There’s history with this one.
When you see someone singing at your favorite venue, chances are they are singing through a Shure microphone. When you’re at a concert, there’s also a very good chance the performers are using wireless systems made by Shure. Let’s get into it.
Shure, originally founded as the Shure Radio Company is an audio company that has been in business since 1925. In 1932 the Model 44 Condenser recording studio microphone was released making Shure one of only a few US manufacturers of microphones. In 1939 the Unidyne Model 55 was released as the world’s first single-element unidirectional moving coil microphone. Its performance and design make it one of the most recognizable microphones of all time. Here’s a look at the modern version the Super 55 Deluxe.
In 1950 Shure was one of the largest producers of phonograph cartridges in the US. In 1973 the revolutionary V15 Type III cartridge was released. In 1973 the SM7 voiceover microphone was released, gaining a dedicated following over the next four decades in radio, television, recording and podcast studios. I have a SM7B in my studio and love the clarity it provides on vocals.
The Beta 57 and 58 series microphones were released in 1989. I have a Beta 58 and love the broad frequency response for vocals. It provides for a very rich full sound. Its predecessor, the SM58 was released in 1966 and became the standard for live vocal performance and is still available today. In 1997 the PSM 600 in ear wireless system was released providing a dynamic response and clarity to the artist and at the same time preserving their hearing. I have a rugged PSM 300 in ear system that is excellent at providing crystal clear feedback on my acoustic guitar and vocals.
Good gear just makes everything better. For more information on the history of Shure.