Shure has been one of the most revered microphone producers for decades, if not the most venerated.
Their microphones are used worldwide for different purposes, from broadcasting to live concerts.
While some of their microphones, like the SM58, are seen as affordable, budget versions, many others come with a hefty price tag, which may make you ask why they’re so costly and whether they’re worth it.
There are several important reasons why Shure microphones are expensive:
- They’re durable.
- They’re versatile.
- They sound great.
- They filter out the noise.
- They’re used by professionals.
Table of Contents
Why are Shure Mics so Expensive
Let’s dive into these traits of Shure microphones and see what drives up the price of some of their mics.
You’ll soon find out if they’re worth it or if you should go for something else. Not all mics are created equal.
1. They’re Durable
Shure microphones are well known for their durability. Not only can they last for years, but they can also withstand lots of wear and tear and literal abuse.
This is not only true for the expensive Shure microphones such as the KSM9, but also the cheaper ones, like the renowned SM58.
It is not uncommon to see a Shure microphone with a grille that looks like an elephant had stepped on it, which still works. If you need a durable mic for rowdy live performances, you can’t go wrong with a Shure.
You probably won’t risk using something as costly as a KSM9 in a mosh pit, though, but it would have high chances of survival.
Why They’re So Durable
Shure’s keen focus on durability started during WWII, when the company became the main supplier of military microphones.
The microphones had to be tested rigorously, and after the war ended, the company stuck to the strict testing principles. This allowed them to continue making super-durable products for civilians.
There are a few tests they run:
- Drop test
- Sweat test
- Anechoic chamber
- HALT chamber
These tests are repeated to see which components break first, so the engineers can fix them and improve their durability.
However, this kind of testing doesn’t come cheap, which often increases the price of the microphones.
2. They’re Versatile as a Vocal Mic or Instrument Mics
Shure produces microphones for many different purposes, primarily for recording vocals and podcasting.
But no Shure microphone can be used for only one purpose. Every Shure microphone can be used for any kind of recording and still produce great results, even if it has a specific purpose.
Shure SM7B
For example, the Shure SM7B has been successfully used by various podcasters, musicians, and recording engineers as a vocal mic with great results. It has been able to give radio-tier sound quality to podcasts, and it has also been able to capture great details when it comes to recording vocals.
If you go for an XLR mic like the Shure SM7B condenser mic, you’ll need an XLR cable and an audio Interface. Most audio interfaces with an XLR input jack will work.
Shure MV7
There are also mics with different connectors, so you can choose between USB and XLR, according to your needs. A popular USB choice has been the Shure MV7 dynamic mic, which has an optimized frequency response for rich and natural vocal reproduction.
The microphone has been successfully used for various needs, from video calls to podcasting, with great results.
Cardioid Polar Pattern
The Shure MV7 is a popular USB dynamic microphone due to its good sound quality and affordable price. This dynamic mic also has a cardioid pattern, which means that it picks up the sound source from the front of the mic while rejecting noise from the sides and the back.
This makes it a great choice for recording voice, podcasts, acoustic instruments, and video calls.
Whichever microphone you pick up from Shure’s catalog, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to use it for many different things. Even though the price can get high, it is worth it, and you won’t have to buy multiple microphones to cover all your needs because your Shure will cover it all.
3. Great Sound
Shure microphones will allow you to get amazing audio quality.
A Shure microphone will typically have a great frequency response, allowing it to pick up a wide range of sounds, from deep to high vocals.
Of course, not every Shure microphone will pick up every live sound perfectly, but you can rest assured that you won’t see many problems, especially in a home studio.
Shure mics give great results even in contexts outside of recording music.
They’ve been widely used for podcasts and streaming, where they have produced an amazingly clear, detailed sound that easily rivaled professional recordings and broadcasts.
Whether you’re recording or broadcasting, a Shure mic will ensure that your audience hears you loud and clear. Even if you’re performing live, you’ll get great results, as long as you’re using your mic properly (which means no cupping).
4. They Filter Out the Noise
Shure microphones tend to pick up your voice even when there is some background noise, which they eliminate to a great degree.
Of course, without additional investments, such as soundproofing your recording environment or getting a mic shield, there will still be some level of noise, but it won’t be as noticeable as with many other mics which makes it a good option for recording voice.
This makes them particularly suitable for those Zoom meetings you have to participate in, despite not having access to a quiet workspace.
Using a Shure microphone will help you not to embarrass yourself with the sound of your kids screaming in the background or your dog barking for attention in the middle of making important business plans.
Using a Shure microphone will help you not to embarrass yourself with the sound of your kids screaming in the background or your dog barking for attention in the middle of making important business plans.
This is also a great choice for recording in a home studio or bedroom if your space isn’t soundproofed and isolated. Getting a Shure mic will help you eliminate the noise from your roommates or neighbors when you can’t record in a controlled environment.
Of course, soundproofing your recording space is of great importance, and it might be even more important than getting a good mic.
However, a Shure is a good choice if you really wish to get a great microphone before you isolate your room from the outside noise.
5. They’re Used by Professionals
Shure is the microphone of choice for many big names in the music industry and podcasting.
Many of your favorite jams have probably been recorded on a Shure microphone, which has probably contributed to them being your favorites.
Many important rock and pop musicians have used these microphones for recording vocals, such as:
- Dave Grohl
- Michael Jackson
- James Hetfield
- John Mayer
- Keith Urban
This amount of exposure by big names in the industry is like inadvertent marketing for Shure, and it surely affects the price tag.
Michael Jackson famously recorded “Billie Jean” on a Shure SM7, which was an unusual choice for such a high voice. Despite that, the song became a classic, and many other musicians started choosing Shure as their weapon of choice.
The SM7 is also used by podcasters such as Joe Rogan, which is a testament to its versatility and quality.
Conclusion
Shure microphones are definitely some of the best on the market, and their price tags reflect that.
These mics are great for recording music, podcasts, and even streaming. If you’re looking for a top-quality mic that will serve you well for many years to come, don’t hesitate to invest in a Shure.
- Review of the ALABS IRON MINI-WL: A Powerhouse Wireless Microphone - October 4, 2023
- What is a Saturator in Music Production: A Brief Explanation - May 11, 2023
- What Are Rotary DJ Mixers? An Overview - May 11, 2023
SoundStudiomagic.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also participate in other affiliate programs which compensate us for referring traffic.
