Shure SM77 Early 80's - Cream

Key Specifications & Design

• Type: Dynamic (moving coil)
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid (unidirectional)
• Frequency Response: 50 to 15,000 Hz with a tailored low-frequency rolloff and mid-range presence peak
• Finish: Featured Shure's non-reflecting, textured "Suedecoat" ebony or tan finishes
• Construction: Transformerless output and aluminum voice coil for weight reduction

The sm77 is NOT a "dumbed down version of the sm57". It's a transformerless 57, but instead of just having lower output, Shure used aluminum wire instead of copper for the voice coil for the lighter weight, so they could have more windings without losing sensitivity. So you've got the better transient response and wider frequency response that people are doing these mods for, but without losing output or having to upgrade the transformer. They weren't really thinking about improving the sound when they made these-- the idea was to make them lighter weight. The case is aluminum too. Before anyone jumps in to say aluminum wire is crappy, bear in mind the EV RE20 uses aluminum in its voice coil, and some of the high-end Heil mics too, among others. If you have a chance, A/B a 57 with a 77 and see what you think.