KSM8 Dualdyne - 77 Years in the Making

KSM8 Dualdyne - 77 Years in the Making

Share this Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

KSM8 Dualdyne - 77 Years in the Making

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

For more than 90 years, Shure has provided the world with ground-breaking technology and innovative audio solutions. Now, we take a look at the history behind our newest technology, the KSM8.

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

At Shure, we recognise the need for constant innovation. Product development doesn't simply stop when a product is released — far from it. Instead, we must continue to deliver new and exciting technology, while continually improving on existing designs. No longer is it 1939; nor is it 1966. The SM58 you hold in your hands 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, we have embraced these technologies to deliver a broad range of new-to-the-world products across our entire portfolio, from wired microphones to networked audio and advanced wireless management systems.

Most recently, our 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 our journey so far; it's taken 77 years of continuous improvement to reach this moment, and to be honest, we're just getting started. In the words of our founder Sidney Shure himself, "We know very well that absolute perfection cannot be attained, but we will never stop striving for it."

KMS8 In the Making - Infographic