Resources

Recording

Buyer's Guide

Shopping Tips: How to Audition Gear
This article contains helpful tips on how to audition gear before you buy it.  Courtesy of the Shure Applications Engineering group.

MYTHBUSTERS: It Ain't Necessarily So
Debunks common audio myths such as: "condenser microphones aren't as rugged as dynamic microphones".

Introduction to Recording and Sound Reinforcement
Written for the beginner, this guide will help you choose and set up equipment for a variety of typical applications.

How to Buy a Mic
A Shure primer for choosing a mic for any sound application.

Selection and Operation of Audio Signal Processors
For any sound system, the primary goal is good sound. What, however, constitutes "good" sound?

Microphone Sensitivity Ratings: What Does it all mean?
Common questions regarding microphone sensitivity ratings and dB SPL input levels.

How To Use

Creative Mic Tips from the Pros

Microphone Techniques for Music - Studio Recording
In this guide, Shure application engineers describe particular microphone techniques and placement: techniques to pick up a natural tonal balance, techniques to help reject unwanted sounds, and even techniques to create special effects.

Microphone Techniques for Drums
Some suggestions to follow when miking musical instruments and drums for sound reinforcement.

Vocal Miking Problems and How To Solve Them
Bill Gibson, (President of Northwest Recording, author and recording instructor), discusses vocal miking issues.

Stereo Miking Basics
If you want to capture a more natural sound in your recordings, it’s time to learn a few fundamentals of stereo miking.

Stereo Miking Basics Podcast

MP3: Getting Your Music from the Garage to the Web
Short and to the point, this article addresses everything MP3, from "What is it?" to "How do I do it?"

Podcasting 101
How to get started.

Making an Independent, Part I
Understanding the basics.

Making an Independent, Part II
Microphone techniques.

Microphones and Multitracks
Essential steps to quality recording using a microphone and multitrack recorder.

Connecting Professional Microphones to Computer Sound Cards
Because interconnection procedures in the computer world differ from those used in professional audio, it is not always easy to make a professional microphone work with a computer. This Shure Application Bulletin will help.

 

Tech Library

Impedance Matching for Microphones - Is it Necessary?
This bulletin answers questions such as "What happens when a high impedance microphone is connected to a low impedance input?"

Phantom Power and Bias Voltage - Is There a Difference?
This bulletin explains the differences between phantom power and bias voltage, and addresses common misconceptions.

Microphones on the Ceiling? Shure Strongly Advises "NO"!
Shure feels strongly about not placing microphones on a ceiling. If you decide to install ceiling microphones, you need to address the problems in this technical bulletin.

Transformers, Audio
Explains transformers in relation to wired microphones and audio usage.

Unique Directional Properties of Dual-Diaphragm Microphones
A detailed primer on the distinctions between single and dual diaphragm microphones by the KSM44 product team.

VU and PPM Audio Meters: An Elementary Explanation
Though both perform the same function, these two meters monitor audio levels in very different manners.