The Crimson Audio Orange SM57 & SM58 Modification is a custom-tuned handle that transforms the legendary Shure SM57 or SM58 into a warmer, fuller, and more vintage-inspired recording tool. This "Vintage Personality" delivers enhanced depth, smoothness, and character while retaining the trusted performance of the microphone platform you already know and love. Simple to install and exclusively available from Front End Audio!
Known as the "Vintage Personality" within the Crimson Audio Mod Squad lineup, the Orange modification handle is designed for engineers and creators seeking a bigger, smoother sound while retaining the trusted performance and familiarity of the microphone platform they already know and love. Whether you're recording guitar cabinets, brass instruments, acoustic sources, or vocals, Orange delivers enhanced depth, warmth, and character that can help bring recordings to life. The Orange modification handle utilizes a custom transformer design that reshapes the sonic character of your microphone, producing a richer low-end response, smoother upper-midrange presentation, and an overall larger-than-life sound. Many users describe the Orange modification as adding a vintage-inspired warmth and fullness reminiscent of classic recording tools while maintaining the versatility that has made the SM57 and SM58 industry standards for decades.
Simple Installation
Installation is simple and requires only a few solder connections, making it an excellent option for DIY enthusiasts. Prefer a turnkey solution? Front End Audio also offers professionally assembled microphone options, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of the Orange Personality right out of the box.
Explore The Other Personalities
The Orange Personality is just one member of the Crimson Audio Mod Squad lineup. Each personality offers its own unique sonic character, allowing you to tailor your trusted Shure SM57 or SM58 to different recording situations. Visit the Crimson Audio Mod Squad page to learn more about all four personalities and discover which one is right for your recording style.
- Orange "Vintage Personality" – Warm, full, smooth, and vintage-inspired.
- Yellow "Rock Personality" – Punchy, forward, energetic, and built to cut through the mix.
- White "Studio Personality" – Detailed, open, refined, and ideal for critical instrument recording.
- Blue "Vocal Personality" – Smooth, present, focused, and optimized for vocal applications.
Crimson Audio Orange SM57/SM58 Modification Applications
- Guitar Cabinets
- Brass Instruments
- Acoustic Instruments
- Rock Vocals
- General Studio Recording
Crimson Audio Orange SM57/SM58 Modification Options
Front End Audio has made it easy to build the modification handle of your choice. However, if you have any questions please reach out to us and we will be happy to assist you in deciding what options best fit your needs.
- Select Your Cartridge: Add either an SM57 or SM58 cartridge (with or without grill) to your handle. Many customers already have an extra SM57 or SM58 in their studio that they're happy to dedicate to this modification. If this is your situation, then there is no need to add a cartridge. However, if you don't want to cannibalize one of your existing microphones then this is your solution.
- Add a Microphone Clip: The Shure A25D Microphone Clip is a durable, vibration-resistant mount designed to securely hold your favorite Shure dynamic microphones in place. Featuring a break-resistant construction and an adjustable angle design, the A25D makes it easy to position your mic exactly where you need it - whether on stage or in the studio. Compatible with industry-standard mic stands, it’s a simple, reliable upgrade that ensures stability and optimal performance from your microphone.
- Add a Granelli Audio Labs Handle: The Granelli Handle option is a 90-degree elbow that works seamlessly with the Crimson Audio modifications. It gives your mic a 90-degree angle to help improve your mic-placement options on drums, guitar amps and bass cabinets. This popular addition expands your microphone placement options and adds even more versatility to your setup.
- Modification: This unique modification is not only affordable, but easy to do yourself. It only takes a couple minutes with some very basic soldering skills. However, if you want to skip the extra work or don't have the tools, then we are happy to provide the modification for you. When Front End Audio does the modification we will QC all parts, assemble the microphone, QC the finished microphone, secure it in its own zippered mic bag (only when Front End Audio does the modification), and get it on the way to you typically within 1-2 business days - so you are ready to go right out of the box!
Crimson Audio Orange SM57/SM58 Modification Features
- Vintage Personality – Warm, full, smooth, and vintage-inspired
- Compatible with Shure SM57 and SM58 microphones
- Custom transformer design for enhanced warmth and character
- Fuller low-frequency response
- Smooth upper-midrange presentation
- Larger, more vintage-inspired sonic profile
- Excellent for guitar cabinets, brass instruments, acoustic instruments, and vocals
- Simple installation with only a few solder connections required
- Color Coded XLR connector for easy identification
- Fully reversible modification
- Designed and Manufactured in the USA
- Exclusive from Front End Audio
Crimson Audio Orange SM57/SM58 Modification Includes
- Crimson Audio Orange SM57 & SM58 Modification Handle
- Selected Options
- Installation Instructions
- Manufacturer Warranty
Videos Hide Videos Show Videos
21 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Great Mod to a Stock SM57
Oct 25th 2021I was pleasantly surprised with this transformer mod. It adds a bit of low end and takes away some of the "honk" and grittiness from the highs from the stock 57. It's like having built-in EQ, making it much easier to post-process.
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CRIMSON AUDIO ORANGE SM57/SM58
May 2nd 2021this is a great sounding mod. definitely smoother and warmer than stock 57
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Crimson Orange SM57 MOD
Jan 5th 2021Much better sound from an SM-57 with this modification. I can't see myself ever putting a stock 57 on a snare drum or guitar cab again after owning 2 of these.
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Chunky and crisp
Sep 12th 2020I was in the market for a new Ribbon, and I got a few suggestions from friends. Then I remembered the Orange mod from when I bought the Yellow and White versions. I tested it out on a session and was very pleased. Truthfully I hate the SM57, it’s awkward and unpleasant to my ears, but all of these mods really fix what I dislike in different ways. The Orange mod on guitars sounds super beefy, and you can cleanly boost anywhere in the low range for a nice chunk. It’s still got brightness to it, but not in that unpleasant normal 57 way. There’s not as much sizzle like the Yellow version but still plenty of bite.
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Chunky and crisp
Sep 12th 2020I was in the market for a new Ribbon, and I got a few suggestions from friends. Then I remembered the Orange mod from when I bought the Yellow and White versions. I tested it out on a session and was very pleased. Truthfully I hate the SM57, it’s awkward and unpleasant to my ears, but all of these mods really fix what I dislike in different ways. The Orange mod on guitars sounds super beefy, and you can cleanly boost anywhere in the low range for a nice chunk. It’s still got brightness to it, but not in that unpleasant normal 57 way. There’s not as much sizzle like the Yellow version but still plenty of bite.
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Crimson Audio Orange
Nov 6th 2018I have a baritone voice and LOVE the orange mod--use it all the time. I bought a different color ball grill for my 58 so soundmen wouldn't confuse my modded mic with theirs. If you have a soldering iron its an easy mod. If you have an old 57 or 58 laying around do it!
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Crimson Orange mod for sm 57
Feb 14th 2017This still sounds like a 57(which is good, because you want that when you reach for a 57) but it sounds like a BETTER 57. Lows reach a tad further, highs a bit further - mids a little more easy on the ears. More open. Can't wait to try the Yellow and White!
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57 Mod
Jul 19th 2016I just had to see for myself how it sounded, how many uses it could have with the mod, wow! It is said, "if it ain't broke don't fix it". It's not that it was broken, it just does so many more things very well with this mod. I'll have to try the Yellow as well.
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Great support!
Jun 21st 2016Couldn't decide which Crimson Audio mod to get, so I called and got the info I needed.
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