A new use for the Shure 55SH, AKA The ‘Elvis’ Mic

If you were inspired by probably the worlds most recognisable, most iconic (and most copied) microphone you may consider buying one – to perform with, or even just to look at – let’s be honest, it is a beautiful design. In the past we have come across people with Shure tattoos, people who’ve buried, burned and used Shure microphones as hammers to test their durability….however, I don’t think anyone has ever gone to this length and built a custom built computer.

Click here to see the amazing lengths this gentleman went to in order to recreate the infamous Shure 55SH microphone in the form of a computer.

Soul II Soul turn to Shure PSM900 In Ear Monitoring for ‘best on stage sound ever!’…

Soul II Soul have used Shure UHF-R wireless systems with both KSM9 and SM58 heads for some time.  As with many bands (including The Who), it was not until recently that they thought about trying in ear monitoring for the first time. Before embarking on their forthcoming tour, we decided to loan Soul II Soul a few Shure PSM900 IEM systems to see how they got on…

Here are their words, from both the FOH Engineer and the Monitor Engineer:

Paul Crognale and Tuomo from Shure stepped in to help us in our quest to try IEM’S, lending us 4 of Shures new PSM900 IEM systems to try in rehearsal. By the end of that first rehearsal, the entire band wanted to be on IEMs meaning that we are now using 9 channels of PSM900 and 16 beltpacks.

Simon Ryder, Soul II Soul’s monitor engineer says ” I am very impressed by the new PSM900 system. The sound quality is superb, the whole package is very well built. The thing that really sets it apart from everything else on the market though is the new ‘CUEMODE’ system on it. Using a beltpack in ‘CUE’ mode I can dial in to any performers monitor mix and listen to exactly what they are hearing. If I stand next to them I can even experience the same RF patterns as they are. It is a real game changer. After that first gig with them, the band came off stage with multiple members stating it was the best on stage sound they have ever had. I am completely sold, they are on our rider from this point on!”

Brandon Knights, Soul II Soul’s FOH engineer, said “The on stage sound had cleared up so much by going to IEMs that I was able to ‘finesse’ my mix in a way that I have never been able to before. It was almost like mixing them in the studio.” A big thanks to Shure from all of us at Soul II Soul for all the back up and support they have given us.

MC Zani’s love affair with Shure

2008 British Beatboxing Champion MC Zani confessed to loving Shure microphones, especially the SM58.

Zani won the well respected title at the tender age of 22, grabbing the attention of some of the best UK/US urban and commercial acts, Ludacris, Jay sean and DJ Jazzy Jeff to name a few

The champion MC is preparing for shows with Claire Maguire and a European tour in May 2011 with the Foreign Beggars. Zani decided to replenish his kit with his beloved Shure! “I use Shure because they are the industry standard and are the best. I wouldn’t want to use anything other than the best…”

Zani knows that when beatboxing the choice of microphone is everything – high quality and reliability are key. He has used the SM58 and KSM9 through most of his professional career.

“I especially love Shure microphones, the SM58 in particular for beatboxing is perfect as it captures the full range of frequencies I create. From the low basslines to the high end sound FX like sirens & Hi-Hats. The SM58 and KSM mics are able to withstand the overload I create when kicking a pounding beat which other microphones tend to lack in.”

Zani is also a fan of Shure’s professional range of  Sound isolating earphones “Overall the clarity of the sound is second to none, enabling me to create a flawless in ear mix every time I perform live”

The huge talent still finds the time to raise money for Shriners Hospital for Children, one of the highest earning charity events of the year. MC Zani still has the power to wow crowds and the fans demand for him is still growing.

To keep an eye of what MC Zani is up to,  try these links:

MC Zani’s Myspace

MC Zani’s Twitter

Everything Everything to Judge the Institutes Shure Songwriting Award 2011

Shure UK and The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) collaboration is back!

First prize give away is the fantastic opportunity to attend, free of charge, a one year Professional Diploma in Songwriting course at the Institute worthover £5,000 and some Shure goodies!

Nurturing talent is something Shure take seriously and were glad to be in our third year of the Songwriting award.

This award has previously been judged by some well recognised performers, K.T. Tunstall and Paloma Faith. This year the judges are Everything Everything who have been nominated for the XFM New Music Award. Singer/Songwriters can grab this opportunity to be noticed by some of the industry’s most influential people.

“We’re thrilled to be judging the Shure Songwriting Award and work with the Institute this year. Competitions such ast his are vital for discovering and encouraging new musical talent and we can’twait to hear the entries.”

To enter,all you have to do is upload an original song to the award website before April 8th 2011.

A combination of an expert panel of judges plus public voting will select a top 8 and then Everything Everything will be making their selection for this year’s winner!

You have nothing to lose so why not get involved and enter this competition! 2 Runners up also win some amazing Shure gear to help with thier future career.

To find out more about this competition visit Shure.co.uk/songwritingaward

Visit Shure Songwriting Award official website

Get involved and Good Luck!

These New Puritans & Shure

First of all happy new year to all of our readers.

Secondly we’d like to send out our congratulations to These New Puritans, with their album ‘Hidden’ having recently being crowned as  best album of 2010 by NME.

We’ve been fans of the album in the office here and are proud to say that the band almost exclusively rely on Shure equipment. Lead singer Jack Barnett uses Shure SM58′s, Beta 58′s and SM57′s for his vocals.  We asked Jack why he uses Shure…

“Shure are the industry standard and are amazingly reliable; it’s almost a non-decision to use Shure products”

The band also used Shure In-ear monitoring for their most recent tour, which included an 18 piece orchestra, a choir, exploding melons, and a gigantic gong!

Thanks also to Elena Di Vincenzo for the photo