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2008 News Archives
Art of Dying - Bold and powerful meets Legendary Performance
SF Marketing Inc welcomes high energy, epic post-grunge, rock- the-way-it-was-meant-to-be, west coast band Art of Dying to its growing family of distinguished Canadian Shure artist endorsers.
The Vancouver based five have already established a dedicated fan base, toured relentlessly and are now setting their sights on the global market. Their shows have been described as “bold and powerful” while hard work, determination, and a relentless passion for music is what defines Art of Dying.
Bold and powerful meets Legendary Performance: “One of the first pieces of advice I ever got from a ‘Big Record Producer’ was that a Shure SM58 is all you need" recalls Jonny Hetherington, lead vocalist and founder of AOD. “That little mic is a workhorse and if you've seen Art of Dying live, you know I can be hard on my mics!”
“In recording our debut album, we set up a bunch of mics to gauge which one was going to be best for each song. When we recorded ‘Get Thru This’ the Shure BETA 58 beat out all the other mics in the room. Not only did it cut through the mix but being able to hold it and thrash around helped us capture the raw intensity of the moment” said Hetherington.
Hetherington and members of the band will be on hand to meet fans and sign autographs on November 8, 2008 at Long & McQuade’s Terminal Ave location in Vancouver from 2-4 PM. All are welcome.
AOD are now gearing up for a 12 city US/Canada tour this fall with multi platinum artists Disturbed. Look for the band to be using the following Shure products:
- UR24D/BETA58
- UR14D
- UR1
- WBH54B
- P7TRE5
- BETA58A
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Bette Midler's new Las Vegas act is bigger, bolder, and still naughty
As effusive and irrepressible as ever, these days Bette Midler takes to the Colosseum stage at Caesars Palace with all the sass and bawdiness that first captivated audiences in the 70s, singing, hip-wiggling, and strutting through her latest extravaganza, The Showgirl Must Go On.
"I suppose in a way this show looks back at my career," the Divine Miss M admits, "but more to the point it's an entertainment retrospective. It's an old-line show with showgirls, like T&A but not that hardcore. This is a fantasyland: Men love it because the girls are so beautiful; women love it because the songs are so moving. I've been telling some of the jokes forever, but people laugh like they've never heard them before. That's real unconditional love, and it comes pouring over the footlights every night."
Backed by a 13-piece band, Ms. Midler performs all of her signature tunes and brings her beloved characters to life on a truly enormous Colosseum stage measuring 120 feet wide. Her trio of backup singers, the Harlettes, is here, as are 18 leggy showgirls, "the most gorgeous in town," she says. Delores DeLago, Midler's wheelchair-riding mermaid character with the stink-o lounge act, finds her place too, as does Soph, her character channeling Sophie Tucker, queen of the dirty joke.
A high-speed, kinetic romp that unwinds with paroxysms of wit, charm, and whimsy in an almost cinematic fashion, Showgirl whirls like a desert dust devil across the stage, making wireless audio a necessity, not a luxury. With Midler's longtime sound engineer David Morgan installed behind a Digidesign VENUE console at front-of-house, Shure's UHF-R® wireless was picked for the task, with Her Divineness given a champagne-finished, KSM9-equipped handheld transmitter to hold every night.
Both Morgan and monitor engineer Brian Hendry are extremely pleased with the KSM9 microphone and the Shure UHF-R wireless system they are employing. “All the vocals are incredibly warm and present, providing the audience with a uniquely personal experience of our singers,” Morgan says. “The transmission quality creates a sound that is nearly indistinguishable from a wired version, and the reliability of the signal is unparalleled. As always, Shure has been a very important partner in making this big show a reality, and we very much appreciate their contribution.”
That said, Midler, at age 62 notes that "I've seen a lot of evolution in technology over the years. Before wireless was what it is today, we would use hardwired microphones with funny little custom holders on Delores' wheelchair. Then we moved on to headset microphones. With the tremendous amount of movement we have in this show today, there is simply no way we could do it without wireless microphones. Thanks to my collaboration with Shure, I really believe we're getting the full benefits of a hardwired microphone in terms of sound quality, all without the fuss of being tied to a cord."
Midler chose her champagne-hued KSM9 handheld transmitter from among offerings shown to her by David Morgan, but, being the showgirl she is, can't help but dream of other, flashier possibilities.
"Do you think I could get one with rhinestones?" She wonders aloud with coy flourish. Indeed. That would stand out, even on this stage, where sequins and showy boas are some of the more conservative accessories.
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Back to basics: Latest Shure podcasts in iTunes cover the fundamentals of wired and wireless microphones
Shure Incorporated has posted several new educational podcasts, called Shurecasts, on the Company’s website www.shure.com/proaudio and on iTunes that cover the basics of wired and wireless microphones. Topics include “Transducers,” “Frequency Response” and “Directionality” for wired microphones, and “Choosing the Right System”, “Frequency Selection”, and “Antennas” for wireless microphones.
These are just a handful in a series of podcasts we’ve already created and are continuing to produce as part of our overall education program,” said Chris Lyons, Manager of Technical and Educational Communications for Shure. “For years, we’ve had an extensive library of educational booklets and articles available on our website, which have been very popular. The nice thing about our podcasts is their portability because they can be played on any digital music player or computer.”
Other Shurecasts that are currently available cover a variety of audio topics, including Sound Isolating
Earphones, Stereo Miking Techniques, the SM57 and SM58® microphones, and White Spaces. Each episode includes a brief introduction to a particular segment of audio technology, such as microphones or earphones, and audible demonstrations.
Additional Shurecasts will be released on a regular basis, approximately one per month, and some episodes will include interviews with artists and engineers.
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Shure Goes Green with New, Redesigned Packaging: Microflex® Microphones, ULX® Wireless, PSM Systems, and SE Earphones Get a Makeover
Shure Incorporated announced today that it has redesigned the packaging for all of its Microflex Installed Sound Microphones, ULX Wireless Microphone Systems, three of its wired and wireless Personal Monitor Systems (PSM), and two of its SE Sound Isolating™ Earphone models.
The size and shape of all cartons for the Microflex products, ULX Wireless Systems, and three PSM Systems (PSM®400, PSM®600, and PSM®700) as well as the strength, durability, and product protection they provide will remain unchanged. As an environmental incentive, the elimination of the Mylar® coating and full-color graphic printing on the cartons increases the recycle-ability of the packaging.
We currently produce a wide variety of full-color packaging across all product lines, but recently made the decision to move toward a more environmentally friendly design for several products,” said Terri Hartman, Director of Brand Communications for Shure. “These changes allow us to gain some efficiencies and act as a more socially responsible company.”
All models will ship in brown “kraft” packaging with the Shure brand logo and “Microflex Installed Sound Microphones” for Microflex models, “ULX® Wireless Systems” for ULX models, and “Personal Monitor Systems” for the PSM Systems printed on the cartons. Weber labels will continue to provide specific product model information of package contents.
We felt like this redesign further underlines our commitment to environmentally friendly standards,” added Hartman .
Shure has also recently introduced new outer packaging for the SE210 and SE310 Sound Isolating earphone models, which is made of a 100 percent recyclable carton. The new packaging provides a uniform look for the SE110, SE210, and SE310 earphone models.
We're confident that the new packaging will provide consumers, at a quick glance, product differentiation between these models on the retail floor,” said Hartman.
We're always willing to explore new options for our existing products, and we’ll consider more eco-friendly packaging designs when we introduce new products in the future.”
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Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival 2008
Prince let members of the Time and Sheila E. kickoff his show before launching into “1999” and nearly two hours of music to close day two at this year’s Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. Singing into a Shure KSM9, The Purple One proved demonstrably that he still has a hold over audiences few other major pop performers can claim today.
Guitar tech Bill “Ripp” Mayes additionally chose Shure UHF-R wireless for Prince’s guitar. “The reliability and easy-to-use system makes this the only choice,” Mayes said following the show. 
“Especially when there is no room for excuses.”
In the age of MySpace and everyone-is-in-a-band, it takes performances like those of Richard Ashcroft and The Verve at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival to remind us all that whether it’s infused with punk, progressive, metal, industrial, hip-hop or reggae, the indie landscape is still a righteous place for pure rock ‘n’ roll. Led by frontman Richard Ashcroft on day one of this year’s event, The Verve declared appropriately enough at the beginning of their set that “this is music!” before performing the song of the same name. All the hits followed (“Space in Time”, “Lucky Man”, “Sonnet” and “The Drugs Don’t Work”) as well as crowd-pleasing tunes like “Bitter Sweet Symphony”. Through it all, Ashcroft visibly and audibly displayed his onstage talents with the help of a Shure SM58.
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The Black Crowes put on Warpaint with Shure
Currently touring in support of Warpaint, their latest release on the independent Silver Arrow label, The Black Crowes have shown hands-down that they are still, as the UK's Melody Maker once called them, "the most rock 'n' roll rock 'n' roll band in the world."
Featuring 11 songs written mostly by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, the band's underpinning musical conscience and collective driving force, Warpaint represents the seventh studio album from The Crowes. Bringing the sound of Warpaint to the stage along with the rest of the incendiary tunes currently making up the band's live set list is a task managed nightly by Scott "Scoobie" Scherban at the front-of-house mix position and Drew Consalvo at monitors. Working in tandem to craft a stage plot relying entirely on Shure input, the pair draws upon an eclectic mix of traditional rock 'n' roll microphone elements along with newer catalog offerings to brew up a potent infusion of sound rich in guitars, vocals, and drums that simultaneously pays respect to every other nuance in the mix.
Given a choice, personally I would put SM57s on everything," Scott Scherban jokes, adding "I mean, ask me how to mic an elephant, and I'd just put a 57 on him. First and foremost, this is a rock 'n' roll band. That means they were born and bred with SM57s and SM58®s. We don't ever want to lose sight of that fact, but at the same time we want to augment those sounds. Given the volume we're producing, we need something that steps out and allows us to change for solos and such."
Scherban and Consalvo's approach can be heard on guitar cabinets, where their audio alchemy combines legendary SM57s with Shure's KSM27s. "We get a nice pointy bite out of the SM57s," Drew Consalvo explains, "and now, with the KSM27s, we've added this nice warm factor as well. Both onstage and in the audience, the pairing is working well—it's providing everything you'd expect in terms of rock 'n' roll, along with a little something extra when we need it."
Moving to the drum riser, the pair built a landscape augmented by the dual-attack of a Beta 52A/Beta 91 combo for kick drum, KSM137 on high-hat, and another matched pair of KSM137s on overheads.
Beta 56 Ò As stand-in on toms, Beta 57A Ò s on snare top, and, in a departure from the norm, a Beta 57A again under ride cymbal.
To adequately capture the singular sound of a Leslie speaker used on Hammond B-3 organ, a pair of SM57s were enlisted for the top of the cabinet containing the device's rotating horn and stationary treble driver, while a Beta 52 Ò A handles the job of delivering the low-end emitted from the Leslie bottom's spinning baffle and static woofer.
Shure Beta 58As got the nod for all downstage vocals, which Consalvo notes were a good choice in terms of the control they offer him in front of the floor wedges found in his monitor rig. "We have a special black Beta 58 we use for Chris Robinson's vocals, and starting this year, Scoobie and I went with the KSM9 for backing vocals. We like the way it reacts with proximity effect, and given its overall clarity, too, we're going to stick with it in this application."
Viewed in its entirety, Scherban and Consalvo say that the most notable difference in their stage plot this time out with The Black Crowes is a move toward more KSM Series elements. "We were looking for something a little more rounded," Scherban says, categorizing the sum effect of their latest efforts. "We landed on it nicely with the different combinations put into place. There is a massive amount of guitar onstage, so there was enough of a bite already, so to speak. I know we are pleased with the changes, and based on the evidence of ticket sales, so is the audience."
Listed as #92 on VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock," The Black Crowes have historically proven their own mettle while touring with legends, such as Aerosmith, Jimmy Page, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, The Who, AC/DC, The Grateful Dead, and Neil Young.
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Gospel/Christian Artists Gather at Abbey Road Studios to Support Compassionart
An album featuring some of the biggest names in gospel and Christian music will be released this fall, with every dollar earned slated to benefit Compassionart, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the world's poor through income that’s generated by music and works of art.
Written collectively at a retreat this January, the record's songs were recorded at Abbey Road Studios with Danny Duncan (Bruce Springsteen, Usher, et al.) tracking in legendary studios two and three. Songwriters working at the sessions included Paul Baloche, Stu G of Delirious?, Israel Houghton, Graham Kendrick, Matt Redman, Martin Smith (also of Delirious?), Michael W. Smith, and Chris Tomlin. Also joining this core group of talent were drummer Dan Needham, bassist Tommy Sims, and guitarist/keyboardist Akil Thompson.
"It was my first time recording at Abbey Road," says Duncan, whose working credits read like a veritable “Who's Who” list of every stellar artist imaginable. "I have to admit I went through a little bit of shock every day. It's a famous place…a historic studio. Aside from its notoriety and legendary status, it's also one of the best sounding rooms I've ever been in."
Provided with access to one of the world's foremost collection of high-end microphones while at Abbey Road, Duncan nonetheless brought along a number of selections from his own mic locker, including a pair of large-diaphragm Shure KSM44s, an SM7, a Beta 91, and a contingent of KSM141s.
Used as overheads on Dan Needham's drum kit, Duncan relied on the KSM44s to capture not just cymbals but an overall sonic image of all the drums. Standing-in as the kick drum mic, Duncan's Beta 91 beefed-up the low-end with added presence and attack. His KSM141s were put to good use on acoustic guitar and with a Hammond B3 organ at the top of a Leslie cabinet, while the SM7 brought extra crispness and sparkle to high-hat cymbals.
"I could pretty much have used anything I wanted to at Abbey Road," Duncan admits. "And I did do some experimenting. With Shure, however, there's a comfort level you just can't get anywhere else. I brought my Shure gear because I've used it in all kinds of studio applications, and I know exactly what it can do and what kind of sound I'm going to get. They are all excellent microphones--you don't have to explain the quality and reliability, everyone knows it's always just there."
Duncan recorded all of his tracks to Pro Tools. Admittedly old school in his approach and technique, he went straight from his preamps into Pro Tools, bypassing the console entirely.
"I like to keep the path simple," Duncan admits. "Traveling directly from my preamps into Pro Tools, I just monitor back through the console."
Currently calling Franklin, Tennessee, home, Duncan owns and operates Blue Heaven Studio, and runs a mobile service called Vanguard Recording.
"Just standing and listening to the work in progress on this project was amazing," he says of his time spent for Compassionart. "The talent, the rooms...it isn't something you get to experience too often in any career. Combine what we accomplished technically and aesthetically with the charitable nature of the project's end result, and everyone has something truly good to talk about at the end of the day."
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Counterfeit Shure earphones found in popular Hong Kong Electronics market
Shure Incorporated has uncovered a number of hawker stalls in Hong Kong’s popular electronics marketplace, Apliu Street in Shamshuipo, selling counterfeit Shure earphones. This investigation is part of the Company’s continued efforts to combat the illegal manufacture and sale of counterfeit Shure products.
“Our customers are at a risk of being taken advantage of by these illegal traders who continue to infringe on our brand,” said Ray Crawford, Managing Director of Shure Asia Limited. “It is our responsibility as a manufacturer to aggressively pursue these criminals who seek to deceive our customers. Educating them against the purchase of counterfeit products is one way.”
“Shure maintains a list of all authorized distributors on our websites so that customers who wish to purchase Shure products can easily do so,” added Crawford. “I urge customers to be vigilant and use good judgment when presented with offers that seem too good to be true. If it appears too good to be true, it is very often not true!”
Shure has two authorized distributors in Hong Kong for the sale of all Shure SE earphones (the SE110, SE210, SE310, SE420, and SE530/SE530PTH) and SCL2. They are:
ECT Eichi Technology Soundwell Company
Room 1010, 10/F Sterling Centre 3/F Block A, 46-48 Kimberly Road
No. 11 Cheung Yue Street , Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon Tel: (+852) 2721 8819
Tel: (+852) 35894166
Email: shure@ect.com.hk | Website: www.ect.com.hk
Customers should visit the Shure website and click the Where to Buy link to find a list of appointed earphone resellers in Hong Kong at http://www.shure.com.hk/PersonalAudio/WhereToBuy/index.htm.
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Rock Band Billy Talent Joins Growing List of Canadian Shure Endorser
SF Marketing Inc. is proud to welcome Juno Award winners Billy Talent to its distinguished roster of Canadian Shure endorsers.
Following on the success of their award-winning, self-titled debut album, Billy Talent is currently on tour in support of their sophomore album, aptly titled II. The quartet has been performing together for 13 years, and is still going strong with a loyal, enthusiastic, and sizeable fan base.
I can honestly say that I've tried tons of different kinds of mics and none can compare with Shure...the best...period!" said Ben Kowalewicz, lead singer.
Billy Talent tours with the following Shure microphones:
Vocals: Beta58A
Kick: Beta91, Beta52A
Snare: SM57
Toms: Beta98D/S
Hi-hat: KSM109/SL
Overheads: KSM32/SL
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Shure Introduces new Microflex Choices
Latest generation mics offer streamlined design and enhanced performance
Shure expands its installed audio offering with the introduction of its new Microflex microphones. Elegantly styled with a streamlined, low-profile design ideally suited for boardroom, conferencing, and corporate applications, as well as anywhere else that unobtrusive integration is desired, each model in the product group provides versatile functionality, easy setup, and premium sound quality. Like their predecessors, the new gooseneck models all feature interchangeable cartridges as well.
Occupying a starring role within the new product group, models MX405 and MX410 are five and ten-inch goosenecks, respectively, offered in both wired and wireless configurations. Outfitted with fully adjustable goosenecks, six-pin mini-connectors, and a sleek new windscreen, both models can be used with a surface-mount preamp, a wired desktop base with a programmable mute switch, or the MX890 wireless desktop base with a programmable mute switch. Users can also choose either a bi-color status indicator or a red light ring to keep tabs on microphone operation.
Available finished in white, black, and aluminum, the low-profile MX395 boundary mic is unparalleled for use in installations where aesthetics are a top priority. Omni, cardioid, and bi-directional polar patterns are offered on the mic, as is an optional logic-controlled, bi-color status indicator (black models only).
Sold as either a two or three-element desktop conference microphone, the MX396 comes with a centrally-mounted, remote-controlled, bi-color status indicator and integrated mute switch in either configuration. To accommodate different seating arrangements, the elements in the three-element model can be reconfigured as needed.
Complementing the new offerings are models MX690 and MX890. A wireless desktop boundary microphone, the MX690 features a bi-color status indicator, mute switch, and infrared sync. The MX890 is a wireless desktop base unit offering a quick-release, six-pin jack that effortlessly facilitates gooseneck changes, a mute switch, and infrared sync.
The new wireless Microflex models are built upon Shure's popular SLX platform featuring patented Audio Reference Companding circuitry to ensure superior sonic quality in every application. Within this series of wireless mics, the SLX4L receiver, featuring logic output pins, will also make its industry debut.
The new Microflex microphones are now available for order.
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Travelling the Extra Mile: Microflex® Boundary Mics Help Bridge the Gap in Distance Learning
Based in the far northwestern reaches of the province of Québec, the University Rouyn-Noranda has become a leader among educational institutions currently using distance-learning technology. A distinction born mostly out of necessity in a region of Canada where the spaces separating people are sizeable and the Internet represents one of the best links between them, the University’s status as a distance-learning leader was recently expanded with the addition of 20 new classrooms equipped with cutting-edge technologies developed expressly for the school’s unique teaching needs.
When you attend class in a remote location, losing video for a moment isn’t so bad,” says Erick Patry, the University’s audio and visual production manager. “When it comes to audio, however, that’s another story. The sound needs to be loud and clear 100 percent of the time.”
To meet the school’s high quality standards for audio equipment, the University chose 70 Shure MX396 Microphones for the new classrooms. Selected in part for their quality and reliability, the sensitivity and polar pattern options of these microphones also reduced the number of microphones required to properly complete the installation.
We used a single MX396 per table in the classrooms outfitted with either dual-element or tri-element cartridges,” Patry explains. “Each student basically gets his own microphone.”
Since the beginning, we’ve always chosen Shure microphones,” he added. “The very first classrooms we designed still use MX392s. These are very high quality mics…versatile and quite rugged. You have to understand that cancelling classes here just isn’t an option. Our MX392s have always been very reliable, but this time around, I have to admit that I looked at all available options. I wanted what was best, and in the end we still opted for these new Shure multi-element boundary microphones. They look great and the sound is better than ever.”
Now that it has chosen Shure microphones for its new classrooms, the University continues to search for new high-definition technology to bolster the video side of its teaching.
HD is clearly on our radar, and it will be available in the very near future,” added Patry. “With regard to sound, however, right now we’re all set.”
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Shure expands Countryman offerings
Shure Incorporated has expanded its lineup of Countryman Earset and Micro-Lavalier microphones to include new models and color options ideally suited for use with its new UR1M Micro-Bodypack. In addition, Countryman's Type 85 Direct Box will now be available from Shure.
Providing exceptional sound quality and comfort while remaining virtually invisible to the audience, the latest Countryman products being distributed by Shure are sold in configurations offering multiple coverage patterns, skin tone colors, and feature two types of connectors.
Perfect for wireless applications in which concealment is a priority, the WCE6 and WCE6i Earset microphones are the smallest and lightest in their class. Nearly impossible to detect against a wide variety of skin tones, the microphones are outfitted with a rugged, bendable boom that ensures a custom fit for every user.
All-purpose, just as reliable and equally easy to hide, the Countryman WCB6 Micro-Lavalier microphone now available from Shure is smaller than the cable of other lavalier mics at only 0.1 inch thick. Sold in colors that blend in an undetectable fashion with clothing and different skin tones, this subminiature device performs very reliably while offering excellent rejection of surrounding noise.
The last of the new Countryman products shipping from Shure is the Type 85 Direct Box. Sleek and nearly indestructible, the low-profile device delivers the purest signal possible to the mixing console with no added coloration, distortion, or loss of dynamic range.
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Shure Micro-Bodypack is Smaller Than Small
This year's NAB marked the industry debut of the new Shure UR1M Micro-Bodypack Offering superior wireless audio in an ultra-compact package that is about half the size of most standard bodypacks and weighing just three ounces with two AAA batteries, the UR1M is designed to be easily concealed and worn comfortably by actors, performers, musicians, and public speakers.
Operating with the premium Shure UHF-R® wireless microphone system using the latest version of the Shure Wireless Workbench software, the subminiature device uses the patented Shure Audio Reference Companding technology to deliver crystal-clear audio and a 60-75 MHz tuning range (region dependent)-twice that of any other bodypack on the market. Tunable in 25 kHz increments and providing a sum total of up to 3,000 selectable frequencies, the UR1M additionally offers:
- selectable 10mW or 50mW RF power
- up to nine hours of battery life
- audio level metering
- a backlit LCD display
During the manufacture of each UR1M, the circuit board is specially treated to greatly enhance the sweat resistance and durability of the device, allowing it to be worn close to the skin. As easy to use and setup as any other UHF-R Series product, the miniature bodypack complements its list of functional features with a choice of TQG or Lemo-3 connectors and selectable alkaline, lithium primary, or NIMH battery curves for accurate power metering.
The UR1M was the only bodypack used during the broadcast of the 2008 Academy Awards, worn by host Jon Stewart with a Shure WL51 cardioid subminiature lavalier microphone. It also was used at the 2008 Miss America Pageant and is currently on tour with Maroon 5. The UR1M will be available globally in summer 2008.
"There are certainly other miniature bodypacks out there, but the new UR1M is the first that I consider to be part of a superb sounding wireless microphone system," notes audio engineer Don Worsham, one of the first to put the device to work in the field. "In-back-to-back comparisons we made on the set at this year's Miss America pageant with a full-size pack, we found that we couldn't distinguish the difference. The miniature pack offers the same improved frequency response and dynamic range, and performs with identical signal-to-noise and low distortion characteristics. I'm still wondering how Shure managed to cram all of that into such a small space."
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Shure's GSM Immune MX Mics with CommShield Technology continue to set the Standard
For more than ten years Shure's MX-Series of installed microphone products has offered specifications and performance unrivaled in the Industry. This has included the seldom-mentioned spec of RF (Radio Frequency) rejection. In fact the MX-Series design was so effective it would routinely be specified as either microphone of choice or replacement for original equipment in "difficult" RF environments, where other brands would fail.
Several years ago a new digital phone technology appeared. Known as GSM or Global System for Mobile Communications, this new system grew in popularity and is now the standard for Cellular Phone and BlackBerry communications. Unfortunately, it also redefined intrusive RF interference and even the extremely robust MX-Series was affected.
The characteristic signature of GSM interference in an audio device is an irritating and very disruptive combination of a loud clicking and buzzing sound. The easiest way to intentionally hear it is to hold a GSM cell phone or BlackBerry against a standard landline telephone while holding its handset to you ear and pressing send on the cell phone.
When GSM phones were introduced, they were reported to produce a deafening sound for some hearing aid wearers and to interfere with critical electronic medical devices such as pacemakers. Swedish hospitals banned them, as have many in North America. One Australian newspaper reported that a motorist deployed his airbag with one and, in Paris; they were said to occasionally reset taximeters to zero.
Shure aggressively addressed this problem three years ago with a very successful re-design of the MX Series and the result was their new CommShield Technology. Many models of these new GSM immune mics have been in stock and shipping from SF Marketing for the past year.
The new RF Immune models can be identified by the box label that states "RF Filtering" or RoHS COMPLIANT or by a dot located on the attached or in-line preamp. Field tests have shown the new designs to be totally effective
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Shure SM58 is Named Best Live Microphone in UK
For the second year in a row, the Shure SM58® has won the MI Pro Retail Survey “Best Live Microphone” award. With 45 percent of the votes cast by leading UK retailers, the Shure SM58 and the Shure PG58 beat several competitors to take first and second place, respectively, for the Best Live Microphone.
Established as one of the largest market research surveys in the UK MI market, the MI Pro Retail Survey looks at the top selling products and market trends of the past 12 months. The survey was conducted through a series of interviews with 100 retailers, which included all major UK chains and leading independents. The retailers were asked about their choice for the best live microphone. Shure came out on top in the Live Microphone category and was also positioned in the top five in the Best Studio Microphone category with the Shure Beta58A.
According to Andy Barrett of MI Pro Magazine, “Shure has not only held onto its top slot for live microphones, but it has seen the PG microphone advance in the rankings to the second slot, giving it nearly 60 percent of the combined vote – which is quite staggering.”
Paul Crognale of Shure Distribution UK commented, “We’re really pleased with the survey results in MI Pro. It’s vital for us to know what our retailers value and this validates the fact that the SM58 is still the world’s most popular live microphone. The proof is not only in the survey results but sales continue to increase as the SM58 continues to be the preferred microphone for many artists and engineers. We’re also very pleased that the Shure Beta and Shure PG models are getting the recognition they deserve.”
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New Features, Resources Added to shure.com
New Offerings Include Enhanced Artist Endorser Section, Demos, Listings of Wireless Accessories
Shure Incorporated has expanded its online resources to include features for both professional and personal audio product users -- musicians, contractors, installers, and audio enthusiasts alike. The new offerings include an enhanced artist endorser section, educational demos, and updates to the Audio Resource Center.
With a history of audio innovation spanning more than 80 years, Shure microphones have been a part of many legendary events, recordings, and live performances. Launched at the recent NAMM trade show, a new section of the website now features popular performing artists who use Shure products, including, Barenaked Ladies , Maroon 5 and Natalie Cole.
This section of the website leverages Shure’s existing artist relations program, ties into its advertising efforts, and features the Shure products each artist uses. In addition to gear details, the site contains more comprehensive information on the artists themselves, including biographies and exclusive interview, photo, and video content.
The artist relations team has worked with both artist management and the artists themselves to make the website an ideal destination for exclusive artist information for customers and a great promotional vehicle for artists,” notes Manager of Shure Artist Relations Kevin Spiegel.
In addition to the artist community, a wireless accessory wizard and KSM microphone demo represent the latest developments in the company's efforts to bring a comprehensive level of online technical support to professional users.
The latest addition to the Audio Resource Center, the new Wireless Accessory Wizard, quickly creates a listing of required accessories for any given wireless microphone application.
It will tell you everything from the number of receivers you'll need right down to the number of antennas and related amplifiers, splitters, and cables," notes Shure Senior Applications Engineer Rick Waller.
The Audio Resource Center also features spec sheets, software, and other tools for contractors, engineers, and installers.
Additionally, a new KSM comparison demo highlights the differences among the KSM family of microphones. Recommended for use with quality headphones, earphones, or loudspeakers in a studio environment, the demo uses animation and stereo MP3 files to deliver a detailed graphic and audio portrait of KSM microphones with different vocal and instrumental selections.
For on-the-go audio enthusiasts, an updated How-To-Use demo provides detailed fit, sleeve selection, and care and maintenance information for Shure’s award-winning line of Sound Isolating™ earphones. Located in the Personal Audio section of the website, the demo also provides more information on inline accessories for the modular earphones, including the new Music Phone Adapter.
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Shure Releases Wireless Workbench Software For Macintosh Computers
Shure Incorporated has announced the release of an upgraded version of its Wireless Workbench software that includes compatibility with Macintosh computers. Wireless Workbench lets users of Shure UHF-R and U-series wireless microphone systems easily configure and control large installations of wireless microphones in performance venues, theaters, meeting facilities, and houses of worship.
Remote control of audio equipment is becoming increasingly critical in professional sound systems,” said Nick Wood, Associate Product Manager at Shure. “We’re excited to bring scanning, frequency coordination, and control of Shure wireless systems to Macintosh users,” he continued. “Wireless Workbench 5.0 brings a new level of confidence, efficiency, and performance to wireless microphone operation.”
Like earlier versions of Wireless Workbench, the software can scan the radio frequency environment, identify potential sources of interference, and automatically select operating frequencies that avoid them. The new Wireless Workbench 5.0, which is also compatible with the Windows XP and Vista operating systems, features an enhanced frequency compatibility tool that allows the user to designate certain “priority” wireless microphones in the sound system and provide an additional safety margin when calculating frequency compatibility for those units. Also, Wireless Workbench 5.0 can download the resulting frequency set to all of the Shure UHF-R receivers on the network.
When used with Shure UHF-R wireless systems, the user’s computer connects directly to the receivers through integrated Ethernet ports, without additional hardware. Wireless Workbench 5.0 can use any one of the connected receivers to scan the spectrum, or an external WiNRADiO receiver. The operating frequencies for existing wireless microphones, personal monitor systems, and wireless intercoms (including non-Shure units) can be entered into the software to ensure compatibility between all wireless audio equipment.
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Shure Catches Counterfiet Microphone Makers in China
Shure Incorporated announced today that large quantities of counterfeit microphones, which were being sold in India, were traced to their source, Easlem Sound Instrument Factory (also known as Xingyou Electronics Equipment Co. Ltd.) in Guangzhou, China.
"This is not just a Shure problem. It is a pro audio industry problem, and we are committed to fighting this criminal activity," said Sandy LaMantia, President and CEO of Shure Incorporated. "We are grateful to the authorities in China for their help in this raid and will vigorously continue our efforts in China and the rest of the world."
For months, Shure worked with private investigators and local authorities in China to uncover the location of the counterfeiter's manufacturing operations. In cooperation with the Jiangmen and Enping Technology and Science Bureaus (TSBs), Shure raided Easlem's Enping City-based factory, known as Enping Yi Xing Electronics, where evidence was obtained that the factory was producing counterfeit Shure and other brands of microphones.
The penalties to be imposed by the Jiangmen TSB are still being determined.
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Wireless Tips
There is an important feature found in all FM communications and wireless mic receivers that relatively few users appreciate or are even aware of at all. Its job is to keep the receiver quiet when it is on but not receiving a signal. Without it we would hear continuous ”white” noise at full level and risk damaging speakers or even ears, not to mention ones mental condition.
We are referring to the lowly squelch circuit. In its most basic form it is a noise gate that simply blocks the receiver’s audio output the instant the transmitter is switched off or the signal is lost owing to a dropout or extreme range. In its most sophisticated form, Tone-Key Squelch, as used in all of Shure’s current UHF systems, offers some very useful additional benefits.
Many wireless users find it desirable to leave their permanently installed receivers on 24/7 and often into a powered-up PA system. This practice is especially common in houses of worship. The ability to simply turn on the transmitter rather than having to go to the receivers, throw a series of switches, move faders or even call a tech to be “on” is extremely convenient. The very low power requirement of modern electronics makes it entirely practical to but there is a risk. A risk, that is, when using a receiver with a conventional “carrier” squelch circuit. As the receiver sits powered on day after day “looking for a signal” it is only a matter of time until stray RF causes a blast of noise through the system. It will most likely be caused by something operating primarily on an entirely different frequency that throws off spurious signals on various other frequencies and one or a combination of them hitting a receiver is inevitable.
Tone-Key Squelch to the rescue! Rather than depend on the simple detection of an RF signal or carrier to cause the receiver to open its squelch and pass audio, a Tone-Key equipped receiver looks for a 32.768 KHz. tone that all matching Shure transmitters send out along with the carrier. We can’t hear it but the receiver knows when it’s there and when the stray signals hit without the tone the resulting noise will not be passed on into the PA system and it will remain secure.
This single benefit alone would justify a Tone-Key system but there are two others of almost equal importance. Anyone who has used a conventional wireless system has at some point switched a transmitter off with the PA system “hot” and experienced the mega-pop that can result. A Tone-Key equipped system will not do this because the transmitter will turn off the tone a second before the power thus muting the receiver and preventing the pop from getting out. This is definitely an embarrassment saver and possibly a speaker saver too.
The third benefit is in battery power monitoring. Most wireless transmitters on the market have an LED or some sort “fuel gauge” to tell the user when the batteries life is coming to an end. However, the benefit of having that information displayed on the receiver can be readily appreciated. After all, the talent is not likely to tell the tech that the battery needs changing. The tone is easily capable of carrying this information in as much as five-segment resolution so the receiver can display it on its LCD.
Since its introduction in Shure’s SC-series in 1994, Tone-Key Squelch has been a major behind the scenes player in giving your Shure wireless system the rock-solid performance you have come to know.
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