Shure

Tech Library

These technical bulletins and articles address some frequently asked questions. Courtesy of the Shure Applications Engineering team. For comprehensive, downloadable guides on a variety of pro audio subjects, visit the Publications section.

To get help choosing your gear, head over to the Buyer's Guide. And if you're ready to rock and are looking for tips, tricks and advice on using your new gear, check out our How-To section.

• Microphones

  • Audio Transformers
    Explains transformers in relation to wired microphones and audio usage.
    
  • CommShield® Technology Improves RF Resistance
  • Critical Distance and Microphone Placement
    Audio and acoustic principles involved in finding the critical distance where the direct speech and the reflected (or reverberant) speech are equal in intensity.
  • Gain Changes Based on Mic Placement and Number of Open Mics
    Formulas based on microphone placement and the number of open microphones.
  • Impedance Matching for Microphone - Is It Necessary?
    This bulletin answers questions such as "What happens when a high impedance microphone is connected to a low impedance input?"
  • KSM32 - Transformerless Design
    The KSM32 uses transformer-less circuit design. Shure has developed a balanced solid-state preamplifier circuit that has virtually all the benefits of a high-quality transformed design without the drawbacks associated with smaller transformers.
  • Microphone Sensitivity Ratings: What Does it all mean?
    Common questions regarding microphone sensitivity ratings and dB SPL input levels.
  • 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.
  • The Myth of Microphone Reach
    Shure is often asked "How far away will my microphone pick up?" or "Which microphone has the best reach?" Both questions are based on a misunderstanding of how microphones work. This bulletin attempts to debunk the myth of microphone reach.
  • Phantom Power and Bias Voltage - Is There a Difference?
    This bulletin explains the differences between phantom power and bias voltage, and addresses common misconceptions.
  • Predicting Speech to Background Noise Ratio at the Microphone
    Help in determining what are acceptable speech to noise ratios and how to predict if speech will be intelligible at the microphone location.
  • Unique Directional Properties of Dual-Diaphragm Microphones (PDF)
    A detailed primer on the distinctions between single and dual diaphragm microphones by the KSM44 product team.

   

• Wireless Systems

  • Audio Reference Companding
    Shure's patented Audio Reference Companding is currently featured in many Shure Wireless Systems, and in some PSM 700 Personal Monitor Systems (H3 and L2 bands).
  • Remote Antennas for UHF Wireless Systems
    For good performance, these guidelines should be observed when remote mounting antennas.
  • Using Radio Frequency Scanners to Troubleshoot Wireless Microphone Systems
    As the available radio frequency spectrum continues to get increasingly crowded, the potential for interference in wireless microphone systems also increases, causing headaches for the end userm the sound system installerm and the audio consultant.

• Mixers & DSP

  • The Basics of Equalization and Feedback
    How to effectively approach equaliztion and avoid feedback.
  • Why Use Shure Automatic Mixers?
    High quality audio becomes progressively more difficult to achieve as the number of open microphones increases. All audio systems face the same problems whenever multiple open microphones are needed.