Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (11)
$119.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$107.99
Musician's Friend
5.0 (2)
$100.99
B&H
5.0 (7)
$119.99
Thomann
4.8 (51)
$139.00
Gear4Music
£122.00

Average Price: $127

Standard/Professional

$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

What is the polar pattern of the Shure Unisphere I 565 microphone?

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.

How does the Shure Unisphere I 565 compare to the Shure SM58?

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.

What type of connector does the Shure Unisphere I 565 use?

The Shure Unisphere I 565 uses an XLR connector, which is standard for professional audio equipment and ensures a secure and balanced audio connection.

Is the Shure Unisphere I 565 suitable for live performances?

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.

What is the frequency response range of the Shure Unisphere I 565?

The frequency response of the Shure Unisphere I 565 ranges from 50Hz to 15kHz, providing a balanced sound suitable for vocals and various instruments.

Does the Shure Unisphere I 565 have an on/off switch?

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.

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

8 Dynamic Microphones Comparison - Shootout - For Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for 8 Dynamic Microphones Comparison - Shootout - For Electric Guitar by Johan Segeborn

8 Dynamic Microphones Comparison - Shootout - For Electric Guitar

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

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

  • The Unisphere I 565 handle includes an integrated transformer, which some users bypass for a preferred transformerless sound.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Using a transformerless setup with this mic requires caution with phantom power; a booster like a Cloudlifter can mitigate risks.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Considering alternatives like a knock-off handle may risk incompatibility due to different thread sizes.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Buying a broken 565 or 545 for parts can be more affordable than purchasing new parts.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A transformerless Unisphere I 565 is favored by some for its distinct sound, especially when used carefully with external boosters.

    Source
  • The 565's vintage appeal and sound quality make it a preferred choice for users in traditional settings, like old-fashioned churches.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 565 includes an impedance selector, offering versatility in sound characteristics compared to models without this feature.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 565 is noted for having a richer sound due to aging, outperforming newer SM58s in some users' opinions.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users report that despite its age and inclusion of a switch, the 565 consistently delivers high-quality sound without complaints.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
loui_froia_stringmaster

good buy

friend from school sold me one and it is a good mic, ultra clear and good for a backup or main stage mic.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Freddie Mercury uses Shure Unisphere I 565

Freddie Mercury

Singer, Keyboardist

Queen

...
Verified via Soundonsound

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.

See how Ian Gillan uses Shure Unisphere I 565

Ian Gillan

Singer

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Thomas Brenneck uses Shure Unisphere I 565

Thomas Brenneck

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Budos Band

...
Verified via EMusician

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.”

See how Charles Bradley uses Shure Unisphere I 565

Charles Bradley

Singer

...
Verified via EMusician

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.”

See how Demetrio Stratos uses Shure Unisphere I 565

Demetrio Stratos

Singer, Keyboardist

Area - International POPular Group

...
Verified via Palazzoesposizioni

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.

See how Vikidál Gyula uses Shure Unisphere I 565

Vikidál Gyula

Singer

Dinamit

...
Verified via YouTube

He uses it in the video at 0:22 .

See how Gustav Larsson uses Shure Unisphere I 565

Gustav Larsson

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via TikTok

In a TikTok video authored by Gustav Larsson, he is visibly holding a Shure Unisphere I 565 microphone.

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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