Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
5.0 (29)
$100.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (6)
$100.99
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$199.00 16 available Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (9)
$100.99
B&H
5.0 (5)
$100.99
Thomann
4.8 (60)
$145.00 $144.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $127

Standard/Professional

$75

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Shure Unidyne III 545". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Shure Unidyne III 545 is a classic reborn, offering a nod to the legendary SM57 while retaining its unique vintage charm. This dynamic microphone is revered for its versatility, making it an essential tool for both studio recording and live sound applications. Its dual-impedance operation allows for seamless adaptability, whether you're capturing the nuances of an acoustic guitar or delivering a speech on a lectern. The uniform cardioid polar pattern provides effective feedback resistance, ensuring crisp and clear sound reproduction.

A standout feature is the silent magnetic reed on/off switch, designed with a lock option for uninterrupted performance. The 545's durability and reliability make it a staple in any professional audio setup, from political conventions to bustling music venues. Whether you're a seasoned audio engineer or an aspiring musician, the Shure Unidyne III 545 offers a sound solution with a rich history and a proven track record.

Key Features:

  • Dual-impedance operation for versatile use
  • Uniform cardioid polar pattern for feedback resistance
  • Silent magnetic reed on/off switch with lock option
  • Frequency response: 50Hz–15kHz
  • Ideal for instrument capture and public address systems

Product specs

Brand Shure
Model 545S Unidyne III
Finish Silver / Black
Year 1970s
Made In United States
Categories Microphones
Electronics Analog, Solid State
Microphone Type Dynamic
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What is the primary application of the Shure Unidyne III 545 microphone?

The Shure Unidyne III 545 is primarily used for live sound reinforcement and studio recording, offering a cardioid polar pattern that effectively minimizes feedback in public address applications.

How does the Shure Unidyne III 545 handle feedback in live performances?

The Shure Unidyne III 545 features an exceptionally uniform cardioid pattern that minimizes feedback, making it ideal for live performances and PA applications.

Can the Shure Unidyne III 545 be used with different impedance setups?

Yes, the Shure Unidyne III 545 offers selectable dual-impedance operation, allowing it to be compatible with a variety of audio equipment setups.

Does the Shure Unidyne III 545 have an on/off switch?

Yes, the Shure Unidyne III 545 includes a silent magnetic reed on/off switch with a lock option for added convenience and control during performances.

What is the frequency response range of the Shure Unidyne III 545?

The Shure Unidyne III 545 has a frequency response range of 50 to 15,000 Hz, providing a wide range of sound capture suitable for various vocal and instrumental applications.

Cole Picks Vintage

Cole Picks Vintage

Shure Vintage Dynamic Microphone Shootout (SM7, SM5B, SM56, 546, 545, SM57, 548)

Video thumbnail for Shure Vintage Dynamic Microphone Shootout (SM7, SM5B, SM56, 546, 545, SM57, 548) by Cole Picks Vintage

Shure Vintage Dynamic Microphone Shootout (SM7, SM5B, SM56, 546, 545, SM57, 548)

Cole Picks Vintage

Cole Picks Vintage

Video thumbnail for SM57 vs 545 - Vintage vs New by MEI Studio

SM57 vs 545 - Vintage vs New

MEI Studio

MEI Studio

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure Unidyne III 545.

Comparisons

  • The Unidyne III 545D and SM57 are often seen as similar, but the switch on the 545D can pose challenges for live sound reinforcement.

    Source
  • Users note the 545S is brighter than the SM57, with less "honky" midrange, offering a distinct tonal character for various applications.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It's noted that vintage Shure 545s aren't worth twice the price of reissues due to the consistent quality across old Shure mics.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Unidyne III 545D is favored for recording drums, though specific user comparisons to the SM57 in this context are sought for clarity.

    Source
  • The 545S excels on snare and guitar, and is versatile enough for general use, though it is not extensively tested across all instruments.

    Source
  • Ideal for high-quality theater-stage sound systems, political events, and large public venues, the 545S suits critical public address needs.

    Source
  • A damaged Unidyne III can be repurposed for educational purposes, allowing for hands-on learning without the risk of damaging a working unit.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the aesthetic appeal of the 545S, describing it as "awesome looking," which adds to its desirability alongside its sound quality.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Repairing a damaged Unidyne III might cost $150-$200 through specialized vintage mic repair services, but could be worthwhile given their current market value of around $300.

    Source
  • Replacing the foam in the grill might not resolve sound quality issues; issues may stem from the capsule itself, suggesting more in-depth repairs are needed.

    Source

Other

  • Contacting Shure directly for repair advice can be beneficial, as many users report excellent results from manufacturer-performed mic repairs.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jimi Hendrix uses Shure Unidyne III 545

Jimi Hendrix

Guitarist

The Isley Brothers

...
Verified via Photo

Used live as a vocal mic, as is visible in this May 1968 photo of Hendrix.

Jimi Hendrix At The Palazzo dello Sport, Bologna, Italy, May 26th,1968 Second European Tour

See how Jeff Lynne uses Shure Unidyne III 545

Jeff Lynne

Singer, Guitarist

Traveling Wilburys

...
Verified via YouTube

In this clip Jeff Lynne is using vintage Shure Unidyne III

See how John Coltrane uses Shure Unidyne III 545

John Coltrane

Saxophonist

John Coltrane Quartet

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this photo of Coltrane mid-recording session. The likelihood that it is a 545 is supported by this comment by Coltrane frequent producer, Rugy Van Gelder, in this article:

I don't think really there's been much progress since the U47 and the Shure 545. What has happened?

See how James Brown uses Shure Unidyne III 545

James Brown

Singer

James Brown & The Famous Flames

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this photo of Brown at the Apollo Theater.

See how William Cashion uses Shure Unidyne III 545

William Cashion

Guitarist, Bassist

Future Islands

...
Verified via Vintage King Blog

For his amp rig, we stuck with his live setup which sounded great. It’s a dual amp rig consisting of a Roland JC50 for the mids and G&K for the low end. The bass in this band is the raw texture in the music, so it takes the place of a guitar player essentially. So to capture that raw midrange, we used a combination of a Shure SM57, Unidyne 546, and an EV 408.

See how Demetrio Stratos uses Shure Unidyne III 545

Demetrio Stratos

Singer, Keyboardist

Area - International POPular Group

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this photo of Stratos, as well as this one and the cover of Concerto all'Elfo.

Album Usage

The Shure Unidyne III 545 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 Unidyne III 545, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland JC-50 Jazz Chorus
Roland JC-50 Jazz Chorus Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1
Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
1

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