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Description
It was originally designed for broadcast / radio / TV / tape-recording environments.
Inputs / Mixer 3 transformer-coupled inputs, each with its own input-level control. Inputs are switchable between mic-level or line-level depending on what you feed.
Single Output Despite three inputs, the SE30 has a single balanced XLR output (sum of all inputs).
Compressor / Limiter Provides gated “memory” compression / limiting — sometimes described as a “limiter with slow/fast release control” rather than a clean, precise studio-grade compressor.
Compression Range / Ratio Roughly 40 dB of compression range, with a compression ratio around 10:1 at maximum — though in practice many users refer to milder ratios depending on threshold.
Bypass / Mixer-Only Mode There’s a switch to disable compression/gate — in that mode, the SE30 functions simply as a linear mixer + preamp + remote amp.
Stereo Use (Dual-Unit Linking) Through a “Stereo Parallel” jack, two SE30 units can be synced so that both compress in unison, useful for stereo mixes (L+R).
Flex Power Options It supports AC mains or DC / battery operation (some versions + external DC), making it versatile for remote or field work.
Frequency Response Fairly broad approximately 30 Hz to 20 kHz, flat ± 2 dB.
Transformer-coupled preamps The mic-preamps are transformer-coupled, giving a certain analog coloration (character, grit, saturation) — part of what gives the SE30 its “vintage vibe.”
Videos
AustinMarshmallows
Tame Impala Lonerism Drums (Mix Tutorial Soon)
Tame Impala Lonerism Drums (Mix Tutorial Soon)
AustinMarshmallows
FORGOTTEN GEAR: Shure SE-30 Drum Squasher
AustinMarshmallows
Shure SE30 Gated Compressor/Mixer Demo with Drums
James Meder
Mono drums recording with vintage gear! SHURE SE-30
Brave Star Studio
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure SE30.
Use cases and applications
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Many users utilize the Shure SE-30 as a character compressor/limiter for drums, bass, and synths, inspired by artists like Tame Impala and The Flaming Lips.
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The SE-30 is often used post-recording to process side snare tracks before integrating them into a drum bus, particularly in digital environments like Ableton.
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It is noted that the SE-30 is used for its unique character on drum tracks, particularly favored in recreating the drum tones heard on Tame Impala's "Lonerism."
Source
Features and functionality
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It's common to keep only one channel of the SE-30, cutting the others to minimize noise, harnessing its unique sonic character.
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The SE-30 is used in conjunction with other compressors like the DBX to achieve a cohesive drum bus mix, suggesting its role as part of a larger processing chain.
Source
Build quality
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Owners report issues with the response rate knob, which can break easily, highlighting the need for potential 3D printed replacements.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings
502
My secret weird weapon
I have one with 3 output mod. Its tricky, it can destroy a sound (in a bad way) very fast. Using together with its FET compressor, you can achieve nice and unique vocals, vintage sounding. Running synths to Di's and to the mixer the sounds comes close to big old consoles. To me, the best aplicattion.
85
How is this 3 output mod done? Are there added output connections?
Artist usage
Add artist
In this photo of Kevin's rack during the Lonerism episodes, a Shure SE-30 Gated Compressor can be seen underneath the KTG.
The Shure SE30 can be seen in this picture taken from Steve Vai’s website. The photo's description reads: "Steve with Pia in Stucco Blue Studios (June 1983)." The attached photo’s url is under Steve Vai’s website. (https://www.vai.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/june1983.jpg)
The webpage where the photo and it’s description can be found is here: https://www.vai.com/rare-photos/
Album Usage
The Shure SE30 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Shure SE30, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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