Shure 55B, 55C User Guide

DATA SHEET

DATE: January 1942

SUBJECT: Models 55A, 55B, 55C

55 Series "Unidyne" Microphones

(Cardioid Uni-directional Moving-Coil Dynamic)

GENERAL :

high quality reproduction of sound. The true unidi­rectional characteristic of the "Unidyne", obtained by
the "uniphase" principle provides highly satisfactory
operation under adverse acoustic conditions where a
conventional microphone would be practically useless.
(See “Acoustic Considerations’).

The microphone has a specially designed moving

system containing a new type moving-coil element, op­erating in conjunction with a high flux magnet in the
magnetic circuit providing high efficiency and smooth
peak free response from 40 to 10,000 cycles. The rear
response is down approximately 15 db due to the "uni­phase" unidirectional acoustic network.

The case is modern in design with attractive
streamlining and grille treatment. The head tilts
through an angle of 90° to permit aiming at the source
of sound for best pickup. A built-in cable connector
is provided and a 25 ft. shielded rubber-jacketed
cable with microphone plug attached is included.

APPLICATIONS:

tions. The true unidirectional characteristic of the
"Unidyne" provides an easy solution to the feedback

problem in reverberant locations, facilitates orches-

tral placement, permits best utilization of space in

small broadcast studios, and allows practically com­plete exclusion of unwanted noises. The swivel allows
the head to be tilted through an angle of 90° permit­ting the microphone to be aimed at the source of sound.

The instrument is unusually rugged and is practi­tally immune to the effects of moisture, temperature
and mechanical vibration.

INSTALLATION:

Shure floor stands are especially recommended because
of the effective isolation against floor vibration
which they provide. For overhead suspension, an A35B
Suspension Adapter may be used.

CONNECTIONS:

nated transformer with special high-permeability core.
The three models their out-put impedances, and cable
furnished are listed-below.

Model Impedance

55A

35-50 ohms

55B

200-250 ohms

55C

high impedance

Low Impedance models 55A and 55B are recommended
where long cable lengths are required. The permissi­ble line length is practically unlimited since neither
the level nor the frequency response is appreciably
affected by reasonable lengths of line. As shown in
the table below, the cable loss is very small. When
long lines are used, care should be taken that the
cable does not parallel A.C. power lines for long dis­tances to avoid A.C. hum induction.

Cable Length

25 ft.
250 ft.
500 ft.

1000 ft.
2000 ft.

(*Based on 2-conductor #20 equivalent, twisted

and shielded)
Patented by Shure Brothers
Copyright, Shure Brothers, 1942

Models 55A, 55B, and 55C are cardioid
type unidirectional moving coi1 dynam-

ic microphones providing wide-range

Models 55A, 55B, and 55C are suitable
for high quality public address, broad-

casting, recording and similar applica-

a standard low impedance input amplifier (See Fig.
A-3) or into an amplifier with high impedance input

(Fig. A-2). In the latter case Shure Model A86A Cable­Type Transformer is available for coupling the low im­pedance line to the amplifier input. The double-wind-

ing primary permits coupling either a 35-50 ohm line

All microphones have the standard 5/8"­27 thread and may be mounted on any
Shure desk, banquet, or floor stand.

Model 55A works directly into a 35-50
ohm line while models 55B and 55C in­clude an internal high quality impreg-

Cable Furnished

25 Ft. two-conductor
25 ft. two-conductor
25 ft. single conductor

Loss in Level*

Model 55A

0

db

0.4 db 0

0.8 db

1.6 db 0.4 db

2.9 db 0.7 db

Loss in Level*

Model 55B

0

db
db

0.2 db

(over)

or 200-250 ohm line to the high impedance input.

crystal microphone amplifier or other amplifier with
an input impedance of 100,000 ohms or more (see Fig.
A-1). For best high frequency response, the total cable

length should not exceed 25 feet; longer cable lengths
may be used with some loss of high frequency response.
The additional loss at 5,000 cycles is of the order of

2.5 db for an additional 25 ft. length of cable (50 ft.

total) and 6 db for an additional 50 ft. length (75 ft.

total).

OPERATION :

Jarring or excessive moving of the instrument should
be avoided while the system is in operation in order

to prevent the spring-suspended microphone unit from

touching the inside of the case and producing undesir­able noises.

necessary in the operation of 55 Series Dynamic micro­phones. They will operate efficiently and dependably
under all ordinary conditions in hot and cold climates.
To retain the full strength of the highly efficient
permanent magnet and to maintain alignment of the
structure, dropping or other severe mechanical shocks
should be avoided.

ACOUSTIC
CONSIDERATIONS:

a cardioid. There is a wide, useful pickup angle at
the front of the microphone while the response at the
sides is down 6 db from the front response. The rear
response in practical cardioid type microphones is

No.

195D

"Unidyne" Dynamic Microphones

Low impedance models 55A and 55B may be fed into

High impedance model 55C may be used with any

The microphone should be placed in its
operating position before turning up
the volume controls of the amplifier.

No special precautions beyond ordinary care are

The expression "cardioid type" re-

sponse simply means that the horizon-

tal polar characteristic approximates

Printed in U.S.A.

NO. 195D

down of the order of 15 db from the front side re­sponse. The Unidyne fulfills these requirements over
a broad range of frequencies. The true unidirectional
characteristic of the "Unidyne" should not be confused
with the relatively slight directional effect at high
frequencies only which can be produced by baffle ef­fects In the conventional pressure microphone.

The result of this unidirectional characteristic
is a complete elimination of acoustic feedback at
volume levels which would cause considerable feedback
with conventional semidirectional microphones. In
practically all cases it is possible to increase loud­speaker levels when a Unidyne is installed. By direct­ing the dead side (rear) of the microphone towards the
audience or other source of interfering sound, pickup
can be concentrated on the desired source. Reverbera­tion energy pickup is decreased approximately two­thirds. The microphone can be placed close to reflect­ing surfaces without objectionable effects if the rear
side of the microphone is toward the reflecting sur­face. This is particularly valuable in small broad­cast studios.

It is desirable to experiment with microphone
placement and orientation in order to secure the
greatest benefits from the unidirectional characteris­tic.

DATA SHEET

SPECIFICATIONS

Voltage Sensitivity:

Model 55A

62.8 db below 6 milliwatts for 10
bar signal when loaded with 35-50
ohms.

Model 55B

Model 55C

Recommended Load Impedance:
Model 55A 35-50 ohms.
Model 55B
Model 55C

74 db below 1 volt per bar open
circuit, or 63.8 db below 6 milli­watts for 10 bar signal when loaded
with 200-250 ohms.

55.5 db below 1 volt per bar when
loaded with 100,000 ohms or more.
This is equivalent to 1.8 milli­volts per bar across 100,000 ohms
or more.

200-250 ohms.
100,000 ohms or more.

patented by Shure Brothers

MODEL
Code Word
Net Wt. Less Cable
Shipping Weight

Cable

Height, Overall

(a)*

55A

RUDAR
2¾ lb.
4 lbs.
25 ft.

Two-Conduc-

tor

Two-Conduc-

Height, Case (h)*
Width
Thickness
Finish

(b)*
(c)*

Satin Chrome

* See Fig. C.

55B

RUDAT
2¾ lb.
4 lbs.
25 ft.

tor
7-25/32"
4- 7/16"

3- 3/16"

3- 9/16”

55C

RUDAS

2¾ lb.

3¾ lbs.

25 ft.
Single

Conductor

GUARANTEE:

defects for a period of one year from

date of shipment from the factory, pro­vided all instructions are complied
with fully. In case Of damage return

the microphone to the factory for re-

pairs. Our guarantee is voided if the
microphone case is opened.

Each microphone is guar­anteed to be free from
electrical and mechanical