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Average Price: $127
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$75
$201+
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Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Shure Unisphere I 565". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Shure Unisphere I 565 is as iconic as it is versatile, combining vintage charm with modern reliability. A true heirloom of the legendary microphones used on stages like Woodstock and by artists like Freddie Mercury, this mic is a testament to Shure's dedication to audio excellence. Equipped with a dual-impedance feature, it adapts seamlessly to various sound environments, making it equally at home in a bustling live venue or a quiet studio setting. Its cardioid polar pattern ensures excellent feedback rejection, focusing solely on your voice while minimizing unwanted noise and bleed from the sides and rear.
Designed with a robust, wire-mesh grille, the Unisphere I 565 effectively filters out wind and pop sounds, preserving the clarity of your performance. Its lockable on/off switch adds a touch of convenience, empowering you to control your sound with ease. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a passionate newcomer, this microphone's wide frequency response captures the full richness of your vocals or instruments, making it an invaluable addition to any set-up.
Inspired by the SM58 yet standing on its own legacy, the Shure 565 is not just a microphone; it's a piece of music history that continues to support artists old and new in their creative pursuits.
Key Features:
- Dual-impedance operation for versatile connectivity
- Cardioid polar pattern for excellent feedback rejection
- Effective wind/pop filter with durable wire-mesh grille
- Lockable on/off switch for easy control
- Wide frequency response: 50Hz–15kHz
Product specs
| Microphone Type | Dynamic |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-15kHz |
| Output Impedance | 150 ohms (250 ohms actual), optional high impedance setting |
| Sensitivity | Low -58dB (1.3mV), High -35dB (17.6mV) |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 0.565 lbs. |
FAQs
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What is the polar pattern of the Shure Unisphere I 565 microphone?
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The Shure Unisphere I 565 microphone features a cardioid polar pattern, which is effective at isolating the main sound source while minimizing background noise and feedback.
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How does the Shure Unisphere I 565 compare to the Shure SM58?
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The Shure Unisphere I 565 has sound characteristics similar to the SM58, but it offers selectable dual-impedance operation, providing more versatility for different audio setups.
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What type of connector does the Shure Unisphere I 565 use?
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The Shure Unisphere I 565 uses an XLR connector, which is standard for professional audio equipment and ensures a secure and balanced audio connection.
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Is the Shure Unisphere I 565 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Shure Unisphere I 565 is one of the most popular stage microphones, known for its durability and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, making it ideal for live performances.
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What is the frequency response range of the Shure Unisphere I 565?
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The frequency response of the Shure Unisphere I 565 ranges from 50Hz to 15kHz, providing a balanced sound suitable for vocals and various instruments.
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Does the Shure Unisphere I 565 have an on/off switch?
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Yes, the Shure Unisphere I 565 is equipped with a silent magnetic reed on/off switch, which includes a lock-on option for ease of use during performances.
Videos
Johan Segeborn
8 Dynamic Microphones Comparison - Shootout - For Electric Guitar
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure Unisphere I 565.
Build quality
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The Unisphere I 565 handle includes an integrated transformer, which some users bypass for a preferred transformerless sound.
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Setup and maintenance
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Using a transformerless setup with this mic requires caution with phantom power; a booster like a Cloudlifter can mitigate risks.
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Mods and upgrades
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Considering alternatives like a knock-off handle may risk incompatibility due to different thread sizes.
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Value and pricing
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Buying a broken 565 or 545 for parts can be more affordable than purchasing new parts.
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Use cases and applications
Features and functionality
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The 565 includes an impedance selector, offering versatility in sound characteristics compared to models without this feature.
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Comparisons
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The 565 is noted for having a richer sound due to aging, outperforming newer SM58s in some users' opinions.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Freddie Mercury used the Shure Unisphere I 565, a dual-impedance unidirectional dynamic microphone known for its effective wind and pop filter, suitable for high-quality stage and recording environments. This information is discussed in a forum on Sound on Sound under the Recording Techniques section.
Ian Gillan used the Shure Unisphere I 565 microphone during his tenure with Deep Purple in the early 1970s, as shown in the user-uploaded photo.
Used for practically everything on Charles Bradley's No Time For Dreaming and Menahan Street Band's Make the Road by Walking, as mentioned by producer Thomas Brenneck in this October 11, 2016 Electronic Musician article.
“When I first started making records, all I had was a Shure 565—an older version of the SM57. I made two records using only that microphone: Charles Bradley’s first record, No Time for Dreaming, and Menahan Street Band’s first record, Make the Road by Walking. I had literally bought these microphones really cheap on tour, and went home and made those records on an 8-track in my apartment. And then I mixed them at Daptone [Studios]. People like Mark Ronson would ask me, ‘Man, how did you get those drum sounds?’ I was like, ‘Well... [Laughs] one mic and a half-inch 8-track.’ With the limited gear that we had, we couldn’t do anything fancy. So it was really about capturing a great performance.”
Used on No Time For Dreaming, as mentioned by producer Thomas Brenneck in this October 11, 2016 Electronic Musician article.
“When I first started making records, all I had was a Shure 565—an older version of the SM57. I made two records using only that microphone: Charles Bradley’s first record, No Time for Dreaming, and Menahan Street Band’s first record, Make the Road by Walking. I had literally bought these microphones really cheap on tour, and went home and made those records on an 8-track in my apartment. And then I mixed them at Daptone [Studios]. People like Mark Ronson would ask me, ‘Man, how did you get those drum sounds?’ I was like, ‘Well... [Laughs] one mic and a half-inch 8-track.’ With the limited gear that we had, we couldn’t do anything fancy. So it was really about capturing a great performance.”
Visible in this photo of Stratos recording John Cage's "Sixty-Two Mesostics Re Merce Cunningham (Frammento)", as well as this one from the same session.
Album Usage
The Shure Unisphere I 565 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 Unisphere I 565, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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