From a humble start as a radio parts wholesaler in 1925 Shure has grown to become a global leader in audio electronic.
Shure products have been everywhere and seen it all!
Shure Milestones
Shure History
Shure Milestones
The 1920's
Sidney N. Shure
- 1925
Shure Radio Company is founded on April 25 by Sidney N. Shure as a one-man company selling radio component kits before factory-built radio sets were marketed. Within three years Shure would grow to more than 75 employees.
- 1929
The Great Depression grips the United States. The market for radio component kits declines when factory-built radios are launched. In addition to selling radio components, Shure becomes the exclusive distributor for a small microphone manufacturer.
The 1930's
- 1932
Shure becomes one of only four U.S. microphone manufacturers with the introduction of the Model 33N Two-Button Carbon Microphone. It is the first lightweight, high-performance product in a market dominated by large, costly devices.
- 1936
Following the introduction of the company’s first condenser microphone 40D and its first crystal microphone, Model 70. Shure receives the first patent for a stylish and practical suspension support system for microphones.
- 1939
The Model 55 Unidyne is the first single-element unidirectional microphone. Its performance qualities and distinctive design ultimately make it “the most recognised microphone in the world.”
Historic figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy or Martin Luther King use the microphone to proclaim their messages, and the 55 Unidyne becomes an integral accessory for performers like Groucho Marx and Elvis Presley.
To this day its unmistakable, iconic form symbolises the spirit of a whole generation.
The 1940's
- 1941 – 1944
Shure secures contracts to supply microphones for United States armed forces in World War II, reinforcing its reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality, robust products. The company adopts strict military standards (MILSPEC) as its quality control system for all Shure microphones. These standards have been used to test Shure products ever since.
- 1948
Shure introduces the first phonograph cartridge capable of playing both long-playing (LP) and 78 rpm (revolutions per minute) records. Shure becomes the largest manufacturer of phonograph cartridges in the U.S.
The 1950's
Shure introduces a variety of products over this decade. The Unidyne 55S is a smaller version of the renowned “Elvis Mic”, the Unidyne 55.
The first Shure ribbon microphone, Model 300, is launched, as well as several phonograph cartridges (M12, M3D).
The first wireless microphone system for performers, called the Vagabond, is also introduced. Powered by two hearing aid batteries, the system could transmit within a “performance circle” of approximately 700 square feet.
The 1960's
- 1964
The V-15 Stereo Dynetic Cartridge is hailed as “one of the finest phonograph cartridges ever made.” It features a 15-degree vertical tracking angle and a symmetrical, bi-radial elliptical stylus.
- 1965
The SM57 Dynamic Microphone is rugged and reliable with a clean, natural sound. It continues to be the U.S. President’s lectern microphone today, as it has been for every President since Lyndon B. Johnson.
- 1966
The Shure SM58 (“SM” for “Studio Microphone”) is adopted by rock-and-roll musicians like The Who and The Rolling Stones, who find it offers the right combination of reliability and excellent sound quality. It quickly becomes the standard for live performance vocals. The SM58 remains the most popular vocal microphone in the world today.
- 1967
Eddie Kramer uses three Shure M67 mixers to capture the now legendary performances at Woodstock.
The 1970's
- 1978
The SM81 is the first condenser microphone to combine studio quality sound reproduction with the ruggedness and reliability needed for live performance.
The 1980's
Shure opens a manufacturing facility in Wheeling, a Chicago suburb, and in two Mexican locations, Agua Prieta and Juarez.
The FP31 Mixer, easily attachable to a Betacam, the Automatic Microphone System (AMS) for installations, and the SM91 boundary microphone are introduced.
Institutions like NASA, the Pentagon and major radio stations use the Shure ST6000 Teleconferencing System.
- 1989
Beta 58 and Beta 57 Microphones, with their supercardioid polar pattern and high output level, provide unprecedented gain before feedback on concert stages.
The 1990's
- 1990
Shure enters the wireless microphone market with the L Series. Within a decade, Shure dominates the wireless product category worldwide.
- 1991
The European Headquarters is opened in Heilbronn, Germany. Shure Europe GmbH provides sales, service, and support to Shure Distribution Centres in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
- 1995
Sidney N. Shure dies at the age of 93. Rose L. Shure is elected Chairman of the Board of Directors.
- 1996
Shure markets its first digital signal processing (DSP) product, the DFR11EQ Digital Feedback Reducer.
- 1999
Shure Asia Limited is opened in Hong Kong to serve Distribution Centres and distributors throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim.
The KSM32 Studio Microphone becomes Jay Leno’s desk microphone at The Tonight Show.
The 21st Century
- 2002
Shure establishes Shure Distribution GmbH, a subsidiary of Shure Europe GmbH, to handle direct sales with Shure dealers in Germany.
- 2003
Shure acquires its long-time United Kingdom Distribution Center, HW International, which is renamed Shure Distribution UK.
Shure US moves into new corporate headquarters in Niles, Illinois.
Shure is awarded the 2003 Technical GRAMMY by the National Academy of the Recording Arts and Sciences®, which is presented by the Recording Academy to individuals and/or companies that have made outstanding contributions of technical significance to the recording industry.
- 2005
Shure opens two new facilities in China: a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Suzhou, and a sales and marketing office in Shanghai.
- 2006
A new innovation in Personal Listening is achieved with the triple-driver E500 Sound Isolating Earphones.
Shure introduces KSM9, the first premium handheld condenser microphone to feature switchable cardioid and supercardioid polar pattterns, and bring studio quality sound to live performance.
To address the needs of the most demanding, large-scale wireless applications, Shure introduces UHF-R Wireless Systems.
- 2007
In a follow-up to the award-winning E Series, the SE Sound Isolating Earphones are introduced. With new sound signatures, styles, modularity, and improved ergonomics. Shure also releases the Music Phone Adapter (MPA), a sleek accessory that converts the new earphones into a stereo headset for mobile phones.
- 2008
The 55 Unidyne, introduced in 1939, is inducted into the TECnology Hall of Fame. The Foundation for Excellence in Audio established Hall of Fame to honour and recognise audio products and innovations that have made a significant contribution to the advancement of audio technology.
Shure microphones are mounted to the lectern as Barack Obama, president of the United States, speaks to hundreds of thousands in Chicago’s Grant Park on election night.
- 2009
Shure acquires studio microphone manufacturer Crowley & Tripp and launches two premium ribbon microphones, KSM313 and KSM353.
The Super 55 Deluxe Vocal Microphone now offers the iconic design of the 55 Unidyne updated with a supercardioid cartridge and vibrant blue color.
PG42USB and PG27USB Microphones are launched. Both microphones are complete solutions for all PC & MAC recording enthusiasts and guarantee “plug and play” with Shure quality.
Shure adds a new product category to its extensive portfolio: the SRH Headphone series marks Shure’s entry into the headphone market.
