Best Audio Interface for Shure SM57 (How to Actually Power It in 2026)

If you searched “audio interface for Shure SM57,” you’re probably trying to solve one problem: your mic sounds quieter than expected.

The SM57 doesn’t behave like a beginner USB mic. It has lower output and demands more amplification than many entry-level interfaces comfortably provide. That’s why combinations like Shure SM57 + Focusrite 2i2 are so commonly discussed; they offer a safer gain range.

Whether you’re recording guitar amps, snare drums, or experimenting with podcasting, the wrong interface won’t damage the mic, but it will bottleneck it.

This guide breaks down which interfaces actually give the SM57 enough clean power to perform properly, without overspending or overcomplicating your setup.

Quick Verdict (If You Just Want the Right Pairing)

The Shure SM57 typically needs more gain than budget interfaces comfortably provide. If you’re pairing it for voice recording, expect to operate near the upper half of your gain range.

If you’re using it for instruments like guitar amps, gain demands may be lower, but clean headroom still matters.

Proven pairings include:

• Scarlett 2i2 – Most common SM57 pairing for balanced gain and flexibility.
• Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) – Reliable for single-mic setups.
• M-Track Solo – Works, but operates closer to its limits.
• M-Track Duo – For dual SM57 recording.
• MAONO USB Interface – Budget entry option with limited headroom.

If you want the safest “buy once” solution for an SM57 audio interface, choose something in the Scarlett range. It provides enough amplification margin for both instruments and voice use.

Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) Review (For Shure SM57)

The Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) is one of the most common pairings you’ll see when searching for an audio interface for the Shure SM57. That’s not accidental. It delivers enough gain to make the SM57 usable for both instruments and voice without stepping into expensive studio territory.

The SM57 has a lower output level than many beginner microphones. If your interface struggles past mid-level gain, your recordings can sound distant or underpowered. The Scarlett Solo provides usable amplification range, allowing the SM57 to capture punchy guitar tones or a focused spoken voice without excessive noise.

In real-world setups, users often notice:

• Better signal strength when miking guitar amps
• Cleaner spoken-word recordings compared to ultra-budget interfaces
• Less need to push gain knobs to extreme positions

The Scarlett Solo isn’t about advanced DSP or mixing features. Its real advantage is predictable, stable preamp performance, something the SM57 depends on heavily.

Weight consideration: The Shure SM57 weighs approximately 284g (0.63 lbs). It’s compact and easy to position on instrument stands, drum rims, or small boom arms. Unlike heavier broadcast microphones, it doesn’t require reinforced mounting hardware, making it versatile for both studio desks and instrument setups.

Why creators and musicians choose this pairing:

• Reliable gain range for low-output dynamic microphones.
• Stable performance when recording instruments or voice.
• Widely used setup (similar to common Scarlett 2i2 + SM57 combinations).

Where it falls short:

• Single XLR input limits dual-mic recording.
• Limited headroom compared to higher-tier interfaces.

✅ Ideal for:

• Guitar amp recording with SM57
• Solo podcast experiments using SM57
• Creators transitioning from adapters to proper XLR interfaces

❌ Not ideal for:

• Dual-instrument recording without upgrading
• High-end studio builds requiring extended headroom

M-Audio M-Track Solo Review (For Shure SM57)

The M-Audio M-Track Solo is often considered by people searching for an affordable audio interface for the Shure SM57. It’s inexpensive, simple, and widely available, which makes it attractive to first-time buyers.

But here’s the reality: the SM57 isn’t a high-output microphone. It requires solid preamp gain to sound full, especially when used for voice recording. The M-Track Solo can drive the SM57 to usable levels, but you’ll operate closer to the upper portion of its gain range compared to mid-tier interfaces.

For guitar amp recording, where signal levels are naturally louder, the interface performs comfortably. For podcast-style voice recording, you may find yourself pushing the gain knob higher than expected.

The biggest advantage here is simplicity. You connect the SM57 via XLR, set your gain, and record, no adapters, no XLR-to-USB shortcuts. For someone upgrading from cheap USB-style solutions, this is a meaningful improvement.

Important buyer insight: If you’re specifically searching for “Shure SM57 XLR to USB,” understand that dedicated audio interfaces like this provide cleaner amplification than simple adapter cables. Even entry-level interfaces outperform most direct XLR-USB cables.

Trade-offs to consider:

• Limited gain headroom compared to Scarlett 2i2 or Solo.
• Higher risk of hiss if pushing gain near maximum.
• No second XLR input for dual SM57 setups.

If you’re building a cost-effective SM57 setup for instruments or experimenting with voice recording, the M-Track Solo works, but it leaves less amplification margin than mid-tier options.

✅ Ideal for:

• Budget guitar amp recording setups
• First-time SM57 owners
• Simple single-mic configurations

❌ Not ideal for:

• Soft-spoken podcast use without a strong gain reserve
• Dual-microphone recording
• Users wanting long-term upgrade flexibility

Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) Review (For Shure SM57)

If you’re serious about getting the most out of the Shure SM57, the interface matters more than most people expect. The SM57 isn’t difficult to use, but it does reveal weak preamps quickly.

The Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) improves on earlier models with cleaner preamp architecture and slightly increased usable headroom. For a mic like the SM57, which typically benefits from gain levels in the mid-to-upper range, that added refinement makes a difference.

Where this interface stands out is in its consistency. Whether you’re miking a guitar cabinet, recording snare hits, or experimenting with voiceover work, the Solo 4th Gen maintains cleaner signal integrity when gain is pushed higher.

• More controlled amplification when capturing lower-output sources.
• Less risk of hiss compared to entry-level interfaces.
• Better upgrade margin if you later expand your setup.

For users who frequently search “Scarlett 2i2 SM57” combinations, the Solo 4th Gen delivers a similar amplification philosophy in a single-input format, making it a solid choice for solo creators or musicians who don’t require dual XLR channels.

• Higher cost than the budget interfaces.
• Only one XLR input limits multi-mic setups.
• No onboard DSP or routing flexibility.

✅ Ideal for:

• Guitar amp recording with strong gain stability
• Creators who want more headroom than entry-level units
• SM57 users upgrading from budget interfaces

❌ Not ideal for:

• Strict budget builds
• Dual-microphone instrument recording

M-Audio M-Track Duo Review (For Dual Shure SM57 Setups)

If you’re running two Shure SM57 microphones, your priorities shift. This isn’t about phantom power. It’s about whether your interface can supply consistent gain to two low-output dynamic mics at the same time.

The SM57 is often used on guitar amps, snare drums, and instrument cabinets. In dual setups, for example, recording two amps or amp + vocal, both channels must deliver stable amplification without collapsing into noise at higher gain levels.

In louder instrument environments, such as close-miking guitar cabinets, the M-Track Duo performs comfortably. When using two SM57 microphones for spoken voice or quieter sources, you may need to push gain levels higher than mid-tier interfaces require.

This interface makes sense for users searching for “audio interface for SM57” who need two XLR inputs without jumping into more expensive gear. It’s practical, straightforward, and capable, but it leaves less amplification margin than something like a Scarlett 2i2.

• Limited headroom when both channels require higher gain.
• Greater risk of audible noise when pushing amplification.
• Basic routing and monitoring flexibility.

If you’re building a budget dual-SM57 instrument rig or experimenting with two-mic recording, this interface works. Just understand that cleaner, stronger preamps in mid-tier units provide more breathing room.

MAONO USB Audio Interface Review (For Shure SM57)

The MAONO USB Audio Interface sits at the ultra-budget end of the market. If you’re searching for a low-cost audio interface for Shure SM57, this is one of the cheapest ways to move beyond basic XLR-to-USB cables.

The SM57 is a dynamic microphone with relatively low output. It doesn’t require phantom power, but it does need solid amplification. This interface can power the SM57 for louder sources like guitar cabinets or close-miked instruments. For quieter voice recording, you may find yourself operating near the top of its gain range.

• Limited gain reserve for low-output dynamic microphones.
• Higher risk of audible noise when pushing amplification.
• Minimal expansion or routing flexibility.

Many users search for “Shure SM57 XLR to USB” solutions. While adapter cables exist, dedicated interfaces like this still provide cleaner preamp amplification and better control over signal levels.

That said, this is a starting point, not a long-term solution. If you plan to use the SM57 regularly for both instruments and voice, stepping up to a mid-tier interface (like a Scarlett model) provides noticeably stronger gain stability.

Comparison: Best Audio Interfaces for Shure SM57

The Shure SM57 is a dynamic microphone known for instrument recording, especially guitar amps and snare drums, but it’s also used for voice in home studios. It does not require phantom power. Instead, it relies on stable, low-noise preamp gain to deliver a full signal.

When choosing an audio interface for the Shure SM57, the most important factor is gain headroom. The SM57 isn’t extremely hot in output, so weaker interfaces can force you to push gain close to maximum.

The right interface depends on:

• How much usable clean gain is available
• Whether you’re recording instruments, voice, or both
• If you need one or two XLR inputs
• How much headroom do you want for future upgrades

Use this comparison to choose the best interface for your SM57 setup.

Safe recommendation? If you want dependable performance with the SM57 for both instruments and occasional voice work, the Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) is the most balanced option. If you’re looking for slightly cleaner high-gain stability or modern USB-C connectivity, the 4th Gen is a stronger long-term pick.

For users frequently searching combinations like “Scarlett 2i2 SM57”, remember that dual-input Scarlett models follow the same preamp philosophy but offer additional channel flexibility.