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Comparing Shure Versus Sennheiser Microphones   by Bruce Hathaway

Shure Microphones

When comparing Shure versus Sennheiser microphones, it's important to note that both outfits are devoted to the entire industry of audio. Shure is now one of the world's leading corporations in the business of transmitting sound. Since the 20s, when they were just a radio service company, they have been striving to make music and voices larger and more effective. Shure also now specializes in wireless systems in the realm of professional audio products.

The quality of workmanship is high and their creations boast a high level of durability not found in every company. Also known for their ability to transmit vocals well, Shure microphones are favored pieces of sound equipment, endorsed by music artists such as Brad Paisley, Phoenix, The Black Crowes and Mastodon.

Shure sells everything from handheld and boundary mics to goosenecks and lavaliers. There are hardly any documented complaints with their products. The amount of complaints range from few to none. However, there have been some reported issues with the switching system of one of the handheld mics which led to an occasional shorting out of the sound. But these complaints are few and far between.

Shure produces in-ear monitors for on-stage productions and MP3 players. They make some of the most high-end dynamic and condenser microphones, including the BETA series, SM58, SM86 and SM87A among many others. Their KSM microphones are used specifically for studio recordings. Other well-known Shure series microphones are the Specialty Consumer Microphones. One of their most known is the 55SH Microphone, at times referred to as the "Elvis Mic". Due to the fact that it was one of the King's favorite to use and has a classic appearance, artists still make use of it today. Shure also produces Microflex and Easyflex, conferencing systems that are commercially installed by Shure's technicians.

Their resistance to sustaining damage is preferable over cheaper, lesser used models whose lifespan is considerably shorter. The mics can reportedly take quite a bit of a beating without breaking. Made out of sturdy, top-notch materials, these products can withstand falling, hitting or tossing. But, the fact that they're electrical units does not make them immune to water. In case you're thinking of using these mics often for extended amounts of time, this make is ideal for you.

These microphones also have the capacity to carry sound clearly when the mic is traveling away from the sound, be it instrument or vocalist. Whether being waved, swayed or held while jumping up and down, such movement does not dilute or change the sound very much. The transmission is clean and even. In short, Shure microphones are top of the line.

Sennheiser Microphones

Like Shure, Sennheiser Electric Corporation (SEC), a global distributor of professional audio equipment, is known for products that also transmit exceptional sound quality. Their mics are numerous and diverse, from camera microphones to broadcasting and recording technology used in the studio and stage performance. Since its start in 1945, it has been family owned. The mainstay of this outfit's manufacturing is produced in Germany, where they quietly make high-end quality audio items for their clientele.

Sennheiser handheld microphones contain a supercardioid capsule - and that means a narrower microphone polar pattern that provides better sound isolation. (That translates to less feedback from the monitors, a major bonus if one has ever had to deal with it). For vocalists who will be performing a great deal of the time, as long as the sound source is stationary it will not be bent or distorted in any way, providing a crisp and clear rendering of the performance. Because of this many people perform with a mic-stand when using Sennheiser microphones. Contrary to Shure microphones, the sound has been reported to get off-axis if the mic is too far away from the source of the sound or moving around too much while the music, talking or singing is being transmitted. In regard to this, a stand prevents the problem by keeping the mic still. In the studio the supercardiod microphone is good for guitar or keyboard amps and other instruments, such as piano or even vocals. (On stage a performance depends somewhat on energetic movement whereas in the studio a singer concentrates more on the quality of the vocal sound and forgets about having an audience).

Sennheiser mics are also frequently used in the realm of performance. The artists of note such as the, The Jonas Brothers, Zac Brown Band and Nitengale are enthusiastic users of the product, affirming them to be of first class attributes. The microphones that they produce are especially popular with these onstage performers, giving loud, quality sound to large audiences in large spaces. For the most part, reviews from customers are positive, alluding to no major problems or technical difficulties.

In summary, both brands are noteworthy. If you have a chance you can "Google" other reviews. Believe me, there are many.

About the Author

Bruce Hathaway is a renowned recording engineer and musician . Through his experience in the studio and on the stage, he is an experienced microphone user for recording and stage. Click on the link above where you'll find useful information and the best deals on the planet.