Shure Incorporated is a consumer and professional audio electronics
corporationA corporation is a legal entity separate from the shareholders and employees. In British tradition it is the term designating a body corporate, where it can be either a corporation sole or a corporation aggregate...
. Shure Incorporated mainly produces microphones and other audio electronics, but also produces in-ear monitors (
earphonesHeadphones are a pair of small loudspeakers, or less commonly a single speaker, with a way of holding them close to a user's ears and a means of connecting them to a signal source such as an audio amplifier, radio or CD player. They are also known as earphones, earbuds, stereophones, headsets or,...
) for a variety of audio applications including MP3 players.
Shure was founded in 1925 as
The Shure Radio Company under an audio magnate named
Sidney Shure. The company is based in the
United StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, and has been a Chicago area company since its founding, when Sidney Shure worked out of an office in downtown Chicago.
Shure Incorporated is a consumer and professional audio electronics
corporationA corporation is a legal entity separate from the shareholders and employees. In British tradition it is the term designating a body corporate, where it can be either a corporation sole or a corporation aggregate...
. Shure Incorporated mainly produces microphones and other audio electronics, but also produces in-ear monitors (
earphonesHeadphones are a pair of small loudspeakers, or less commonly a single speaker, with a way of holding them close to a user's ears and a means of connecting them to a signal source such as an audio amplifier, radio or CD player. They are also known as earphones, earbuds, stereophones, headsets or,...
) for a variety of audio applications including MP3 players.
Background
Shure was founded in 1925 as
The Shure Radio Company under an audio magnate named
Sidney Shure. The company is based in the
United StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, and has been a Chicago area company since its founding, when Sidney Shure worked out of an office in downtown Chicago. The company moved to
Evanston, IllinoisEvanston, Illinois is a suburban municipality in Cook County, Illinois directly north of the City of Chicago, east of Skokie, and south of Wilmette, with an estimated population of 74,360 as of 2003. It is one of the North Shore communities that adjoin Lake Michigan. Evanston is concurrently a city...
in 1956. In 2002, Shure Incorporated relocated to an award-winning
http://www.aiachicago.org/special_features/2001_Design_Awards/DBA/winners/01.html office building in
Niles, IllinoisNiles is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 28,848 at the 2007 census.The current mayor of Niles is Robert M. Callero.- History :The village of Niles was incorporated on August 24, 1899...
. The building was designed by renowned architect
Helmut JahnHelmut Jahn is a German-American architect, designer of dozens of major buildings throughout the world.Some of the better known among his creations are the US$800 million Sony Center on the Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, the Messeturm in Frankfurt and the One Liberty Place, formerly the tallest building...
, and was originally the headquarters of HA•LO Industries. At the Technology Annex houses the Shure’s Performance Listening Center opened in 2005
http://www.shurenotes.com/issue25/behind_scenes.html.
The company's products including their wireless systems and microphones are ubiquitous in well-known music award events, such as the Grammy Awards.
Brief history and milestones
Up until 1933,
The Shure Radio Company strictly made radio systems. Since then, the company has expanded its audio horizons to microphones, phonograph cartridges, discussion systems, mixers and digital signal processing, and recently headphones, including high-end earbuds.
Shure introduced a stylus force gauge, which eventually became the industry standard. The SFG-2 Precision Stylus Phono Gauge (essentially a balance) can measure the tracking force of a cartridge to within a tenth of a gram. It is useful in setting up the configuration of a
record playerThe record player, phonograph or gramophone was the most common device for playing recorded sound from the late 1870s until the late 1980s.- Terminology :...
.
Phonograph cartridges
In 1958, Shure introduced one of the first phono cartridges designed to play stereophonic discs. Shure produced numerous cartridge series as well as replacement styli, in many cases continued offering dedicated 78 rpm styli as an option for its cartridges. Perhaps the most common cartridge to be found in 1970s and 1980s Hi-Fi setups was the M75ED type 2 which at the time retailed for about £20.00 and was of the moving magnet variety. The high end V15 was around in various guises for many years and was regarded as a benchmark against which other cartridges were compared. The V15 was often used in conjunction with an SME 3009 Tonearm, the two items were considered to be synergistic.
Shure continues to produce fine cartridges, but the highly-acclaimed V15 Type V-MR has been discontinued.
Microphones
Shure has produced a vast array of microphones for decades, among which are the well known SM and Beta series of dynamic and condenser microphones. The series includes the
SM58The Shure SM58 is a professional cardioid dynamic microphone, commonly used in live vocal applications. It has built an enviable reputation among musicians for its robust construction and technical performance, and is considered the industry standard for live performance microphones. Introduced in...
(the standard and most-used microphone worldwide for live vocals), SM48, SM86, SM87A (primarily for vocal reproduction) and
SM57The Shure SM57 is a common professional low impedance cardioid dynamic microphone in live sound reinforcement and studio recording applications. The SM stands for Studio Microphone.It is a popular choice among live users due to its sturdy construction...
(used to mic guitar amps, drums, brass instruments, etc...), SM94 and SM81 (often used for strings, pianos, overhead drum mics, large choirs). The Beta 52A and Beta 91 are two of the most common microphones used for kick drums. The SM57 and SM58, and their more modern variants, the Beta 57A and 58A, are some of the most widely used microphones in the world, particularly for live sound reproduction. The SM7 is also a widely used vocal microphone for broadcast and voiceover work as well as low frequency instruments (kick drum, bass guitar).
Shure's dynamic mics are popular because they are relatively inexpensive, and are extremely durable. For example, in the 1970s
Roger Daltrey Roger Harry Daltrey CBE is an English singer-songwriter and actor, best known as the founder and lead singer of English rock band The Who...
of
the WhoThe Who are an English rock band formed in 1964. The primary lineup consisted of guitarist Pete Townshend, vocalist Roger Daltrey, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. They became known for energetic live performances including the pioneering spectacle of instrument destruction...
often used industrial tape to secure a Shure SM58 to his microphone cord, then swung it around in huge arcs from the stage. On occasion, it would strike the floor or PA equipment, yet kept working.
The elite line of Shure microphones is the KSM series. These mics are primarily used in studio recording, but do have some applications to live sound, such as overhead drum mics or for use with guitar and bass amplifiers. The KSM series includes the KSM27, KSM32, KSM44, KSM109, KSM137 and the KSM144. The new KSM9 microphone recently debuted. It is the first microphone in the KSM line made for use with live vocals, and features both cardioid and supercardioid polar patterns.
Other Shure microphone series include the Performance Gear (PG) introductory professional series, Specialty Consumer Microphones, and Microflex and Easyflex installed conferencing systems for commercial installed applications.
Shure's 55SH Series II microphone is a fifties-era iconic mic that is still popular today among musicians and radio personalities.
There is also a full line of wireless microphones, most of them wireless versions of their wired models.
Personal monitors
Shure introduced their personal monitoring systems in 1997. These systems enable musicians and professional audio producers to fine-tune all music and its related background notes with minimal distortion and clear frequency. Shure's personal monitor library are tailored differently to fit different budgets and recording needs of many musicians and professional audio producers.
A pair of Shure's sound-isolating earphones (called in-ear monitors in the professional audio channel) can be included as a part of a personal monitor system—prior to its earphones being available through consumer channels, Shure's sound-isolating earphones were only available as a part of a personal monitoring system package.
Earphones
Introduced as an accessory included in the company's personal monitor systems, Shure's earphones became an independent product with the rising popularity of portable audio devices such as the iPod and when musicians, professional audio producers, and even audiophiles utilized the company's earphones on devices other than Shure's personal monitor/mixer systems.
Shure introduced two versions of their E series earphones to the pro audio and consumer audio channel when these earphones were first released for independent purchase. Later on, Shure expanded their consumer earphone line with dedicated earsets for use with cellular telephones but opted to combine its cell phone earsets with premium audio components found on the E2, E3, and E4 to form the "I" series, a band of two-purpose earphones that can be used with both music and cellular devices (with a trim for the
TreoThe Palm Treo [ˈtriːoʊ] is a line of smartphones originally developed by Handspring, which was bought by Palm, Inc. They are now manufactured and maintained by Palm, Inc. Treos have a number of integrated features such as the ability to check the calendar while talking on the phone, dial directly...
smartphone available). Shure wanted to cater to mobile gamers with the G variation of the E series earphones.
Shure sought to simplify its earphone lineup for the consumer channel by introducing a three-armature earphone called the E500 (later renamed SE530, earphone design was unchanged and differentiates only with newly designed black foam tips) with a unique "Push-to-Hear" accessory also introduced and later released as a separate purchasable accessory. It was at first believed the newly introduced SE530 would incorporate an armature
venting ( or porting ) system not incorporated into the previous E500 but this has since been confirmed as false by Shure and it has been confirmed the original E500 did have a porting system and the SE530 is no different. The port works much like a home or vehicle subwoofer enclosure, It allows air to travel away from the armature enclosure increasing bass headroom and power.
http://shure.com/news/pressreleases/pr_e500_2006_01_05.html). A few months after the E500 was first released, Shure took a drastic step in simplifying consumer earphone variety with the SE earphone series, in which each of these earphones have collapsable cables, and in some cases, problems from the E series addressed (i.e. SE420 earphones use pre-emptive crossovers instead of cooperative crossovers).
http://www.electronista.com/articles/07/01/11/shure.se.earbuds/ http://homerecording.about.com/od/newproductfirstlooks/a/shure_earphones.htm
When Shure released the SE110 earphones, the company finally reserved the E series for the professional audio channel (now called the SCL line) with the SE earphones taking over Shure's consumer earphone mainstream.
All of Shure's earphones and/or earsets use a unique closed-canal sound isolation technology — blocking outside noise from interfering with the audio without active noise cancellation (which would require batteries). This makes the earphones lighter and more portable while also blocking out more noise than noise cancelling headphones.
http://www.shure.com/PersonalAudio/Resources/SoundIsolatingTechnology/index.htm In addition to its canal-blocking noise isolation technology, Shure earphones utilize a variety of foam and plastic sleeves to ensure a good fit on all ears.
http://www.shure.com/PersonalAudio/ComparisonCharts/us_pa_comp_char_earphones Getting the proper fit
http://www.shure.com/PersonalAudio/Products/Earphones/HowToUseEarphones/index.htm when inserting these is key to getting the best sound and blocking out the most noise.
Some of Shure's earphones utilize a unique internal vent in the earphone assembly, which improves airflow around the low-mass balanced armature. The improved airflow allows the armature to perform as if it were in a larger enclosure without any size penalty resulting in a significantly Improved Bass response and minor mid and high response. Due to that fact that the earphones and its internal vent is sealed, there's no loss in isolation. Shure's "internal vent" technology is called either "Tuned Port" or "Tuned Bassport".
http://personalaudio.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/personalaudio.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3509&p_created=1174579059&p_sid=YrhAvfRi&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NCZwX3Byb2RzPTAmcF9jYXRzPTAmcF9wdj0mcF9jdj0mcF9zZWFyY2hfdHlwZT1hbnN3ZXJzLnNlYXJjaF9ubCZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PVR1bmVkIEJhc3Nwb3J0&p_li=&p_topview=1 http://personalaudio.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/personalaudio.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3346&p_created=1141832015&p_sid=YrhAvfRi&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NCZwX3Byb2RzPTAmcF9jYXRzPTAmcF9wdj0mcF9jdj0mcF9zZWFyY2hfdHlwZT1hbnN3ZXJzLnNlYXJjaF9ubCZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PVR1bmVkIEJhc3Nwb3J0&p_li=&p_topview=1
Phono cartridge series
- M44 series introduced in the early 1960s
- M91 series introduced in the early 1970s
- M95 series introduced in the mid 1970s
- M97 series introduced in 1978
- V15 series introduced in 1964
- V15 (1964-1966)
- V15 Type II (1966-1970)
- V15 Type II Improved (1970-1973)
- V15 Type III (1973-1978)
- V15 Type IV (1978-1982)
- V15 Type V (1982-1983)
- V15 Type V-MR (1983-1993)
- V15 Type VxMR (1996-2005 )
- Whitelabel Spin/Mix
- M44-7 Turntablist
- M44-G Club/Spin
- M35X House/Techno
- M25c general use
Microphones
- Performance Gear Series
- SM series, starting in the 1960s
- Beta series, starting in the 1980s
- KSM series condenser studio microphones
- KSM9 cardioid/supercardioid live performance microphones
Wireless microphones
VHF Technology
UHF Technology
- UT Series
- PG Series
- PGX Series
- SLX Series
- ULX Professional Series
- UHF Series
- UHF-R Series
Earphones
| In-Ear Monitor |
Also Known As |
Driver |
| SCL2 |
E2 |
Single miniature High Energy Dynamic Driver (Formerly available to consumers as the E2C and E2G) |
| SCL3 |
E3 |
Single High Energy Precision Balanced Armature Driver (Formerly available to consumers as the E3C and E3G) |
| SE102 |
SE102MPA |
Single Miniature High Energy Dynamic Driver with Modular cable, MPA (Music Phone Adapter) Compatibility, and Shure Push-To-Hear compatibility |
| SE110 |
SE110MPA |
Single Low-Mass/High Energy Balanced Armature Driver with Modular cable, MPA (Music Phone Adapter) Compatibility, and Shure Push-To-Hear compatibility http://www.shure.com/PersonalAudio/Products/Earphones/SEModels/us_pa_se110_content |
| SE115 |
SE115 |
Single High Energy Neodymium Rare Element Dynamic Driver, with Modular cable and Shure Push-To-Hear Compatibility. |
| SE210 |
SE210MPA |
Single Low-Mass/High Energy Balanced Armature Driver with Modular cable, MPA (Music Phone Adapter) Compatibility and Shure Push-To-Hear compatibility |
| SCL4 |
E4 |
Single Low-Mass/High Energy Balanced Armature Driver with internal air vent (formerly available to consumers as the E4C and E4G) |
| SE310 |
SE310MPA |
Single Low-Mass/High Energy Balanced Armature Driver with internal air vent, Modular cable, MPA (Music Phone Adapter) Compatibility, and Shure Push-To-Hear compatibility |
| SCL5 |
E5 |
Dual Low-Mass/High-Energy Performance Balanced Armature Drivers (one for treble, one for bass) on each side with cooperative Inline Crossover (Formerly available to consumers as the E5C) |
| SE420 |
SE420MPA |
Dual Low-Mass/High-Energy Performance Balanced Armature Drivers (one for treble, one for bass) with internal air vent and in-ear pre-emptive inline crossover, Modular cable, MPA (Music Phone Adapter) Compatibility and Shure Push-To-Hear compatibility |
| SE530 |
SE530PTH (formerly E500PTH) |
Triple Low-Mass/High Energy Performance Balanced Armature Drivers (Two armature woofers for bass and one tweeter for highs with an In-Ear Pre-Emptive Inline Crossover, Modular Cable, and Shure Push-To-Hear Compatibility) with pre-emptive (in-ear) inline crossover http://www.shure.com/PersonalAudio/Products/Earphones/ESeries/us_pa_E500_pth_content, and internal vent with Modular cable and Shure Push-To-Hear compatibility (PTH included with SE530PTH) |
| I2C (Discontinued) |
I2C-T (for Palm Treo models) (Discontinued) |
Single miniature High Energy Dynamic Driver with VoicePort Microphone |
| I3C (Discontinued) |
I3C-T (for Palm Treo models) (Discontinued) |
Single High Energy Balanced Armature Driver with VoicePort Microphone |
| I4C (Discontinued) |
I4C-T (for Palm Treo models) (Discontinued) |
Single Low-Mass/High Energy Balanced Armature Driver with internal vent and VoicePort Microphone |
The SE incarnations of the E3, E4, and E5 underwent a major facelift, while the E500, when renamed to the SE530, retained its original design but introduced new accessory packaging.
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/e500-phased-out-se530-leakage-problem-solved-sugarfried-216272/index2.html#post2612818http://personalaudio.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/personalaudio.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3475&p_sid=d1Bfiwtj&p_lva=3479&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPSZwX3NvcnRfYnk9JnBfZ3JpZHNvcnQ9JnBfcm93X2NudD03MDAsNzAwJnBfcHJvZHM9JnBfY2F0cz0mcF9wdj0mcF9jdj0mcF9zZWFyY2hfdHlwZT1hbnN3ZXJzLnNlYXJjaF9ubCZwX3BhZ2U9MQ**&p_li=
External links