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Shure 545SD

Test & Review

Are you looking for a microphone that works well for picking up audio from an acoustic instrument as well as picking up vocals? Opt for the Shure 545 SD microphone. It is a dynamic microphone with cardioid polar pattern. It's very beneficial to have this microphone, as it has a switchable dual impedance setting, and these capsules are replaceable. Discover through this guide our complete test of this Shure microphone.

Shure 545 SD test and review

🎤 by Kevin Jung

Summary of the article 👇

The Shure 545 SD Unidyne III is a dynamic microphone with cardioid polar pattern and dual impedance . Intended to be used at low impedance ( Low-Z ), this microphone from Shure is equipped with a magnetic blade on-off switch. This electrodynamic microphone can ideally be used as a studio microphone and a singing mic for a vocal lead.

It is suitable for both voice recording and audio recording of an acoustic instrument . So is the Shure 545 SD the perfect studio microphone for audio processing, mixing and recording? Let's test the Shure 545 SD microphone to judge its performance and discover all the potential it hides!

dynamic microphone Shure 545 SD
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Shure 545 SD Microphone Overview

Shure 545 SD Unydine III is a dynamic microphone model with dual impedance and cardioid polar pattern. This directional microphone with cardioid polar pattern is suitable for vocal and instrumental recording in a recording studio as well as for use on stage .

The 545 SD also continues to be popular with TV presenters, lecturers, meeting leaders and broadcasters to this day. Although the Shure 545 SD dynamic microphone only displays a cardioid polar pattern, therefore unidirectional, it remains no less versatile.

The Shure 545 SD only perceives the sound wave from the front . This characteristic differentiates it from other types of microphones (such as the EV RE20 microphone ). An omnidirectional microphone, also called a room microphone , picks up sound sources from all directions, and uniformly.

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Shure 545SD

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An omnidirectional microphone is more suitable for shared (or group) use than for individual use. It is thus distinguished from a cardioid or unidirectional microphone such as Shure 545 SD. As for the bidirectional microphone, it perceives sound in both directions (front and back) and can therefore pick up sound waves coming from two different sound sources.

The Shure 545 SD dynamic instrument is both dedicated to recording vocals and instruments in the best conditions for recording ( in the studio ) or broadcasting ( live ). This microphone can also be used by setting it up on a stand or on a desk like an external microphone.

Installed in this configuration, it will perfectly fulfill the role of a gooseneck microphone and can even amplify the sound dynamics better than a boom microphone. Used in a uniform configuration, the Shure 545 SD significantly reduces feedback in outdoor PA applications.

The Shure SD 545 dynamic microphone offers the possibility of dual adjustable impedance use . This dynamic microphone from Shure also features a silent magnetic blade on-off switch with locking option.

Shure 545 SD package
Picture from Worthpoint.com

Unlike other dynamic microphones , Shure's Model 545 SD voice coil mic offers only limited dynamic description. The response curve remains flat and overall between 20 Hz and 20 kHz (Bass, medium and high) for the former, while the micro 545 SD makes it possible to feed the sound dynamics at best with a more precise frequency response. between 50 Hz and 15 kHz .

This fairly short response curve allows for better audio reproduction thanks to this HF ( High frequency ) microphone. The Shure 545 SD is supplied with a specific microphone clip ( A25D ). Note also that this microphone is designed to work with replaceable R45 capsules .

The same applies if its RK169P male XLR base, its screen and its RK244G grille become obsolete. Alongside the purchase of your Shure 545 SD, you can always choose to equip it with the following accessories (and therefore provided as options by the manufacturer):

  • A95 Series Line Adapter Transformer,
  • Silentbloc A55M, A55HM,
  • A26M twin mounting,
  • Windshield A2WS-GRA, A2WS-BLK,
  • Cable, LO-Z (7.6 m) C25J (low impedance),
  • Cable, HI-Z (6.1 m) C20AHZ (high impedance).

Shure 545 SD: A design more than 60 years old

Present on the market for almost a century, the American brand Shure is a true reference in the manufacturing and distribution of high-end microphones . Despite the persistence of the crisis in 1929, the company was able to take advantage of this situation to design efficient transducers . Shure made its first breakthrough in 1939 with the Shure Model 55 Unidyne, a model which was renewed and named the Shure Super 55 Deluxe (a supercardioid type microphone).

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Shure 545SD

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The Shure Model 55 Unidyne is the first single-element dynamic cardioid microphone offered and democratized by Shure. This design, innovative at the time, allowed versatile and dedicated use for almost all applications. The popularity of the launch of the Shure Model 55 prompted the manufacturer to develop an updated version of its Model 55, known as the “Elvis Mic”.

A microphone for singing which continues to be manufactured and distributed until today under the designation SH55 . In the 1950s, the development of microphones designed at Shure accelerated and moved from the Unidyne I capsule to the Unidyne II .

All original versions were called "Side Address" and were best suited to being used on a stand and angled away from the sound source (much like large diaphragm condenser microphones like the AKG P220 ). It was then in 1959 that Shure had the ingenious idea of ​​developing a new microphone model: the Shure 545 SD Unidyne III.

Its success will last for more than half a century. Appearing in 1959, the Shure 545 SD Unidyne III was the first unidirectional “End-Firing” dynamic microphone model designed by the brand. This meant for the user that he could hold the microphone in his hand, talk or sing, while moving without any handling noise affecting the sound performance of the microphone.

Shure 545 SD microphone
Picture from Tdpri.com

The Shure 545 SD Unidyne III was also greatly appreciated by TV presenters of the time due to its remarkable audio performance . The only drawback of this Unidyne III microphone at that time was its "glossy" finish which was quite impractical for live television broadcasting.

Clad in a crude metal housing and a black plastic collar, the Shure 545 SD microphone generated far too many reflections under TV studio lighting. This phenomenon no longer poses a problem nowadays due to the development of digital cameras and cameras, which was not the case before.

The reflections generated by the finish of the Shure 545 SD posed a huge problem at the time since they caused spots in the television picture transmitted live. On a black-and-white television screen, these reflections looked like black squiggles. The screen display of a color UHF television also caused brown or purple spots to appear for these reflections.

To overcome this, Shure has therefore decided to launch the legendary Shure SM57 featuring an all-metal casing with a matte, non-reflective finish .

very preferred high-end dynamic microphones whether for television broadcasting, radio broadcasting or audio recording. Let's take a close look at the respective characteristics of the two microphones to find out which one is more efficient.

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Shure 545SD

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Shure 545 SD Vs Shure SM57: an eternal duel

The Shure 545 SD was the best stand microphone that the brand has designed, and this is only done using a mounting clip specific to this model. Aside from its sleek metallic finish, several other features differentiate the Shure 545 SD from the Shure SM57.

The Shure 545 SD is equipped with a switch that allows you to switch between two impedances ( Lo-Z to Hi-Z or vice versa ). Everything is done in just a few steps, as you simply unscrew the XLR connector and move the small jumper.

The Shure 545 SD Unidyne III also features a special magnetic on-off switch. This will avoid making the clicking noise likely to disturb the ears of spectators when activating the microphone during a presentation, a speech or a singing performance on stage.

At first glance, the Shure 545 SD and Shure SM57 have more similarities than differences. Let's just remember that the current version of the 545 SD offers adjustable impedance ( Lo-Z to Hi-Z or the opposite ), via a jumper.

Today's Shure 545 SD also has an on-off switch that can be more easily locked in the on position to keep it activated without causing the slightest annoying noise. You will just have to make sure you are out of range of a speaker to avoid deafening hissing due to a magnetic field interference problem. We will also be surprised to learn that this Unidyne III microphone costs slightly less than the SM57.

Shure 545 SD microphone test
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Rode NTG3 microphone review guide . It is a condenser shotgun microphone designed for multiple applications. Discover in this guide the complete overview, its sound quality, its technical characteristics, as well as our opinion on this microphone.

Zoom on the sound quality of the Shure 545 SD microphone

The Shure 545 SD was designed and released 6 years before the SM57 was released in 1965. Although the Shure 545 SD is slightly less expensive than the Shure SM57, this cardioid directional microphone still remains popular today for a very good reason: its switchable dual impedance setting .

But first, you will need to know and understand what is meant by impedance. What is impedance? This is a standard used to measure the opposition that a circuit is likely to present to an electric current when a voltage is applied.

It results from a complex relationship between voltage and electric current in a circuit with an alternating current called ( AC ). Impedance expands the concept of resistance to AC circuits and has both magnitude as well as phase. Impedance is opposed to resistance which only offers amplitude.

When a circuit is therefore supplied with direct current ( DC ), we will not be able to distinguish the impedance from the resistance. Concretely, how does this work in electronic audio systems ? Note that the electronic components of audio, video or RF (Radio Frequency) systems all have a nominal impedance .

In the old analog video era, standard impedance was limited to 75 Ohms . If we therefore needed to loop a signal, we had to leave all the devices at high impedance except the last one where the loop will be completed at 75 Ohms.

Shure 545 SD packaging
Picture from Audiofanzine.com

The radio frequency systems of television broadcasters had an impedance of 75 Ω with unbalanced round wiring or 300 Ω with balanced flat wiring. This impedance is limited to 52 Ω for most CB (Citizen Band) radios.

Given the rise of digital audio and very high definition sound, what are the output impedances displayed by the main dynamic and balanced microphones available today? Below is a non-exhaustive list providing information on the types of dynamic microphones and their respective (announced) output impedance:

  • Audio Technica BP40, 450 Ohms,
  • Audio Technica BPHS1, 560 Ohms (for the microphone part),
  • ElectroVoice RE50N/DB, 150 Ohms,
  • Heil PR40, 600 Ohms,
  • Shure SM57, 150 Ohms (real 300 Ohms),
  • Shure SM58, 150 Ohms (real 300 Ohms).

All the microphones listed below are qualified as “ Lo-Z ” microphones, therefore low impedance. The advantage with the Shure 545 SD lies precisely in the possibility of switching this setting to low or high impedance . Older generations of mic preamps and power amplifiers only provided an input impedance of 600 Ohms .

This era is long gone since most recent console or mixer models operate at high impedance, i.e. 2 kΩ, 5 kΩ, or even 10 kΩ if the mixer or channel strip is used with unbalanced microphones.

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Shure 545SD

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The Shure 545 SD could therefore work better with these types of devices unlike other models or types of dynamic microphones from Shure. The case is different for condenser microphones , therefore electrostatic, in that they operate using 48 Volt phantom power.

The sound wave perceived at the input of the electrostatic microphones comes out as an electrical signal. By their nature, condenser mics are high impedance mics , unlike a ribbon or voice-coil mic. The output level is quite high for a condenser mic compared to most dynamic mics.

The proximity effect, however, remains better perceived with a dynamic microphone than with an electrostatic condenser microphone . This is certainly due to the sensitivity of the condenser microphone which is also quite high compared to that of an ordinary dynamic microphone. A condenser microphone should often be equipped with a pop filter and a high-pass filter (switchable).

The equivalent level expressed in Dpa, however, remains specific to each type and model of microphone. The advantage with a Shure 545 SD dynamic microphone lies in the fact that it captures sound in low frequencies as well as in medium and high frequencies .

Given that we are dealing here with a dynamic microphone equipped with an XLR connection, the use of an external sound card is recommended to make it work with a PC or a Mac. A dynamic XLR microphone such as Shure 545 SD or Neumann provides much better sound quality than that of a micro-USB such as Rode NT USB or yeti.

A USB microphone remains practical to use, of course, to the extent that a simple connection to a PC or Mac is enough, without installing a driver or using a sound card, to make it work. The quality of audio monitoring which results from the use of a dynamic XLR microphone such as Shure 545 SD will however be significantly enhanced.

microphone Shure 545 SD
Picture from Worthpoint.com

The technical characteristics of the Shure 545 SD microphone

  • Brand: Shure,
  • Model: 545 SD,
  • Type: Dynamic,
  • Connections: XLR,
  • Phantom power: not required,
  • Frequency response: 50 Hz to 15 kHz ,
  • Sound pressure: 94 dB Spl ,
  • Directivity curve: Cardioid ,
  • Impedance: Dual and switchable ( Lo-Z to Hi-Z or vice versa),
  • Output Level (at 1 Hz) and Open Circuit Voltage: “L” (Low) -58.0 dB (1.3 mV) , “H” (High) -35.0 dB (17.6 mV) , 0 dB = 1 volt per Pascal (1 Pa = 94 dB NPA) ,
  • Polarity: Configurable in symmetrical or asymmetrical connection mode,
  • Switch: Integrated magnetic blade on-off switch with locking plate,
  • Cartridge silentblock mount: Internal rubber vibration damper,
  • Microphone Clamp: Suitable for stand mounting with 5/8"–27 thread,
  • Body: Chrome casting with ARMO-DUR grille and stainless steel screen,
  • Net weight (without cable): 255 grams.
dual impedance microphone Shure 545 SD
Picture from Colepicksvintage.com
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Our Overall Opinion

Overall Sound Quality

4,8 /5
4.8/5

Value for money

4,6 /5
4.6/5

Global mark

4,7 /5
4.7/5

Our opinion on the Shure 545 SD microphone

Unless you are a sound engineer, it seems quite difficult to distinguish which of the two Shure microphones (545 SD and SM57) performs better. Note, however, that the Shure 545 SD remains much more versatile. Everything will depend on the type of studio equipment you are going to use: pre-amp, channel strip, mixing desk, mixing console, etc.

If most of your equipment (preamplifier, power amplifier, audio mixer, etc.) operates at high impedance, purchasing a Shure 545 SD could be perfectly practical compared to purchasing an SM57, which is also slightly more expensive than its predecessor.

The Shure 545 SD also displays a fairly short response curve of between 50 Hz and 15 kHz to allow more detailed and concentrated sound capture in its bandwidth. The highs of a snare drum or a singing voice will therefore sound better on the Shure 545 SD rather than on the SM57. And the same goes for the timbre of bass acoustic instruments such as basses and double basses.

The same applies if you are going to have to use a latest generation amplifier, preamp or mixing desk operating at high impedance. Purchasing a Shure 545 SD, and slightly less expensive than the Shure SM57, could be very ingenious.

For the rest, you are free to decide, depending on the size of your budget, whether it is preferable to acquire the two high-end microphones to enhance your sound equipment. In all cases, you will ensure impeccable sound quality, whether in terms of audio recording or broadcasting. Purchasing a Shure 545 SD also allows you to benefit from better value for money when purchasing a high-end microphone.

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