ChromeDome

Many of the clubs, venues, and ships I've worked on use the 57 still because it's relatively inexpensive and will take a great deal of beating and still work. As you've said, the proximity requirements are nice as in a live setting the 57 will reject sounds well from louder sources (like guitars) that are further away. Another good "live" mic is the Sennheiser 421. Better sound than the 57, but not quite as tough or as good at rejecting unwanted sounds. Of the two I like the 421 better, but everyone seems to have lots of 57's kicking around. Ah well, both of them make a very satisfying "thwack" when used in conjunction with annoying saxophone players... ;)