Shure’s Century of Sound Exhibit at The Church Studio

For one hundred years, Shure has stood as an inspiration of quality, innovation, and excellence in audio technology. In celebrating the 100th anniversary of Shure Incorporated, The Church Studio pays tribute to a legacy of sound and the extraordinary evolution of microphones that has transformed music, broadcasting, and live performance. The wonderful exhibition at The Church Studio, Century of Sound, honoring Shure’s milestone, features some of the most iconic microphones in the company’s past, including renowned types that have revolutionized the field.

Founded in 1925 by Sidney N. Shure, the company originally started as a supplier of radio parts. Over the years, Shure led the way in microphone technology, introducing breakthrough innovations that defined the audio industry. Shure’s dynamic mics, as well as its condensers and ribbons, which are now industry standard, have inspired countless performers, presenters, and recording artists throughout the years.

The Shure 100th Anniversary Exhibit: Century of Sound

Our exclusive Shure exhibit is a tribute to a century of sound innovation, featuring an impressive collection of historical microphones that highlight the brand’s technical achievements. Among these, the following models stand out for their historical significance and technological advancements:

• Model 11N Hand Microphone (1933) One of Shure’s earliest hand microphones, the 11N set the foundation for future handheld designs.
• 70H Crystal Mic with Branded Stand (1935) This model set the stage for Shure’s dominance in the microphone industry, offering improved sound clarity and a stylish branded stand that became a hallmark of early professional audio setups.
• 70H “Curvi-Linear” Diaphragm and “Bimorph” Crystal Mic (1935)  One of the early advancements in crystal microphone technology, the 70H featured a unique curvi-linear diaphragm that enhanced sound quality and durability.
• Model 74B “Spheroid” Crystal Mic (1936) A unique spherical design contributed to enhanced acoustics and sound projection, making it a valuable addition to early sound systems.
• 701A “Grille-Type” Crystal Mic (1937) An early experiment in ergonomic microphone design, the 701A featured a distinctive grille pattern that contributed to better acoustics.
• 720A “Tri-Polar” Crystal Mic (1938) An innovative microphone with multiple sound pickup patterns, the 720A was ahead of its time in terms of versatility.
• 700D “Ultra” Crystal Mic (1939) Designed for high-fidelity sound reproduction, the 700D Ultra Crystal Mic was a favorite among early recording artists seeking clearer audio capture.
• 701D “Skyscraper” Crystal Mic (1939) With a vertical, skyscraper-like design, this model was as visually impressive as it was functionally advanced for its time.
• 702D “Spherical” Wide Range Crystal Mic (1939) A spherical diaphragm design that allowed for a more even frequency response, the 702D represented a step forward in microphone clarity and sound balance.
• 705A “Rocket” Wide Range Crystal Mic (1939) With its sleek, rocket-inspired design, the 705A was both visually striking and technologically advanced, offering superior frequency response for its time.
• 730B “Uniplex” Single-Unit Cardioid Crystal Mic (1939) The 730B was a major breakthrough as the first unidirectional crystal microphone, providing focused sound capture and reducing background noise—ideal for radio and stage performances.
• Model 55 “Unidyne” Dynamic Mic (1939) Perhaps the most recognizable microphone in history, the Model 55 Unidyne became a cultural icon, used by legends like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra.
• 100MC “Ultra” Wide Range Crystal Mic (1940) This microphone pushed the boundaries of frequency response in crystal microphones, allowing for better audio fidelity in live and recorded settings.
• 717A “Tenite” Design Crystal Hand Mic (1940) A handheld innovation, the 717A featured a durable Tenite casing, making it a reliable choice for field reporting and stage use.
• Model 51 Dynamic Mic (1947) With its robust construction and reliable performance, the Model 51 became a go-to choice for professionals in broadcasting and live sound reinforcement.
• 737A “Monoplex” Crystal Super Cardioid Mic (1947) An enhancement to the 730B, the 737A improved directional sound pickup, making it a favorite among early broadcasters and performers.
• 556 S “Small Unidyne” Dynamic Mic (1951) A compact version of the classic Unidyne series, this microphone maintained the directional capabilities and crisp sound that made the Unidyne a studio staple.
• 300 Bi-Directional Gradient Ribbon Mic (1952)  A major step in ribbon microphone technology, the 300 offered bi-directional sound pickup, making it ideal for studio recordings and interviews.
• SM33 “The Johnny Carson” Ribbon Mic (1965) This classic ribbon microphone became a staple on late-night television, famously used by Johnny Carson. With its smooth frequency response and detailed sound capture, the SM33 was favored for professional broadcasting applications.
• Super 55 Special Edition (2010)  A modern take on the legendary Unidyne design, the Super 55 featured a striking blue foam interior and a refined frequency response, maintaining its status as an icon in live performance microphones.

Shure microphones have been a staple in music, politics, and broadcasting, making them one of the most widely recognized and respected microphone brands. Here are some of the most iconic figures associated with them:

Music Legends

Elvis Presley using Shure Microphone

• Elvis Presley – Used the Shure 55S (“Elvis Mic”) during live performances
• Dolly Parton – Shure SM53
• Frank Sinatra –   For live performance Shure 55S in the 1950s, Unidyne III 545 in the 1960s, SM53 in the 1970s, Unidyne III SM58 in the 1980s
• The Beatles –  Used Shure Unidyne III 545 in live performances and studio recordings
• Jimi Hendrix – Performed with Shure Unidyne III SM56 microphones
• Johnny Cash – Known for performing with the Shure Unidyne III SM56.
• Robert Plant  and Led Zeppelin –  Shure Unidyne III 545 and 565
• Leon Russell – The Shure Unidyne III SM58 microphone was his go-to for Live Performances
• Paul McCartney –  Shure Beta 58A
• Tom Petty – Shure Unidyne III SM57 and SM58 mics for performances and studio recordings
• Bob Dylan – Shure Unidyne III SM58 and Beta 58A
• Rod Stewart – Shure Unidyne III SM58 microphone for performances and the Shure SM7B in the studio.
• Prince – Shure Beta 58A for live performances and Unidyne III SM57 in the studio.
• Tina Turner – Shure Beta 58A, offering better clarity for her powerful vocals.
• David Bowie – Shure Beta 58A
• Madonna – Frequently used a Shure Unidyne III SM58 in her concerts.
• Michael Jackson – Used a Shure SM7 to record Thriller in the studio.
• Beyoncé – Uses custom Shure Axient Digital Wireless mics for performances.
• Adele – Often seen with a Shure KSM9
• Kanye West – Uses  Shure SM7B for recording and Shure Beta 58A for Live shows.
• Billie Eilish –Uses the Shure Unidyne III SM58 for performances and the SM7B in some studio recordings.
• The Weeknd – Uses Shure Axient Digital Wireless mics for concerts
• Drake – Uses Shure Beta 58A and Shure wireless mics during live performances.
  

  Signed Leon Russell Shelter Publicity Photo with Shure Mic

World Leaders & Public Figures

• Pope Pius XII  – the Shure 55 Unidyne III was commonly used for high-profile speeches and broadcasts, including Vatican addresses.
• Martin Luther King Jr. – Delivered the I Have a Dream speech using a Shure 55S microphone.
• Queen Elizabeth – Often used Shure mics for public addresses
• Lyndon B. Johnson – Spoke into Shure Unidyne III SM57 microphones during press conferences.
• Barack Obama – Often used Shure Unidyne III SM57 and SM58 microphones for speeches.

Broadcasters & Podcasters

• Dick Clark – Shure Unidyne III SM58 & SM7 for New Year’s Rockin’ Eve
• Edward R Murrow – Shure 55 Unidyne for wartime broadcasting and television reporting
• Johnny Carson – Shure SM33 a high-quality dynamic microphone known for its deep, rich tone—perfect for late-night television broadcasts.
• Oprah Winfrey – Shure Wireless Microphones on the Oprah Winfrey Show
• Howard Stern – Uses a Shure SM7B for his radio show.
• Joe Rogan – Uses a Shure SM7B for The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.

The Century of Sound exhibit at The Church Studio is a tribute to our collaboration with Shure as a partner in IN SESSION and with the outstanding microphones in our gear collection. By showcasing a collection of artifacts and catalogs and highlighting the cultural significance of Shure’s products, The Church Studio celebrates Shure’s journey over the past century, defined by relentless innovation and a commitment to excellence.

Explore our collection of Shure microphones and sound equipment now on display in the Lounge and the Archive.  Special thanks to Michael Echart for sharing his collection with The Church Studio.

Michael Echart, Century of Sound collection donor, visiting with members.

Century of Sound Exhibit at The Church Studio

Here are some fun vintage magazine/print ads by Shure that stand the test of time:

The Unidyne – The Offical Microphone of the Rascals – 1970

The Carpenter’s 1970

1973 The Rolling Stones Mick Jagger photo Shure Microphones ad

1974 Rod Stewart ad with the Shure Unisphere

Dolly Parton Ad for Shure Microphones 1975

The Who Shure Mic Ad 1978

1973 The Rolling Stones Mick Jagger photo Shure Microphones ad