When it comes to performance microphones, Shure is among the best-known brands available today. These mics have been used in the industry for decades by some of the biggest artists, including Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Bruce Springsteen, and, more recently, Thomas Rhett, Billie Eilish, and Ciara.
There are a plethora of reasons Shure has been the chosen microphone for so many talented artists, the most significant of which we’ll examine below to answer the burning question: is the brand still the top-performance mic?
Shure’s History
Shure did not begin its story as a microphone manufacturer. Instead, it sold radio parts. The company was started by Sidney N. Shure in 1925 and was a small, one-person corporation for several years.
In 1932, it began producing microphones for the first time. The first mic created by Shure was a two-button model used almost exclusively for radio broadcasting. This mic quickly grew in popularity but wasn’t by any means an industry standard.
During World War II, Shure grew significantly when it became one of the key suppliers of microphones for the military. With additional funding and a wider knowledge of the brand, it began working on new, innovative microphone technologies.
In 1939, the company released the Model 55 Unidyne microphone. This mic quickly became known in the industry due to its iconic design, which artists like Elvis favored, and quickly spread among many artists—cementing Shure’s reputation as a quality microphone manufacturer.
What placed Shure at the forefront of the music entertainment industry, however, was the release of the SM57 and SM58 microphones in 1966. The mics, designed for instruments and vocals, respectively, offered a ball grille that made them immediately recognizable and offered incredible clarity and sound quality.
The Growth of Shure
With the SM57 and SM58 release, Shure became a popular choice among musicians. However, other factors prevalent in these and future Shure mics helped grow the brand and make it the most sought-after equipment for instrumentalists and singers.
Durability
Due to microphones’ sensitivity, durability is one of the most common considerations for anyone purchasing them. The Shure series, predominantly the SM58, offered incredibly robust performance that negated the need to replace equipment constantly.
These mics’ ability to survive accidental drops, excessive temperatures, and tolerable moisture levels made them perfect for sound engineers and artists who regularly toured. The sturdy design meant moving equipment wasn’t fraught with uncertainty about whether the mics would break.
Sound Quality
Second to durability, Shure microphones are known for their incredible sound quality and clarity. The SM series showcased this exceptionally well, reproducing balanced, clear sounds with little to no distortion.
Because of this, the mics were quickly adopted for use in live performances across a number of genres, as they provided clear sounds regardless of setting. Sound engineers preferred these mics because they required less equalization tampering and tweaking to bring through clear vocals and sounds.
Versatility
Another prominent reason Shure became so popular was the versatility of its microphones. Releasing the SM57 as a dedicated instrument, the mic showed the company’s focus on other band members and brought crisp audio from any instrument it used to the mic.
The SM58 also proved itself as good in a studio setting as it was during live performances. This versatility made Shure mics the go-to for any setting.
Industry Standardization
The final factor that played such a pivotal role in the growth of Shure as a company (and brand) was the artists who used them. Because so many internationally famous artists insisted on using Shure (due to the reasons above), the brand quickly became an industry standard, appearing at virtually every major concert and event.
Expansion and Competition
Despite becoming an industry standard, Shure has continued to innovate and expand its product line. The brand was one of the pioneers of wireless microphones, which caught on immediately by allowing artists to move more freely during performances.
Aside from innovations like this, the company has also delved into manufacturing other equipment, such as in-ear monitors. While doing this, it has had to withstand growing competition from other brands that also offer high-performing microphones. Among the top of these are:
Sennheiser
Regarded as one of the premier microphone producers, Sennheiser is known for its Evolution and 6000 Series microphones, which offer high levels of clarity and durable designs. The brand, which also produces headphones, has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Audio-Technica
With a focus on professional and entry-level microphones, Audio-Technica has become popular among the more budget-conscious who may not be able to afford Shure equipment. Nevertheless, the brand’s offerings provide excellent quality and are a decent alternative to Shure’s products.
Rode
Rode has become a well-known brand, particularly among content creators, podcasters, or those who use condenser microphones. The brand is also famous for catering to modern production needs through innovative products.
AKG
AKG, a company owned by sound legends Harman International Industries, has also become a strong competitor with products that rival Shure’s. The brand is prevalent in studio setups, and certain mics are also used for live performances.
Is Shure Still King?
Shure is undoubtedly still one of the most popular performance microphones internationally. Used by some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, the brand shows no signs of fading away any time soon.
However, just as online casinos may boast a selection of the most popular games, the industry has a slew of major competitors trying to win favor with artists. With these offering equal performance and, occasionally, a lower price tag, Shure is facing more competition in the industry than ever before.
As innovations in sound equipment continue, Shure must fight harder to keep its top spot. To do this, it may need to rethink its pricing strategy and innovation and rely less on the reputation it gained due to the SM57 and SM58. Failure to do this may cause the brand to fall from the position it has held for decades.
