Shure Wired Microphones - Everything You Need to Know

Posted on: 18th September 2024

In the world of audio, clarity and precision are paramount. Whether you're a seasoned musician, a sound engineer, or a content creator, having the right microphone can make all the difference. For decades, Shure has been a trusted name in the industry, synonymous with unparalleled quality and innovation. While wireless technology continues to make strides, wired microphones remain a solid choice for those seeking reliability, high fidelity, and superior performance across all applications.

In this post, we'll take a closer look at Shure's impressive range of wired microphones— designed to meet the demands of diverse environments, from the recording studio to the live stage. Whether you're after rugged durability or studio-grade sound, Shure has something for every professional need.

Are YOU ready to Sound Extraordinary?

Shure SM Series

The Shure SM Series is one of the most iconic and reliable microphone lines in the industry, known for its rugged build, versatility and excellent sound quality. These microphones are used extensively in live sound, studio recording, and broadcasting. Product highlights are the iconic SM58, favoured by vocalists and musicians across the globe, and the SM57, widely used for instruments, are industry standards for live and studio use.

SM Series Key Features:

• Durability: Rugged design, able to handle tough environments like live performances, tours and outdoor events.
• Consistent Performance: Reliable, high-quality sound across a wide range of applications, from vocals to instruments.
• Cardioid Polar Pattern: Most SM mics are cardioid, which helps isolate the desired sound source while reducing background noise.
• Affordable and Accessible: The SM series remain affordable for both professionals and enthusiasts whilst still producing high-quality sound.
• Versatility: Suitable for live, studio, broadcast and more, the SM series can be used in many different applications and environments.

SM Series Product Highlights:

• SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone – the industry standard for live vocals
• SM57 Dynamic Cardioid Instrument Microphone, iconic for miking instruments, especially drums and guitar amplifiers
• SM7B Dynamic Microphone with smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response. A very popular choice for broadcast, podcasting, radio, and vocal recordings.
• SM81 Cardioid Condenser Acoustic Instrument Microphone, known for its flat frequency response and ideal for acoustics instruments.
• SM86 Cardioid Condenser Microphone tailored for live vocals, delivering studio-quality sound on stage. Features a built-in shock mount for low handling noise.
• SM63 Dynamic Omnidirectional Handheld Interview Microphone, designed for speech and interviews in broadcast settings. Resistant to wind noise and vocal plosives.

These models cover a wide range of applications and are at an affordable price, making the SM Series a go-to choice for many professionals in both live sound and studio environments.

Shure Beta Series

Just look for the blue rubber band! Beta series offers enhanced performance over the SM Series, particularly in demanding live sound and studio environments, and are easily identified by the blue rubber band that hugs the capsule. The Beta series offers enhanced frequency response and tailored design for vocals and instruments, such as the Beta 58A and Beta 57A, as well as added durability over the SM series with capsules designed to further withstand the rigors of live performances and musicians.

Beta Series Key Features:

• Supercardioid Polar Pattern: Provides better isolation from ambient noise and superior feedback resistance, compared to cardioid.
• Enhanced Frequency Response: Tailored for specific sound sources, the Beta series offers a more refined frequency range, providing a brighter, more detailed sound thanthe SM series.
• High Output: Neodymium magnets in dynamic models deliver higher output, resulting in clearer, more powerful sound.
• Added Durability: Built to withstand rigorous professional use, Beta mics feature even more rugged and durable construction when compared to the SM Series, particularly with the capsules.
• Shock-mounted capsules: Many models include shock mounts to reduce handling noise and mechanical vibrations.
• Versatility: The Beta series covers a wide range of applications, from vocals to instruments, including kick drums, snare drums, guitars, brass, and woodwinds.

Beta Series Product Highlights:

• Beta 58A Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone tailored for lead and backup vocals. Features an enhanced frequency response compared to the SM58, providing more clarity in the vocal range.
• Beta 57A Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone designed for both instruments and vocals. Gives a crisp, clear reproduction of drums, guitars, bass and vocals making a versatile mic ideal for hire stock.
• Beta 87A Supercardioid Condenser Microphone ideal for lead vocals in live and studio settings. Features smooth frequency response with a wide dynamic range for superior sound, plus excellent rejection from off-axis sounds.
• Beta 87C Cardioid Condenser Live Vocal Microphone has a smooth natural sound with less sensitivity to ambient stage noise, plus extremely low handling noise, thanks to its advanced cartridge shock mount system.
• Beta 52A Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone for Kick Drum and Bass Instruments, with high SPL handling capacity, tailored frequency response and integrated pneumatic shock mount to reduce mechanical noise and vibrations.
• Beta 56A Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone designed for close-miking snare drums, toms and percussion. Compact design with adjustable swivel joint for easy positioning in tight spaces.
• Beta 91A Half-Cardioid Condenser Kick and Boundary Microphone specifically designed for kick drums. It features a dual-frequency response switch for “punchy” attack or “full-bodied” bass.
• Beta 98A Supercardioid Condenser Instrument Gooseneck Microphone designed for precision placement on brass, woodwind and percussion instruments.

The Shure Beta series microphones offer higher output levels and tighter polar patterns compared to the SM Series, making them perfect for professionals who demand superior isolation, durability, and clarity in both live and studio environments.

Shure KSM Series

KSM stands for Kondenser Studio Microphones and they are a premium line of condenser microphones designed for studio recording, live performances and professional sound applications. Known for their clarity, precision and exceptional sound quality, KSM microphones are widely used in critical sound reinforcement environments where accurate sound reproduction is paramount.

KSM Key Features:

• Exceptional Sound Clarify: Renowned for their transparent, detailed sound, capturing subtle nuances with high precision.
• Low self-noise: Designed to minimise background noise, ensuring clear and natural audio capture, especially in studio settings.
• Premium Build Quality: Built with high-quality materials and engineering, ensuring durability and consistent performance in professional settings.
• Advanced features: Optional multiple Polar Patterns (learn more about Polar Patterns here), switchable filters and pads for greater control over sound capture in diverse environments.

KSM Series Product Highlights:

• KSM9 Dual-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone offering switchable cardioid and supercardioid polar patterns, designed for live performances and the studio. The KSM9 offers exceptional sound clarity, warmth and precision, capturing every nuance of a performance.
• KSM32 Cardioid Large-Diaphragm Side-Address Condenser Microphone with a flat frequency response for natural sound capture, ideal for live sound vocals and instruments.
• KSM42 Premium Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone with a highly transparent, natural sound and low self-noise, perfect for critical studio work and capturing delicate sound nuances. Its dual-diaphragm minimises off-axis coloration and helps maintain tonal accuracy.
• KSM44A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone with switchable polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional and bidirectional), making it highly versatile for vocals, instruments, and even orchestral recordings.
• KSM137 Cardioid Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone with extended frequency response, excellent for capturing acoustic instruments like guitars, pianos, percussion and overheads.
• KSM141 Dual-Pattern Condenser Instrument Microphone (cardioid and omnidirectional) with a rotating polar pattern switch, perfect for recording orchestras, strings, acoustics instruments and drums.
• KSM313/NE Bi-Directional Ribbon Microphone, optimised for both high-frequency vocals and mid-range instruments like guitars and horns, therefore ideal for both studio and live sound applications. It features Roswellite™ ribbon technology, offering superior durability and high SPL handling without ribbon distortion, and looks the part too with it’s distinct red and black paint work.
• KSM353/ED Bi-Directional Ribbon Microphone with Case and Shock Mount, designed for ultra-accurate sound capture, producing a natural, smooth sound, perfect for recording vocals, strings, and horns in critical studio applications. It also features the Roswellite™ ribbon material for high durability and resistance to high SPL.

The Shure KSM Series offers exceptional microphones with a focus on detail, accuracy, and versatility. These microphones are ideal for studio recording, broadcasting, and high-end live performances, delivering pristine sound quality across a wide range of applications.

Shure Nexadyne Series

Shure Nexadyne is a cutting-edge series of dynamic vocal microphones designed for live performance, featuring their new Revonic™ Dual Transducer Technology. Unlike traditional dynamic mics that use a single transducer, the Nexadyne microphones employ two precisely matched transducers to optimize vocal clarity and minimize handling noise. This dual-capsule design results in superior sound quality, with built-in acoustic signal processing that reduces the need for post-production adjustments and shock mounts.

The microphones are available in both cardioid and supercardioid polar patterns, offering excellent rejection of background noise and off-axis sound, which is particularly beneficial for vocalists who move around the stage. Engineers also benefit from the Nexadyne's high output and clear source signal, which simplifies the mixing process. These microphones are praised for their bright, "mix-ready" sound and ability to maintain clarity regardless of the performer’s proximity or movement.

Nexadyne is available in both wired and wireless configurations. For wireless configurations, see their RPW interchangeable capsules, compatible with ULX-D, QLX-D, SLX-D and Axient Digital series wireless mic systems.

There are two models in the range:

• NXN8/C Nexadyne Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
• NXN8/S Nexadyne Supercardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone

Nexadyne Key Features:

• Ultra-Responsive Transducer Technology: The Nexadyne series incorporates Shure's latest transducer design, providing unmatched clarity and precision in capturing both vocals and instruments.
• Wide Frequency Response: These microphones offer an extended frequency range, ensuring rich lows, smooth mids, and crisp highs for a well-balanced sound profile in any environment.
• Advanced Internal Shock Mount: Designed to minimize handling noise, the Nexadyne microphones come equipped with a state-of-the-art shock mount system for optimal isolation from external vibrations.
• Rugged Build Quality: Built with tour-grade durability in mind, the Nexadyne series is designed to withstand the rigors of live performances and long-term professional use.
• High SPL Handling: Capable of handling high sound pressure levels (SPL), the Nexadyne series ensures distortion-free audio, even in the loudest environments such as concerts or close-miked drums.
• Excellent Off-Axis Rejection: The Nexadyne series features custom-tuned cardioid and supercardioid polar patterns to suit various applications, offering excellent off-axis rejection for minimal background noise.
• Integrated Pop Filter: Built-in multi-layered pop protection reduces plosives and ensures clean vocal recordings without the need for additional filters or external equipment.
• User-Friendly Design: Ergonomically designed for easy handling, the microphones are crafted for comfort during prolonged use, whether in a studio setting or on stage.
• Modular Compatibility: The Nexadyne series integrates seamlessly with other Shure systems and accessories, allowing for flexible setups and expanded functionality in a wide range of professional audio environments.
• Sustainability Focus: In line with modern environmental standards, Shure has incorporated sustainable materials and energy-efficient production methods in the development of the Nexadyne series.

These features make the Shure Nexadyne series a versatile and high-performance option for professionals seeking top-tier wired microphones.

Continue reading: Shure Wireless Microphone Systems - Which is Best for You?

Thank you very much for reading. Hopefully, this blog has given you a good idea of which Shure Wired Microphone best fits your requirements, but if not, we're here to help. If you have any questions, please call us on 01525 850085 or email sales@leisuretec.co.uk.