of my tones use the SM57 mic. It seems to get the most guitar tone and the least noise for distorted tones. Many have complained that it creates too much fizz or harsh high-end. I think some of the other mics are fizzier, but I do agree about the high-end. However, this is easily solved with the low-pass of a [[Line_6_Pod_HD_EQ#Mid-Focus EQ (see Focus_EQ|Mid-Focus EQ)]]. If there's any fizzy spots, you can easily dial them out with a [[Line_6_Pod_HD_EQ#Parametric_EQ|Parametric EQ ]] (see [[Line_6_Pod_HD_EQ#Fizzy_Spots|fizzy spots]]).
I go back and forth on whether I prefer on or off axis. It depends on the tone I'm going for. I like to start on-axis. It really captures the high-end sizzle cleanly, and the tone just seems richest with this mic. But something about this mic can also make the tone sound like a modeler and not a real guitar tone - I think it's the lack of punch and warmth. Sometimes you can dial in enough warmth with the on axis depending on the tone you're going for and the amp model you're using. Or if you're using the [[#Dual Cabs 2|dual cab technique below]], you just pair this mic with a darker cab. I find my favorite tone is a Hiway/XXL combo, both using the 57 on axis - thick AND rich.
''The [[#Cab DEP's|cab DEP's ]] have really helped get the right amount of growl and bite from this mic. '' You can use the Res. Level, Thump, and Decay controls to thicken up and smooth out the tone more than you otherwise could.
But sometimes you want the off axis. In general, the off axis is less clean - it sounds a bit noisier, and maybe a bit fizzier. But you get a more punchy tone really centered around the warm mids, but you still have a good high-end response. The one exception is on the Greenbacks cab - I find the 57 off axis is a bit brighter and cleaner for some reason.