In studio or on stage, Shure microphones are ubiquitous. Two of their mics, the Shure SM57 and Shure SM58, are the world’s top sellers. Considering the turnover rate for electronics (the computer you’re reading this on is outdated), these models have been around for 40 years. Shure now makes a wide range of audio products, including wireless mic systems, personal monitors and even pro stylus for DJs.
The company landed a series of government contracts over its history. You’ve seen a Shure microphone every time a President since LBJ made a speech. Shure refined some of its technology (like gates and passive noise reduction) through rugged military demands.
Shure has a tendency to introduce a great product, then not meddle with the design, much to the pleasure of the mic world. Established back in 1925, the company began manufacturing their own microphones by 1931 under the direction of engineer Ralph Glover. By 1932, Shure became one of only a handful of microphone manufacturers in the U.S. after developing the Model 33N Two-Button Carbon Microphone. The Model 40D followed in 1933, becoming Shure’s first condenser microphone. The Model 70 became the company first crystal microphone two years later.
Shure produced some landmark microphones over the decades, like the SM series and the Model 55 Unidyne Microphone of 1939, the first single-element unidirectional mic, said to be “the most recognized microphone in the world.” The single-element design is what made microphones affordable and convenient for a greater number of people. These mics became well-known for their durability and cleanliness, and are still available today, brand new, and straight from Shure.
In 1941, Shure began supplying the U.S. armed forces with microphones in World War II, and not long after, the T-17B became the most popularly used mic by the U.S. Army and Navy. By 1942, Shure designed the M-CI Microphone for oxygen masks, T-30 Throat Microphone, HS-33 and HS-38 Headset Microphone and the Battle Announce Microphone for the military.
Shure makes some of my favorite microphones. For stage, I sing into a Beta 52A and my drummer uses a Beta 87A for singing, which doesn’t pick up too much drum noise. In the studio, I often use a Beta 52A for the kick and a KSM109 for high hats, trumpets or anything bright and loud. For either stage or studio, I always use a SM57 on the snare.
If a musician doesn’t own any other microphone, they should at least have the SM57 and SM58. They will provide the most versatility at the best price ($99 each). From there, Shure’s prices and quality go down and up. You could get “baby’s first microphone” for under $30 (C606N), or run all the way up to complex wireless systems at over $3,300.
Although Shure Microphones does not endorse it, the company is also commonly referred to as "Sure Microphones." Sure Microphones is actually searched more so than the company's true name - Shure Microphones.
To learn more about Shure microphones, visit www.Shure.com. You can also find information through our reviews for the Shure Beta 58A Microphone, Shure Beta 91 Bass Drum Microphone, Shure KSM32/SL Condenser Microphone, Shure PG 6-Piece Drum Microphone Package, Shure PGDMK4 Drum Mic Kit, Shure SM57, Shure SM58, and Shure SM7B. You can purchase Shure mics at MusiciansFriend.com, Buy.com, Amazon, and at many other retailers.
