From its beginnings at that time and being a cardioid pattern microphone, its smaller size made it a true classic that was affordable and accessible to all. Then as well as today, its impressive 'art nouveau' satin chrome-plated die-cast case was closely equaled by its break though performance. The Model 55 (unlike competing omnidirectional microphones back then) was able to operate in close proximity to loudspeakers without creating feedback. Its characteristic Shure presence peak made it excellent for vocal pickup in any situation from radio broadcast to live shows.

What most people know and think as the 55 was called the Model 55S and was a smaller version of the original Unidyne 55. First produced in 1951, Shure now makes an updated version called the 55SH Series II. Essentially the same as the 70-year old Unidyne except for modern internal acoustic components are used to bring it up to present day requirements.

Super 55 Deluxe Microphone

Both the cardioid polar pattern and the same presence peak of the original 55 are incorporated into the 55SH along with an on/off switch, a new cartridge shock mount to reduce stand noise, and a redesigned swivel stand mount that permits tilting from 45 degrees forward to 80 degrees backward.

And Now The Super 55

Most of the 55SH's features and touchstones of quality come with the Super 55 Deluxe Vocal Microphone. Exactly the same sized chrome-plated die-casting is used and differences begin with an enclosed supercardioid element behind a vibrant blue foam material. A blue "Circle S" logo is on the Super instead of the black logo seen on the 55SH and then there is that shiny new Super 55 nameplate. The 55SH has a wider low frequency response while the Super 55 has more high frequency extension but retains the 55SH's "voicing" for natural-sounding vocal/speech recording.

But say goodbye to the old on/off switch on the Super--these days it does not have a place on stage and especially not in the studio. (Good riddance!) The Super 55 is also heavier and 5dB more sensitive than the 55SH model.

In The Studio

In my Tones 4 $ Studios there are plenty of good applications for the Super 55. I used it without an EQ or compressor--only my RTZ Professional Audio 9762 Dual-Combo Mic Preamp, a super high-end Neve 1272 copy.

Shure 55SH Series II

Compared to a Granelli Audio Labs G5790 Right-Angle SM57 (which is a brand new Shure SM57 modified with a 90-degree elbow in the middle), the Super 55 was clearer, less compressed and a little warmer in the low midrange. Just to make sure, I confirmed this with another brand new, stock SM57.

I have to squawk about one thing. The mic's XLR connector is positioned so close to the threaded hole in the base of the mic, that there cannot be any threaded washers usually found on stands and booms. You'll have to remove them so the mic cable's XLR connector will plug in. I didn't try them but I'm betting that Atlas quick disconnect mic hardware will not work with the Super 55--and that's OK with me as I never trust them with heavier mics.

On electric guitars, I played through my ZT Amps LunchBox guitar amp and the venerable SM57 won only by a nose with its overall thicker midrange sound. As with most guitar amps, the SM57 has a way of increasing the midrange "guts" of the sound.

On the same amp the Super 55 was brighter with very slighter more low end. It worked better when I moved it further off center and towards the edge of the amp's speaker. Both the 55 and 57 were pushed right into the amp's grill cloth.

On voiceovers, the Super 55 delivers a radio-ready vocal sound. I preferred having the voice talent aim right into the front of the mic, as the mic's supercardioid pattern does not allow for any free ranging around the mic. If you talk into the side of the mic, you're gone--not heard!

I got nearly no room tone with this mic even when recording in a medium live space. I liked the amount of proximity effect of this mic too: it's not exaggerated allowing some forward/back head movement without a huge increase/decrease in bass.

Elvis On The 55

Shure Super 55-BCR Black Special Edition Deluxe Super 55

He holds the 55 so close to his mouth that it looks like he was about to take a bite of a forbidden fruit. When that close, I'm betting he could hear and liked the bass build up while singing in the lower registers. In truth he probably was leaning over straining to hear himself over the anemic sound systems of those days.

Around drum kits, the Super 55 is physically bigger than most dynamics normally used on kits and will preclude using it in tight spots such as close to snare drums. Boomy bass drums benefit from its bright attack sound and if you can get it close enough to a snare drum (to get enough proximity) you'll get a sound that won't require any EQ.

I found the Super 55 a refreshing new/old tool in the studio that just works so well in many applications. Its look is an immediate conversation starter that's backed up by its impressive sonic qualities.

The Super 55 Deluxe Vocal Microphone is part of Shure's Classic Collection along with the 55SH Series II, the 520DX Green Bullet, 545SD Classic Unidyne® Instrument mic, and the 565SD Classic Unisphere™ Vocal mic.

There is also the R115S Cartridge kit that includes the cartridge, mounting plate, and detailed instructions. When properly installed in the Super 55 Microphone, the R115S will provide performance equal to that of the original cartridge.

The Super 55 sells for $249 MSRP. For much more, visit www.shure.com/