As an audio equipment company, Shure has become synonymous with quality and reliability over its nearly 100 year history. From world-famous performers using Shure mics on stage to amateur podcasters and musicians in home studios, Shure gear can be found everywhere sound matters.
But with price tags sometimes in the thousands, is Shure actually worth the investment compared to more budget-friendly brands? In this comprehensive review, I‘ll break down Shure‘s product lineups, compare popular models to competitors, and provide my final verdict on whether Shure is worth the cost.
Overview of Shure as a Company
First, let‘s ground ourselves in some Shure company history and background…
Founded in 1925 in Chicago, IL, Shure began as a supplier of radio parts and components. They didn‘t actually produce their first microphone until 1931.
Over decades however, Shure has gone on to establish itself as one of the leading manufacturers of mics, wireless systems, headphones, in-ear monitors and more. Key milestones include:
- Supplying mics and equipment to Allied forces during WWII
- Releasing the iconic SM57 and SM58 mics still used today
- Becoming the industry standard choice for live performances
- Expanding into headphones/earphones as personal audio grew
Unlike companies that have outsourced manufacturing abroad to reduce costs, Shure still produces products at factories in the United States as well as Mexico.
While Shure isn’t necessarily a “household name” with average consumers, their mics and gear can be found anywhere professional audio quality matters – touring concerts, recording studios, conference halls, broadcasting booths and more.
Now let’s breakdown and review some of Shure’s most popular product categories.
Shure Microphones
Arguably what Shure is most famous for are its legendary microphones found on stages across the world. Models like the SM57 and SM58 have been industry standards for decades.
Here’s a quick rundown of Shure’s most popular mics and models:
Dynamic Microphones:
-
SM58 ($100) – Iconic cardioid dynamic mic tailored for live vocal performances. Also often used for public speaking/presentations and even US presidential addresses thanks to its ruggedness and voice isolation.
-
SM57 ($100) – Similar build as the SM58 but tuned more for amplifying/isolating instrument audio from guitars, drums and other instruments thanks to its mid-range bump. Extremely popular all-purpose mic.
-
Beta 58A ($170) – Updated flagship dynamic vocal mic. Features a neodymium magnet and supercardioid polar pattern for more gain before feedback than the SM58. Great for professional vocalists.
Condenser Microphones:
-
KSM44A ($350) – Premier large diaphragm condenser mic from Shure specifically designed for studio vocal recording and broadcast. Requires phantom power but delivers incredibly rich, transparent and accurate reproduction perfect for acoustics.
-
PG48 ($40) – Budget XLR condenser mic option still delivering clean audio quality thanks to a cardioid pickup pattern and 15dB pad for controlling volume on loud sources. Great bang-for-buck home recording mic.
No matter if you’re outfitting a world tour stage, amateur recording studio or even home office, Shure likely makes a mic perfect for the application. Their mics span budgets but maintain that signature clarity and durability Shure is known for.
Compared to competitors like Sennheiser and Audio-Technica, Shures tend to have a brighter, more articulate sound that cuts through mixes exceptionally well. They also handle wear-and-tear better thanks to quality metal builds and shields over more fragile condenser elements.
Shure Wireless Systems
Another area Shure has pioneered is wireless system equipment for everything from guitar packs to headworn mics and beyond. Their ultra-high frequency systems are a tour standard.
Some of their most popular wireless systems include:
-
Axient Digital Wireless (Starting ~$1800) – Flagship wireless system designed for major touring/production applications. Features networked control, frequency diversity and encryption for rock-solid reliability and security.
-
QLXD Wireless (Starting ~$600) – Step-down wireless system still featuring professional grade tech like wide tuning, compatibility with SM58/Beta 58 capsules and continuous encryption over up to 300+ foot ranges. Great for medium-sized production needs.
-
BLX Wireless (Starting ~$250) – Most affordable Shure wireless option but still offers quality transmission and a receiver with both 1⁄4” and XLR connectivity for instruments, mics and other devices. Perfect for smaller bands, presenters and content creators.
Though more expensive than competitors, Shure wireless ranks among the most reliable you can buy with their top-of-the-line systems being rock-solid even in RF intensive environments with extensive encryption. For mission critical applications, Shure wireless is a worthy step-up.
Shure Headphones
In more recent years, Shure has also begun producing headphones and earphones catering to everyone from traveling audiophiles to recording engineers. Notable models include:
-
AONIC 50 Wireless ($399) – Flagship around-ear wireless headphones with best-in-class active noise cancellation, 30+ hour battery life, fast USB-C charging and unmatched clarity courtesy of large 50mm drivers. Comfortable even during long listening sessions.
-
SE215 ($100) – Legendary sound-isolating earbuds featuring single drivers in each earpiece for rich audio across lows, mids and highs. Also come with removable cables, carrying case and fit kit for finding the perfect seal. A studio recording standard.
-
AONIC 215 ($150) – Enhanced Bluetooth version of the SE215 adding convenience of wireless while maintaining a very similar Driver design and sound. Great for everyday listening and call quality.
While perhaps less renowned for personal listening gear currently, Shure headphones and earphones deliver a lot of that same audio quality their mics have become renowned for – transparency, balance across frequency ranges and durability. Particularly their mid-tier and higher models stand up strongly against more popular brands like Sony and Bose.
Final Verdict – Is Shure Worth the Investment?
So when all is reviewed, is Shure actually worth what can sometimes be a significant price premium over other electronics brands?
The short answer – for professionals or any buyer serious about audio quality, Shure delivers and justifies their pricing.
There‘s a reason Shure gear has become the true standard in major studios and touring concert productions yet still appeals down to amateur musicians and podcasters. Their products deliver exceptional transparency, detail, durability and longevity.
Beyond pure audio performance however, Shure products also provide value in their consistency and reliability. A Shure SM58 used on tour today will sound almost identical to one produced decades ago, making them easy to integrate and depend on.
So while more casual listeners may feel comfortable saving a bit of money on brands like Audio-Technica, if audio quality is paramount to your production or listening, choose Shure for gear known to withstand the test of time.
Current Shure Deals
If Shure gear still lies outside your budget, keep an eye out for periodic deals directly on Shure.com such as:
- Microphone Bundles – Save $20+ when buying select mics paired with boom arms, cables and more
- Holiday Sales – Check around Black Friday and through the holidays for rotating discounts up to 30% off
Buying Shure gear used can also be a great way to cut costs. Models like the SM57/SM58 hold value exceptionally well, so you can often find them in very good condition while saving about 50% buying second-hand.
So don‘t be afraid to invest in quality when picking your audio gear – within your budget, Shure equipment delivers the confidence and peace-of-mind that both professionals around the globe and home recording artists rely on year after year.
