Granelli Audio has literally given a new twist to the classic Shure SM57 microphone, by specially modifying them into right-angle versions – able to fit into tight spaces yet providing the same audio response characteristics as the original. The modification simplifies positioning on a snare or guitar cabinet , aiming the cardioid head right at the sound source while the body of the mic and connector veer off at a 90-degree angle, out of the way of drum sticks and people walking by. Looking at the example photos on the printed insert in the mic box, the G5790 can tuck in comfortably aimed at the snare head while leaving lots of clearance for a closely placed high-hat.
Granelli Audio's first modified SM57 was birthed after a late-night brainstorm session between the two audio engineer founders on how to better place the microphone on a crowded drum kit. Drummers who subsequently used the resulting mic were intrigued, wanting them for live use, and other engineers were similarly interested. After several rounds of prototyping, and intensive audio testing to confirm that the response characteristics were unchanged by the mod, the G5790 was launched. What started as a one-off gained a life of its own.
Because the response of a microphone is not just created by the mic element, but also by the acoustic air chambers around and behind it, the design of the Granelli Audio modification required a combination of experimentation, engineering math to determine the correct air volume of the angled hardware, and machining the parts to meet the specifications. The result is a threaded 90-degree “elbow” with a more spacious air chamber beneath the mic head connection and a narrow chamber connecting to the mic handle – that takes into account the total air volume minus the space taken up by the insulated wires between the head and the XLR connector at the rear of the handle.
The specifications were confirmed in independent lab tests, and also by engineers at Shure (Granelli Audio is completely independent from Shure, by the way.) The company purchases SM57s on the market, and performs the custom modification themselves.
The G5790 has found a home with professional drummers from Carter Beauford to Alex Van Halen, and in the mic arsenals of audio engineers such as Bob Clearmountain and Chris Lord-Alge. Like the SM57, the microphone is fairly bright and brings out the pitched ring of the drum skin, and the bite of the guitar amp. I tried it on various percussion instruments and a guitar amp, and the mic performed as specified. The cardioid pattern is fairly wide, with decent attenuation at the sides and some lower frequency pickup at the rear – again, identical to the SM57.
Granelli Audio backs their mics with a two-year warranty, though with the modification the Shure warranty is not applicable. A caution within the printed insert says to “Please resist the urge to open up your G5790 and look inside.” Because the wiring from the mic element to the XLR connector goes through the right-angle piece, the twisting from unscrewing and then rethreading the casing could stress the wires. This will void the warranty – and though I was also curious, I didn't look inside my sample mic.
If the sound you are looking for can only be filled by a Shure SM57, but you wish it would fit in a smaller space, the Granelli Audio modification is the ideal choice. The G5790 is priced at $149.99, and a three-pack is available for $419.99. For the do-it-yourselfer with a spare SM57 on hand, a modification kit with instructions is $49.99; the mod requires soldering skills to successfully complete. A right-angle version of the SM58, the G5890, is offered at $159.99.
