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
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21 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Promising but flaw in manufacturing
Mar 9th 2016I purchased the orange transformer handle replacement for the SM57. It was easy to re-solder the connections, however when attempting to screw the new handle in place, I could not get it to thread correctly. It appeared that the threads were damaged. After contacting Crimson they are sending a replacement, no charge, and even a free T-Shirt. Great customer service. Looking forward to getting it and comparing with another of my 57's. I will update my review after getting the replacement.
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The Crimson SM57 Orange mod is fantastic!
Mar 2nd 2016I liked it so much I ordered a second one within hours of having heard my first purchase! In A / B testing on a snare drum it was the preferred mic over a stock 57, a Beyer 201 & a Crown CM-700 (recorded two-at-a-time through vintage Daking 52270 preamps). Then it beat out a stock SM57 on a '52 Tele / Dr. Z prototype amp (recorded through a vintage Neve 1073 preamp). The SM57 Orange has a smoother low-end that extends to lower frequencies than the stock model; a very bold, clear midrange; and a flatter top-end, without the stock 57's presence peak. Overall it simply sounds more natural, more like the instruments actually sound in the room. As an engineer buddy of mine put it, it sounds like what he'd want to EQ the stock mic to sound like….. but without having to engage any EQ! All that said, I still need to have stock SM57's around for when they're the best fit, but the Orange mod is an amazing alternative voice to this classic mic at a REALLY reasonable price!
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Crimson 57 Orange mod
Dec 16th 2015This is the most useful of the 2 crimson 57 mods offered. the 57 just sounds way better. It has much more body. I have 1 of each and plan to buy a couple more. With this mod, 57s are going to be much usable for many more tasks. This has to be a #1 bang for the buck and the mod is very easy!
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