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Shure Original "Elvis" vocal Microphone: 
the standard by which others are judged

Shure 55 classic, "Elvis", original 1951 vintage dynamic microphone

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 The original, slightly larger model 55 Unidyne Microphone was introduced in 1939 and was Shure's first single-element unidirectional microphone. It looked similar, but had a somewhat wider body. This classic "small Unidyne" version of the model 55S was introduced in 1951 with excellent performance qualities and distinctive styling ultimately make it “the most recognized microphone in the world.”

The 55S microphone has a cardioid (unidirectional) polar pickup pattern that minimizes sound pickup from the rear of the microphone. This allows the Model 55S to be used in close proximity to loudspeakers without creating feedback problems, and it can perform under adverse acoustic conditions where omnidirectional microphones cannot.

The 55S series has a low-impedance (50 Ohm) balanced output designed for connection to microphone inputs rated at 75 to 300 ohms. The microphone features a cartridge shock mount to reduce stand noise and an attached, self-tensioning, 5/8"-27 thread swivel mount. This mic does not have an On/Off slide switch.

This microphone is ideal for public address or theatre-stage sound systems, as well as for broadcasting, recording, and other sound applications where a stand-mounted microphone with a classic look is desirable.

  • Classic appearance, modern performance
  • Frequency response 50Hz - 15kHz; tailored for speech, vocals and instrumental music
  • Cardioid directional pattern for optimum performance in adverse acoustic environments
  • Shock-mounted cartridge minimizes stand-transmitted noise, ensures quiet operation
  • Rugged die cast case and mechanical design for reliability under rigorous conditions
  • Self-tensioning swivel mount, permits tilting through 45 degrees forward and 80 degrees backward

This Shure 55S has one cracked rib but is otherwise in working order.

Other versions of the 55 series include:
55A 30-50 Ω 1939
55B 200-250Ω 1939
55C high impedance 1939
555 35-50Ω broadcast version 1940
556A 35-50Ω broadcast version 1942
556B 200-250Ω broadcast version 1942
556C high impedance (<100kΩ) broadcast version 1942
55S 3 position switchable impedance (38Ω, 150Ω, 40kΩ) 1951
55SW as 55S but also with on/off switch 1951
556 broadcast version of 55S 1951
55SHII 150Ω 1988

Source: "Unidyne Story" Shure,1996

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