Elgato Wave:3 vs Shure SM57
A side-by-side look at Elgato Wave:3 and Shure SM57 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Shure SM57
Studio workhorse that captures instruments as cleanly as it does voice
See site
Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Elgato Wave:3 | Shure SM57 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | - | Podcasters who also record instruments and want one mic that does both jobs |
Key features
Elgato Wave:3
Shure SM57
- Dynamic cardioid XLR, no phantom power needed
- Frequency response 40 Hz to 15 kHz
- Contoured presence boost for instruments and voice
- Flat grille allows extremely close mic placement
- Output impedance 310 ohms
- Pneumatic shock mount system reduces handling noise
Pros and cons
Elgato Wave:3
Shure SM57
Pros
- Versatile - voice and instruments equally well
- Same legendary build quality and warranty as the SM58
- Outstanding off-axis rejection in loud environments
- No phantom power, runs on anything
Cons
- Flat grille means plosives hit harder - pop filter is more important
- Slightly less presence boost for vocals compared to SM58
- Frequency ceiling at 15 kHz limits high-end air on bright voices
The verdict
Choose Elgato Wave:3 if
Choose Shure SM57 if
Podcasters who also record instruments and want one mic that does both jobs.
The SM57 is technically an instrument mic, but its tight polar pattern and rejection characteristics make it a solid podcasting mic for anyone who treats it right. The flat grille means you have to work it closer than the SM58,…