[Drake] RE: Shure Model 55S

Thu, 15 Apr 2004 11:45:26 -0400

Hi, Fern:

There were several different versions of the Shure Bros. Model 55. The 55S
was designed and marketed by Shure as an inexpensive, ruggedized paging and
public address cardioid dynamic microphone, with an internal transformer
that had three secondary taps for low, medium and high Z device inputs. The
microphone has a balanced output, using an Amphenol 3 pin female connector.
Some later versions of the 55S were equipped with an on/off switch in the
connector/stand mount housing. The audio characteristics of these mics is
adequate for voice reproduction i.e.: communications/paging or public
address (announcer) applications, and could best be described as rather
"hard" or "bright" in the upper midrange. As with most conventional cardioid
dynamic capsules, the 55S exhibits considerable "proximity effect", the
phenomenon of unidirectional mics to exhibit a rise in low frequency
response when worked close (<6 inches from the element). The 55S is designed
to be stand-mounted, and as a result its "handling noise" rejection and
internal shock mounting are minimal.

It should be noted that Shure is now marketing a COSMETIC re-issue of these
mics, the Model 55SH. These are NOT the same element as the original! They
are essentially a SM75 capsule mounted in a 55S look-alike case, and as such
sound more like a modern '57 than the original 55S. For many practical uses,
the re-issues are better suited than the original, especially high-level
sound reinforcement applications, as their pop filtering, frequency response
and shock mounting are designed for this type of use.

I own several of both the original model 55S and the re-issue 55SH. Both
mics are good performers, when used in their intended applications. You can
hear either of them in use with my IC-756PROII (sorry, Drakes aren't ready
for prime time yet!), on the rare occasion when I operate phone.

I hope this helps.

73

William J. Wickstrom
Chief Engineer
Surge Performance Sound
[email protected]

William J. Wickstrom, W1IK/NNN0AHC
President, Morse Instruction Coordinator
Utica/Shelby Emergency Communications Association (USECA)
[email protected]; [email protected]
www.useca.net

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]On
Behalf Of [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2004 4:02 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Drake digest, Vol 4 #340 - 1 msg
--__--__--

Message: 1
From: "Fern Rivard" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 2004 21:06:15 -0700
Subject: [Drake] wanted web site for info on Shure 55S

>     I was on the Shure web site but I could NOT find any information
on
> the old Shure 55S Teledyne tripple impedance dynamic microphone
> (referred to as Elvis Preslie mic).  I have owned one for quite a
number
> of years but just recently stumbled across a few of them and wondered
if
> there was demand for them and what is the going price for them now?
>     73 and thanks from Fern