SMC Productions
New member
Shure: Wireless systems and microphones
Over the years, Tony has tried many wireless systems for use on stage. The dilemma he has always faced has been the compromise between the freedom of movement and the reduced overall sound quality when compared to a cable. Cable usually won!
A couple of years ago Shure came up with a technological leap that was first applied in their ULX series systems. Essentially it splits the frequency range of the audio and applies different ratios of compression / expansion to different frequency bands. The overall result is a sound that is closer to the dynamic response of a cable than anything else around. Tony started using the ULX Professional system for the 2004 Black Sabbath Ozzfest tour and it worked really well. It was used again on the Sabbath European and US Ozzfest tours in 2005.
The other branch of the link with Shure is microphones. Most of the music that Tony has played over the years has reached the listener’s ears via a Shure SM57, the classic guitar recording mic. When it came to equipping Tone Hall, Tony’s studio, Shure was the first choice. We use the following constantly; KSM 44 and SM 58 for vocals, KSM 32 for drum overheads and ambience, KSM 137 for hi hats, Beta 52 and Beta 91 for bass drum (and bass guitar - 52), Beta 98 for toms. For those who follow Tony’s program ‘Black Sunday’ on Planet Rock FM, Tony and his guests are recorded using KSM 44s. Oh yes, and guitar comes via…………..you’ve guessed it, SM 57.
On the tech side, the Shure battery powered headphone amp (a service tool rather than consumer goody) is invaluable in fault diagnosis.
Over the years, Tony has tried many wireless systems for use on stage. The dilemma he has always faced has been the compromise between the freedom of movement and the reduced overall sound quality when compared to a cable. Cable usually won!
A couple of years ago Shure came up with a technological leap that was first applied in their ULX series systems. Essentially it splits the frequency range of the audio and applies different ratios of compression / expansion to different frequency bands. The overall result is a sound that is closer to the dynamic response of a cable than anything else around. Tony started using the ULX Professional system for the 2004 Black Sabbath Ozzfest tour and it worked really well. It was used again on the Sabbath European and US Ozzfest tours in 2005.
The other branch of the link with Shure is microphones. Most of the music that Tony has played over the years has reached the listener’s ears via a Shure SM57, the classic guitar recording mic. When it came to equipping Tone Hall, Tony’s studio, Shure was the first choice. We use the following constantly; KSM 44 and SM 58 for vocals, KSM 32 for drum overheads and ambience, KSM 137 for hi hats, Beta 52 and Beta 91 for bass drum (and bass guitar - 52), Beta 98 for toms. For those who follow Tony’s program ‘Black Sunday’ on Planet Rock FM, Tony and his guests are recorded using KSM 44s. Oh yes, and guitar comes via…………..you’ve guessed it, SM 57.
On the tech side, the Shure battery powered headphone amp (a service tool rather than consumer goody) is invaluable in fault diagnosis.
