Use of the Shure 55SH
How to look and sound good using our ‘Elvis mic’
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 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 us, 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 simpleon/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.
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!
“It was a pleasure to work with Ty Hussell! There are very few people I've worked with in any field who conduct themselves with Ty's level of thoughtfulness and professionalism. He listened carefully to the mood we were trying to express during cocktail hour and wedding reception and nailed it. Of the genres and artists we discussed, he was also excellent at reading the dance floor and choosing the best song for the moment. Ty is one of those rare people that you just know after talking to him that you can trust 100% to do a great job, and we would recommend him without reservation to anyone. He was a valued member of our team, and a gracious and kind human to boot! We really loved working with him!”
— Nicole & Jeff
