Use of the Shure 55SH ‘Elvis Mic’

How to sound good and look cool using our signature ‘Elvis Mic’


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As standard equipment, we carry a Shure 55SH microphone, better known as the ‘Elvis’ mic. While it has a vintage look, it is actually a new piece of gear with state-of-the-art modern electronics.

First introduced by Shure in 1939 as the Unidyne 55 it was, according to the company, “the first single-element unidirectional microphone.” In 1951, a smaller version called the Unidyne 55S was introduced and soon became permanently linked to Elvis’ legend. A remarkable firsthand account of the history of the Shure 55S microphone and Elvis’ connection to it can be read at here at Scotty Moore’s official website. Scotty Moore was a session player at Sun Records and Elvis Presley’s guitarist for 14 years.

The Shure 55SH is a standing, corded mic which pretty much is going to stay in one spot. What we lack in relative mobility we make up for with timeless cool and really good pictures. Trust me, photographers love this microphone. The 55SH has a cardioid pickup pattern, so it picks up voice and leaves out other unwanted ambient sounds (i.e. Elvis’s voice, but not the sounds of the backing band, The Jordanaires, et al.).

Some points to remember:

  • Be aware of standing close to and in front of the mic (within 6-8 inches, the grill front facing you) as volume drops significantly if you are shy and step too far back. Step up to the mic front and center; it is your friend (and will make you look cool).
  • Since it is unidirectional, it is designed to pick up sound from one direction. So it picks up best in the grill front, not the side. Try not to move away from the microphone while speaking into it. Changing distance from your voice to the mic means changing volume, which makes it difficult for your audience to hear you.
  • There’s a simple on/off switch on the chrome stem of the mic. As satisfying as it looks, please resist the urge to touch it. We’ll control sound from the main audio mixer.
  • On the microphone stand, there’s a vertical adjustment that can be made on the mic stand (a simple twist to loosen, adjust the height, then twist to tighten).
  • Despite what you see the King doing with it above, do not grab the stem of the mic while talking, as you can inadvertently turn it off mid-sentence.
  • Unless using your cell phone as a prop, turn it off before you approach the mic (or better yet, leave it on the table).
  • Don’t linger too long after you’ve finished speaking (guests may expect you to say more).
  • Relax, speak clearly and have fun!

More info about the Shure 55SH is available as a downloadable PDF at shure.com.

James Brown with the Shure 55SH microphoneThe King of Rock used it; the Godfather of Soul used it.