Marc Henshall

For more than 90 years, Shure has provided the world with ground-breaking
technology and innovative audio solutions. In 1939, the company developed the
Unidyne cartridge, which became the world’s first single-element unidirectional
microphone. In 1966, they took the Unidyne principle even further in the Unidyne III
to create the SM58, which featured Shure’s unique pneumatic shock-mount system.

Shure recognises the need for constant innovation. Product development doesn’t
simply stop when a product is released — far from it. Instead, they continue to
deliver new and exciting technology, while continually improving on existing
designs. No longer is it 1939; nor is it 1966. The SM58 of today is not the same
microphone that once graced the stage at Woodstock in its early years. Technology
continues to evolve; manufacturing techniques improve making old products more
efficient and new designs possible.

Through the years, Shure has embraced these technologies to deliver a broad range
of new-to-the-world products across its entire portfolio, from wired microphones to
networked audio and advanced wireless management systems.

Most recently, the company’s continual commitment to developing ever more
sophisticated audio systems can be found in the new KSM8 Dualdyne, announced at
NAMM 2016. The KSM8 Dualdyne is the world’s first dual diaphragm dynamic
handheld microphone – a ground-breaking feat of engineering that essentially
reverses the flow of a dynamic mic. Just like Unidyne in 1939, the dualdyne is a
major leap in microphone technology. At the heart of KSM8 is a new-to-the-world
cartridge design with two ultra-thin diaphragms and reverse airflow. The result is a
mic with virtually no proximity effect, exceptional off-axis rejection, and
unprecedented vocal clarity with minimal need for EQ and processing.

This advancement in technology marks a significant milestone in both microphone
history and Shure’s continuous journey in the pursuit of perfection. The graphic
below represents just a few select moments in Shure’s journey so far; it’s taken 77
years of continuous improvement to reach this moment and they’re just getting
started. In the words of founder Sidney Shure himself, “We know very well that
absolute perfection cannot be attained, but we will never stop striving for it.’

Courtesy of Shure