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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Meaty and thiccalicious
Jan 12th 2026The Orange mod is rich, thick and meaty. Beautiful low end. Is this really an SM57?! Awesome! And, Front End has the mod already done for instant gratification :-) Highly recommended! Hey all the colors from Crimson!
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A great affordable way to transform a microphone
Jul 29th 2024Like a lot of engineers I have a lot of SM57s. I tried the Orange handle and it's become a favorite on snare drum. It really add a nice bit of "weight" to the sound. I often combine with an Yellow handle on the bottom of the snare, where the extra brightness really adds to the "snap" No brainer purchase, and installation is simple.
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It actually works quite well
Jul 24th 2024I have the exact Shure SM57 with the Granelli, but without the Crimson orange upgrade, so could do a direct comparison. The Crimson transformer adds a lot. Very surprised, but mostly delighted. Smooth, even response both on the low and high end, lacking in the stock unit.
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The Smoothest of the Bunch
Apr 17th 2024The Crimson orange mod is the smoothest and thickest sounding compared to the other Crimson mods. Killer on bright sources that need taming. I use the orange mod with the 545 capsule for jazz snare and paired with the yellow mod on guitar cabinets. The orange sounds similar to a ribbon, but not as extreme. All the Crimson mods take SM57 to noticeably different sonic territories.
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Crimson Orange 57 mod
Jan 7th 2023Most engineers that have been around a while have an extra 57 or two around so this is the least expensive way ever to diversify your mic locker with a new go to guitar mic. Electric guitar often sounded a bit fizzy on top with stock 57s so the thicker sound of the Orange Mod is just what is needed. If anyone wants to record electric guitar in our studio, the Crimson Orange Modded 57 is the 1st mic that goes on the cab. I'd say 80% of the guitar and sometimes bass cabs that I record use at least 1 of these mics.
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CRIMSON AUDIO ORANGE SM57/SM58 MODIFICATION
Dec 17th 2022Great sounding, more low end, less high mid spike, very pleased with this variation of the sm57.
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Eliminates need for EQ, pleasant break up when pushed hard
Oct 26th 2022Feels just like you are pushing a SM58, but you get a little more low-mid and presence, very smooth sounding. Eliminates my need for an EQ which is awesome. Nice break up, making it sound ribbon like when pushed hard. Quality product and great service too. Easy install if you can do basic soldering. Highly recommend this for those who like a 58 but often bump the low-mid and presence with an EQ. FYI it has a black wire that is not needed in all situations. You can either body ground it or clip/tape it up out of the way.. #TriggerWarning coming 12/21/22
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A really easy mod that sounds great.
Feb 11th 2022The Crimson Audio Orange mod turns a modern 57 into an older Sm57 unidyne with less honk. I use these on guitar and Tom bottom the white mod is killer on snare.
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the best choice for this magnificent microphone
Nov 25th 2021over the years I have tried several SM57s, and I have noticed how the quality has changed a lot, mainly with the passage of production from the United States to Mexico. The transformer was simply changed. This Orange interpretation of the SM57 returns the original sound of the SM57 Unidyne III in an interpretation with a greater range of frequencies both high (softening them) and low, the best choice for this magnificent microphone, absolutely recommended for both vocals and players. acoustic and electric or percussive instruments.
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