Shure, known for making pro-quality mics that seem to work just fine after being subjected to the rigors of stage and studio, have turned their attention to bedroom musicians, podcasters and others who record direct-to-computer with a new line of high-quality USB microphones that will work with any computer made in the past decade. (Everything after Windows 98 First Edition has the requisite USB Audio profile.)
These cardioid microphones, announced Tuesday at Macworld and to be displayed later this week at CES, can be directed to pick up sound from a specific source to provide some natural sound isolation — unlike omnidirectional mics, which pick up sound from all directions. And these are condensor mics, meaning that they require power from the computer but are more sensitive than mics that don’t (that’s why you’ll find condenser mics in recording studios worldwide).
Shure says these mics have zero latency. A helpful monitor mix control lets you hear what’s being recorded in real time as it sounds in the rest of the mix, in order to make mic placement, mixing level, EQ, and other adjustments. Meanwhile, an integrated preamp controls the volume of the signal in your monitor headphones.
Shure’s new line of USB microphones contains two models. The Shure PG27USB ($200 retail,
pictured) "features a flat, neutral frequency response for natural
reproduction of a wide variety of instrument and vocal sound sources."
If you’re looking for a USB replacement for the trusty, versatile Shure SM57, this sounds like it. Choose this one if you want to use it to record anything and have it sound decent.
The other model in the line, the PG42USB ($250 retail), "was
specifically engineered to reproduce the subtle nuances of lead vocals"
with a larger diaphragm (for increased sensitivity), a low-cut filter
for cutting out hums and other noise, and an external shock-mount.
If you already have one or more favorite microphones, Shure has you covered
with the X2u XLR-to-USB Adapter ($130 retail), which adds the same features included with the above two models to any mic with a standard XLR connection. The X2u
includes phantom power for use with condenser mics.
See Also:
- Wired.com Covers CES 2009
- Sony Announces Stereo ‘Walkman’ Mic with Features of Yesteryear
- A USB Microphone with Studio-Quality Specs
- Video: Got Two Cassette Decks and No Microphone
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