Table of Contents
About Shure
Nowadays it’s more important to be heard than it is to be seen. Podcasts, music, and cafe playlists dominate our airwaves, and apps like Shazam play a key role in connecting people with new creators.
Podcasting has become a modern-day radio[1] with a wide variety of news, information, interviews, and stories, both fact and fiction, to select and listen to on demand.
While one could argue that screen time has never been more important than it is now with Instagram and TikTok, I doubt anyone would burn me at the stake for saying that you can learn more about someone from what they say than how they look.
The point is, if you’re trying to get your message or music across to people, you need good equipment.
There’s a reason why Darkthrone’s A Blaze in the Northern Sky never transferred into mainstream success – it was intentionally recorded to sound as rough as possible. Likely, you’re not trying to recreate that low-fidelity mix.
In the case that you are looking for the cleanest audio possible, then Shure may be just for you. If you haven’t heard of them then it’s likely that you’ve held one of their microphones.
The American company began as a supplier of radio parts but is now a global leader in audio electronics. They boast over 419k followers on Instagram and a huge product variety.
My Shure review will look at some of the top-selling products from said variety as well as their prices, where you can buy them, what customers have to say about them, and more. I’ll also answer a few frequently asked questions about the brand.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our mission is to help you make better, more informed purchase decisions.
Our team spends hours researching, consulting with medical experts, gathering insight from expert professionals, reviewing customer feedback, and analyzing products to provide you with the information you need.
Overview Of Shure
Shure is a company with nearly 100 years of history. They established themselves in 1925 as the Shure Radio Company, being the product of S.N. Shure in downtown Chicago.
It wasn’t until the 1940s that they truly rose to prominence by supplying Allied Forces with audio equipment that could keep them in touch during battle.
Their progress obviously didn’t stop there. With the advent of radio, television, and live music evolving over the second half of the 20th century, Shure had plenty of customers looking to see how they’d meet new needs.
It turns out that they soared above expectations, as some of their items are among the most popular pieces of audio equipment of all time.
Now, seeing as how they’ve conquered analog recording, they’re turning their focus to digital spaces. Many of their products emphasize podcasting and modifying audio from mobile devices.
This shows that Shure is still willing to adapt to the times – a principle that has allowed them to prosper for almost a century.
The next section of this Shure review will look at a few of the brand’s largest highlights.
Highlights
- One of the most trusted brands in audio equipment
- Robust item selection
- Many product bundles with great savings
- Free shipping on US orders over $50
- 30-day return policy
Shure’s products fall into a few different categories. Their reach is rather wide because they make goods intended for casual and professional use. Here are some of the divisions of products available on their website:
- Microphones
- Earbuds
- Headphones
- Loudspeakers
- Accessories
- In-ear monitors
That’s barely scratching the surface, but the other items have more niche uses. I’ll break down a few Shure wireless microphones, sound systems, and headphones next.
Shure Microphones Review
Seeing as how so much of the company’s vision is based around empowering creators, there’s no better category to dive into first in this Shure review than their microphones.
I’ve selected the following two products based on how they represent the overall quality of all Shure microphones.
Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone Review
The Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone is one of the most iconic microphones in modern entertainment. It’s the industry standard for live events and it’s likely that you’ve held one if you’re ever performed in any capacity.
It’s been around since 1966 and this latest iteration is certainly the best. It can provide a clear audio response due to the proprietary filter. This filter should combat wind, inhalation, and other quirks that could muddy your performance.
Furthermore, it uses a pickup pattern that gathers audio from everywhere around it but prioritizes what’s closest, another trait that puts the focus on your voice.
Additionally, the Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone is time-tested and tough. It can survive long journeys across the country (heck, across the world too) without gathering damage that could negate its capabilities.
If you don’t believe me then check out any world tour concert footage of your favorite act – they’re likely using this microphone.
You can pick up the most reliable microphone in the world for only $99.
What customers are saying: “Last month I purchased my own SM58 for the purposes of getting a better quality sound. All I can say is WOW! The improvement in sound reproduction was incredible. The first time I sang with the Shure product my wife said that my voice sounded great. I love this mix.”
Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone Review
Fun fact: the Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone has been used by every United States president since 1965.
It’s also one of the best-selling microphones worldwide. There’s little intrigue regarding why. It’s been around long enough to receive countless improvements while its original model was strong enough to put it ahead of the competition,
Where this microphone differs from the last one I spoke about in this Shure review is how it prioritizes acoustics.
Its purpose is to stomach high-pressure audio and transfer that raw intake into smooth output. This means it’s just as good for loud, powerful, live speeches as it is for soft folk recordings that need warmth.
Thus the appeal of the Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone is two-fold. It’s great if you’re out in public or if you’re in the studio. It’s been proven as a live and studio microphone that can turn your ideas into reality. You can pick it up for $99.
What customers are saying: “I really do like this microphone. I use it for my room studio which is almost entirely untreated and the room noise is next to none with this thing. I would highly recommend.”
Shure Wireless Systems Review
The next products in my Shure review are entire systems dedicated to ensuring that everything runs smoothly during your live performances.
Shure Axient Digital Digital Wireless Systems Review
The Shure Axient Digital Digital Wireless Systems includes a cavalcade of devices to handle every aspect of your live performance.
It comes with multiple transmitters, receivers, and microphones. They’re all united by an audio system that works to cut through the noise. The system uses encrypted digital radio frequencies via low latency and static responses.
As such, the Shure Axient Digital Digital Wireless Systems can match every member of your team with the exact same audio so that everyone is on the same page. You can pick up the entire system for as low as $2,224.
What customers are saying: “The Axient Digital with KSM8 is “Flawless!” I have had trouble with various systems in the past (Even Shure’s ), but this Axient system makes me feel comfortable enough to leave the venue once I pass it to the CEO to address his constituents.”
Shure QLX-D Digital Wireless Systems Review
This system works as an arbiter between all your audio devices. It was designed specifically for medium venues, which is reflected by its modest price point.
The Shure QLX-D Digital Wireless Systems is the less expensive of the two systems in this Shure review, coming in at only $973.
What it does is use wireless workbench software to help your devices communicate. You can standardize their performance and adjust it on the fly through your Apple device.
What customers are saying: “As a Race Announcer, in a variety of setting, a dependable wireless system is essential. My QLX-D 58 (and Beta 58 capsule) has proven itself over and over. We’ve had 450 feet line-of-sight coverage of excellent sound, using the basic half wave antennae. Even more with the paddles.”
Shure Headphones Review
The final category of products in this Shure review is the most popular among common consumers. Everybody has a favorite pair of headphones, and the ones I’m going to tell you about may make you reconsider which ones are your favorite.
Shure SRH840A Professional Studio Headphones Review
The Shure SRH840A Professional Studio Headphones are designed for recording and production, but they’re so comfortable, light, and crisp-sounding that even regular audio-enjoyers will like them.
Those same qualities obviously make these headphones a fine choice if you are involved in the back-end of audio production, but you don’t need to be a record producer to recognize their appeal.
Their specs include 40mm neodymium dynamic drivers and a tailored frequency response. You can pick up a pair of Shure SRH840A Professional Studio Headphones for $149.
What customers are saying: “I got the new 840’s last night, overnight shipping was sweet. The new design is great, and while they felt more “consumery” out of the box – this is not so. The new headphones are lighter in weight, clearer sounding, overall more comfortable, and the swivel mechanism for the ear-cups is much more robust in design.”
Shure MV7 Microphones Review
This microphone is built with versatility, both in regards to who can use it and what it can connect to. The Shure MV7 Microphone has both USB and XLR outputs so that you have options with how you want to record your audio.
On the note of audio recording, the Shure MV7 Microphone has a bevy of features that make it great for everyone.
You can modify the tone, control things from the ShurePlus MOTIV app, and pick apart specific settings to tweak the audio to your preferences.
The Shure MV7 Microphone costs $249.
What customers are saying: “As someone who cares about audio quality without having much skill, this was the perfect mic. Easy to use. Great sound.”
Who Is Shure For?
Anybody who places high emphasis on audio quality (from concert venues to musicians to podcasters to audiophiles) would enjoy the products in this Shure review.
Shure Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
Here are the average customer review scores from all of the items I included in this Shure review. All of the following numbers have been taken from the brand’s website:
- Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone: 5/5 stars based on more than 200 pieces ratings
- Shure SM57 Dynamic Instrument Microphone: 5/5 stars based on more than 85 ratings
- Shure SRH840A Professional Studio Headphones: 5/5 stars based on 5 ratings
- Shure QLX-D Digital Wireless Systems: 5/5 stars based on 1 rating
- Shure MV7 Microphone: 4.75/5 stars based on more than 225 ratings
- Shure Axient Digital Digital Wireless Systems: 4.75/5 stars based on 5 ratings
I also looked at Shure review scores from other websites to gather a more balanced view. Here are a couple of other scores:
- Crutchfield: 5/5 stars based on more than 25 pieces of customer feedback on the Shure AONIC 50
- Amazon: 4.5/5 stars based on more than 1,000 pieces of customer feedback on the Shure Microphone
- Best Buy: 3.8/5 stars based on more than 5 pieces of customer feedback on the Shure – AONIC 215 Sound Isolating Earphones – White
As you can see, most folks were very pleased with their Shure products.
Many customer reviews highlighted the sound quality of their products. This is how one buyer described the audio of the Shure SRH840A Professional Studio Headphones.
“We use these for mixing front of house and recording audio for our church as well as post edit mastering. They are lightweight and have a solid build to them. Have been using these for over a month and have come to really love these headphones.”
Shure’s attention to detail was appreciated by customers across the board. The unique and intricate design of each product provided customers with a sound that they couldn’t get elsewhere.
One buyer on the Sweetwater website wrote this about the Shure Microphone:
“Outstanding vocal mic. Clear, responsive, excellent tonal qualities and no feedback issues. I have two female singers and myself (male) using this mic. In my opinion the SM86 sounds about as good as a $750 mic made by another company which is a stellar mic. Highly recommended.”
I found that beginners loved Shure because of how forgiving their products were.
While they were praised for being high quality, they were also optimized toward cutting out many of the smaller background noises that can frustrate those who don’t know how to deal with them.
The last Shure review I’m going to include from a customer hones in on just this topic:
“This is a great vocal mic. I have been to a couple of open mics that use these on vocals and they are very clear and accurate. I also like that it is a cardoid pattern that is a little more forgiving if you move a little off axis. This mic works well on acoustic guitar too.”
Is Shure Legit?
I’m very happy to report that there wasn’t anything that popped out as being sketchy while I was reading through customer testimonials. As such, I can report that Shure is a very legit brand.
Is Shure Worth It?
After reading through all the customer reviews, I’m more firm than ever when I say that Shure is worth it.
Many audio companies are best for either experts or beginners. Hardly do those brands make products that both groups can enjoy without compromising in one way or another.
That’s not the case with Shure. Their craftsmanship is evident in how they cater to customers’ needs as time goes on.
They don’t sacrifice what made them remarkable to begin with. Rather, they take what they’re good at and apply it to new technologies and ventures.
With all that being said, I definitely think that Shure is going to be worth your time and money.
Shure Promotions & Discounts
Right now, you can save a bit of pocket change on select Shure microphones and Shure headphones. The brand is offering savings of up to $30 on the Shure M7 Microphones and the Aonic 215 Earphones.
Meanwhile, their other hot promotion at the moment is their bundles. They have plenty of options to choose from. Some of these bundles make sense because they pair two items you’d likely purchase together anyways.
For example, the Shure M7X Microphone and the K&M 23840 Boom Arm come together for $269 rather than $309. Chances are, if you’re buying a studio microphone, you’d also need an arm to hold it.
Some of their other bundles were made for specific purposes, like the Shure Home Streaming Bundle which costs $179, and the Shure Music Student SM58/Headphone Bundle for $179.
Given that information, I’d recommend checking out their special offers page and using that as a starting point to see which items are perfect for your purpose.
Where To Buy Shure
Here are some of the places where you can buy Shure’s products:
- The brand’s website, Shure.com
- Amazon
- Best Buy
- Crutchfield
FAQ
Who owns Shure?
Shure is technically still a family business because the Shure family still oversees operations.
Does Shure ship internationally?
It appears that Shure can ship some of their products internationally. However, they cannot ship any items containing a lithium-ion battery in the air, so they can only send those items to contiguous US locations.
What is Shure’s Shipping Policy?
Shure provides free shipping on all US orders over $50. The vast majority of their products are shipped via 1-day shipping while those that do not are shipped through 2-day shipping.
What is Shure’s Return Policy?
You can return any Shure items up to 30 days after you received them. You must fill out a return request form in order to begin the process.
How To Contact Shure
I’ll wrap up my Shure review by telling you how you can contact the brand if you have any questions or concerns. You can call their toll-free number at 1-800-516-2525, or fill out a customer contact form on their website.
Take a peek at some of our recently published articles:
Article Sources
- Tobin, S.J. and Guadagno, R.E. Why people listen: Motivations and outcomes of podcast listening PLOS ONE, 17(4), p.e0265806
Ask the community or leave a comment
WRITE A REVIEWCustomer Reviews
Leave a review