Shure SM17 User Guide

MODEL SM17

INSTRUMENT DYNAMIC MICROPHONE

The Shure Model SM17 is a miniature dynamic
microphone designed specifically for use with acoustic
stringed instruments and other acoustic musical in­struments. The SM17 has an omnidirectional pickup
pattern and a frequency response well suited for instru­ment use. The microphone is supplied with an attached
3m (10 ft) cable, shock mount, clip, expansion mount,
additional bushings (for the expansion mount), cloth
mounting adapter, and two cable clips

Model SM17 Features:

Excellent frequency response for acoustic instru­ment use. Will not overload or distort at high sound
levels
Small and lightweight for unobtrusive, virtually un­seen operation

Smooth exterior and recessed grille screen minimize
accidental rubbing noise

Rugged aluminum case construction
Extremely flexible lightweight cable
Three mounting options -expansion mount for
string hole mounting, cloth mounting adapter for

string mounting, or clip for sound hole or other edge
mounting

INSTALLATION

VIOLINS, VIOLAS AND CELLOS

To mount the SM17 on a violin, viola or cello, re­move the shock mount from the clip and slide it on the
expansion mount blade. Unscrew the knurled nut on the
expansion mount (see Figure 1) until tension is removed

from the rubber bushing below the nut. Insert the screw
head and bushing end of the expansion mount in one of
the string holes of the tailpiece. [Note that a total of
three different bushing sizes-4, 4.37 and 6 mm (0.16,

0.17 and 0.24 in.) diameter- are supplied. If the 4 mm
bushing installed on the expansion mount is too small,
unscrew the knurled nut and replace the bushing with
one of a larger diameter.] Swivel the expansion mount to
the approximate desired position and tighten the knurl­ed nut to expand the rubber bushing in the string hole.
Snap the microphone into the shock mount (see Figure

2). Note that the microphone can be swiveled in the
shock mount after installation.

The SM17 can also be mounted on a violin, viola or
cello using the cloth mounting adapter by pulling the
“loop” strip away from the “hook” strip. Fasten the
adapter (with the elastic microphone band upward)
around the instrument strings between the bridge and
tailpiece by pressing the “loop” and “hook” strips
together. Insert the SM17 in the elastic band with the
microphone grille toward the bridge (see Figure 3).

To hold the microphone cable in place, remove the
paper backing from the supplied cable clips, affix the
clips to a suitable flat surface, and insert the cable in
the clip slot.

VIOLIN MOUNTING-EXPANSION MOUNT

FIGURE 2

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES

FIGURE 1

222 HARTREY AVENUE, EVANSTON, ILLINOIS 60202-3696 U.S.A. l TELEPHONE: [phone] l CABLE: SHUREMlCRO

Copyright 1985, Shure Brothers Inc.
27A2196 (EH)

VIOLIN MOUNTING-CLOTH MOUNTING ADAPTER

FIGURE 3

Printed in U.S.A.

ACOUSTIC GUITARS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS

To mount the SM17 on an acoustic guitar (or similar
instrument with a wide sound hole), insert the clip blade
(see Figure 1) in the slots of the shock mount. Squeeze
the clip to open it, and affix the clip to the edge of the
guitar sound hole (below the strings). NOTE:
teeth are cushioned to avoid marring the instrument
finish. Snap the SM17 into the shock mount and swivel
the microphone to the desired position (see Figure 4).
Note that the microphone can be positioned on the top
surface of the guitar as shown, or placed within the
guitar body. Make sure the location of the microphone
does not interfere with playing. The cable clips can be
used to fasten the microphone cable along any flat sur­face.

The clip

SPECIFICATIONS

Type

Dynamic

Frequency Response

50 to 15,000 Hz (see Figure 5)

TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE

FIGURE 5

Polar Pattern

Omnidirectional

Impedance

Microphone rating impedance is 150 ohms (200 ohms
actual) for connection to microphone inputs rated at
19 to 300 ohms

Output Level (at 1,000 Hz)

Open Circuit Voltage. . . . . . . . -84.5 dB (.06 mV)

(0 dB = 1 volt per microbar)

Power Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -63.5 dB

(0 dB = 1 milliwatt per 10 microbars)

GUITAR MOUNTING

FIGURE 4

The SM17 can also be used with a number of other
musical instruments. For instance, the clip can be
affixed to the bell of a saxophone, trumpet or trombone.
Other uses depend on the availability of edges or sur­faces to which the clip can be fastened. In addition, the
SM17 can be used (without mounting accessories) to
pick up amplified instruments by suspending the

microphone in front of the instrument amp speaker.

CONNECTOR

The SM17 is supplied with a professional 3-pin audio
connector designed to mate with Cannon XL series,
Switchcraft A3 (Q.G.) series or equivalent connectors.

Note that the supplied connector has a special strain
relief to accommodate the very small diameter cable.

IMPEDANCE

The SM17 is supplied wired for low-impedance

microphone inputs (rated at 19 to 300 ohms). The low­impedance, balanced line operation is desirable where
long cable lengths are required or conditions where

severe hum pickup may exist. To connect to high im-

pedance (¼ in. phone jack) instrument amplifier or

microphone inputs, connect the SM17 cable connector
to the low-impedance side of a Shure Line Matching
Transformer and plug the high-impedance side (¼ in.

phone plug) into the input.

Phasing

Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive
voltage on pin 2 of microphone connector

Hum Pickup

35.3 dB equivalent SPL in a 1 millioersted field

Cable

Non-detachable, 3m (10 ft), two-conductor, shielded,
plastic-covered

Connector

Professional three-pin audio connector designed to
mate with Cannon XL series, Switchcraft A3 (Q.G.)
series or equivalent connectors

Case

Aluminum with gray enamel finish

Dimensions

See Figure 6

OVERALL DIMENSIONS

FIGURE 6