Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $261
High-end/Boutique
$75
$201+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Shure Super 55". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Shure Super 55, a dynamic vocal microphone with a nostalgic twist. This isn't your ordinary mic - it's the successor of the legendary SH 55 "Elvismic", carrying forward the legacy with modernized features and improved performance.
The Shure Super 55 boasts a super-cardioid characteristic, ensuring that your vocals cut through the mix with clarity and precision. Not just a pretty face, the Super 55 is a workhorse in the studio and on stage, offering a frequency response of 60Hz - 17kHz, and a sensitivity of -53.0 dBV / Pa (ref. 1 kHz). Its nominal impedance is 150 Ω, making it compatible with a wide range of audio systems.
But what sets this microphone apart is its improved capsule design. The Super 55 is crafted for less noise and maximum feedback resistance, ensuring pure, clean sound capture even in the most demanding environments. The microphone is also equipped with a tripod connector for secure positioning and easy setup.
This is not just a microphone - it's a piece of history reimagined for the modern performer. The Shure Super 55 is proof that sometimes, the old ways are the best ways.
Key Features:
- Successor of the legendary SH 55 "Elvismic"
- Super-cardioid characteristic for focused sound capture
- Frequency response of 60 Hz - 17 kHz
- Sensitivity of -53.0 dBV / Pa (ref. 1 kHz)
- Nominal impedance of 150 Ω
- Tripod connector for secure setup
- Improved capsule design for less noise and maximum feedback resistance.
Owner's manual
Shure Super 55 User ManualProduct specs
| Microphone Type | Dynamic |
| Polar Pattern | Supercardioid |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz-17kHz |
| Output Impedance | 150 ohms |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs. |
FAQs
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Does the Shure Super 55 require phantom power?
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No, the Shure Super 55 is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power to operate.
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What is the polar pattern of the Shure Super 55?
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The Shure Super 55 features a supercardioid polar pattern, which provides excellent off-axis rejection and minimizes background noise, making it ideal for live performances.
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Is the Shure Super 55 suitable for live vocal performances?
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Yes, the Shure Super 55 is well-suited for live vocal performances due to its supercardioid polar pattern and robust build, which help isolate the main sound source and reduce feedback.
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How does the Shure Super 55 connect to audio equipment?
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The Shure Super 55 connects to audio equipment via an XLR connector, which is standard for professional audio gear.
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What is the frequency response range of the Shure Super 55?
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The Shure Super 55 has a frequency response range of 60Hz to 17kHz, providing a balanced sound that captures both the low and high frequencies effectively.
Videos
Podcastage
Shure Super 55 Deluxe Vocal Microphone Review / Test
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional sound quality, especially for live performances
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Iconic, vintage design adds visual appeal on stage
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Superior feedback rejection, even in challenging environments
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Built ruggedly, ensuring durability and longevity
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Provides a distinct, retro sound without sacrificing clarity
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Highly effective supercardioid pattern for focused pickup
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Works well with colorful preamps for enhanced vocal tones
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Adaptable for both vocal and instrument mic use
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Recognized and used by notable performers
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Cancels out background noise effectively
CONS
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High price point without frequent sales
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Requires close proximity for optimal sound pickup
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XLR socket placement inconvenient and lacks secure locking
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Struggles with plosives; may need additional pop filter
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Slightly less dynamic range for certain voices
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Shape and design require adjustment from standard mics
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Some users find the sound not to their liking
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Packaging not sealed, raising concerns about newness and hygiene
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure Super 55.
Features and functionality
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The Super 55 uses a Beta 58 capsule, known for its supercardioid pattern, which requires careful placement relative to monitors to avoid feedback.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Proper gain structure and EQ on the board, alongside graphic EQ on the mains, are essential for minimizing feedback issues in live settings.
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User experience
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The aesthetic appeal of the Super 55 often drives purchases, but its unique body shape may create a smaller sweet spot than a standard Beta 58.
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Owners report that the Super 55 is not flattering on most voices, with a distinct vintage sound and a pronounced peak around 5kHz that can cause harshness.
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Some users describe the Super 55’s sound as having too much resonance, likening it to a vintage dynamic mic, which may not suit all vocal styles or preferences.
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Use cases and applications
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The Super 55 can be challenging to work with in loud band environments due to its sensitivity to feedback and precise mic positioning requirements.
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It's noted that the Super 55's unique sound and susceptibility to plosives make it less ideal for voice acting compared to other dynamic mics like the SM57.
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Several users suggest considering condenser mics like the Rode NT1 or Warm Audio WA-47 JR for voice acting and podcasting due to their flatter frequency response and enhanced sensitivity.
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The Super 55 is noted to work better in situations where it doesn't need a high volume, making it less suited for loud bands or environments with high-stage noise.
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Comparisons
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Owners note that while the Super 55 and Beta 58 share a capsule, the Super 55's enclosure can affect its sound, making it less forgiving than the Beta 58 in some setups.
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The Shure Super 55 is likened to a Shure SM58 in a more decorative housing, indicating similar functionality but with a more visually appealing design.
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Metallica's use of the Super 55 involves heavily modified versions, indicating potential for customization but also highlighting the mic’s limitations in standard configurations for loud environments.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 11 Reviews and 40 Ratings
211
50's Look & Rock 'n Roll attitude
This microphone is beautiful, badass, Rock 'n Roll and absolute class!
63
clear and crisp
Mic is great for the vintage sound... I use it with my cover band for certain songs to get the tape style recorded sound while live. Never had a feedback issue unless you cup it.
146
As seen in our music video
I use this mic in our music video for "Drytooth", which can be seen here https://youtu.be/NUBlx9tTa-k . It's a solid mic but the diaphragm is sensitive, in the sense that you need to sing straight into it to get the full quality (unlike a standard performance mic where you can wobble around its perimeter and expect the same sound and volume). The mic belongs to my singer, who can be seen using it from time to time as well.
173
Clear sound and great for low and medium frequencies
I believe that this being one of James Hetfield's signature Microphones says it all by itself, but this microphone is a completely worth investment. With a great quality and pureness of sound, this mic is perfect specially for low and mid frequencies and it does cope perfectly well with a good reverb pedal or effect. Best microphone I ever had and I'll surely use it for a really long time.
41026
Says it all? Like it definitely says that you can use it to growl "Its off to Never never land.... Hruuwah!" into it? Right?
173
@jimmarchi1 Not sure what you meant by that (if it was a compliment or the opposite) but I think that's a great reference, and this mac is incredibly good for both studio and live presentations.
736
Amazing, Metal, and Vintage look and feel.
Best Microphone ever, Love The nostalgic look, and the super metal feel.
928
1MMI 1st Studio mic
1MMI 1st Studio mic, used for vocal and drum pick up
Artist usage
Add artist
As seen in the new music video for "Last Train Home", the first of 4 new songs on John Mayer's upcoming 8th studio Album, Sob Rock (dropping July 16, 2021), a vintage Shure 55 Dynamic Microphone makes a cameo and adds to the authentic 1980's vibe the video is going for.
James Hetfield was seen using a Shure Super 55 microphone, featuring a black casing and red grille, in a photo shared by Metallica on Instagram during the Rock in Roma event.
you can see frank singing throught the microfone in some parts of the song. most exactly minute 0:48
I'm sure she's using a shure SM55 mike, but cannot really tell if it's the deluxe version or the simple serie ii but i'll guess it's the deluxe because the middle seems enhanced (that the main difference between the 2 mikes)
for the timing, 3:22 seems the best to see the full microphone from the back
Throughout this video, Rob uses a black Super 55 for vocals and acoustic guitar (surprisingly, it's a dynamic...).
In a documented performance of "You’re The Devil In Disguise," Post Malone can be observed utilizing the Shure Super 55 microphone. This information is substantiated by visual evidence shared by Post Malone himself on Instagram, where he captioned the moment with "jumped in the pool at Graceland. love you so very much Elvis."
In the music video for "Numb" by Linkin Park, Chester Bennington can be seen using a Shure Super 55 microphone. This video is available on YouTube under the title "Numb (Official Music Video) [4K UPGRADE]" provided by Linkin Park.
In the music video for Grace's song "You Don't Own Me," G-Eazy is seen holding a Shure Super 55 microphone. This scene is featured in the video premiere covered by Beats4LA.
In the YouTube video titled "Zoé - Labios Rotos (MTV Unplugged)" by Zoe, León Larregui can be seen using a Shure Super 55 microphone from the beginning of the video.
In the official video for "ZITTI E BUONI," Damiano David of Måneskin is seen using the Shure Super 55 microphone, highlighting its role in their performance.
Album Usage
The Shure Super 55 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 Super 55, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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