Shure celebrates 100 years of audio innovation

For a century, Shure has been synonymous with innovation, reliability and excellence in the world of audio. From humble beginnings as a radio parts supplier to becoming a global leader in professional audio technology, Shure has defined the sound of generations, amplifying the voices of world leaders, capturing historic performances, or shaping the future of audio engineering. Shure’s impact on the industry is unparalleled. As the company celebrates its 100th anniversary, Headliner reflects on a legacy that continues to shape the way the world hears and experiences sound…

This year, Shure Inc. celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a century of pioneering innovation, exceptional quality and unyielding commitment to audio excellence.

S.N. Shure started the Company in downtown Chicago in 1925, selling radio parts kits. In 1932, Shure became one of only a few U.S. microphone manufacturers with the introduction of the Model 33N microphone and since then, the company has grown into a global technology leader, offering a diverse portfolio of game-changing wired and wireless microphones, conferencing and meeting solutions, and personal and professional listening products. Over its 100-year history, over 50,000 different electronics products have been developed by Shure and are now sold in more than 120 countries.

Through the decades, they have been trusted and famously used by luminaries including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Elvis Presley, Nelson Mandela, The Beatles and other iconic figures around the globe.

Today, Shure products are trusted by performers, content creators, AV and IT professionals, sound engineers, educators, community leaders and music lovers the world over in studios, on stages, on playing fields, in meeting rooms and in everyday life.

Over the past 100 years, Shure has introduced iconic products that have become staples in the audio industry. The legendary Shure SM58 microphone, known for its durability and reliability, has remained the top choice for vocal performances worldwide. The SM7B vocal microphone has equally earned a distinguished reputation, renowned in the broadcast, recording and podcasting industries.

Shure introduced the first wireless microphone in 1953, the Vagabond 88 Wireless Mic, long before wireless technology became popular by the 1990s. The Company also introduced digital wireless in 2011, and today, Shure digital wireless microphones are used across the world from the biggest sporting events and global concert tours to the top business conferences.

Industry firsts and notable achievements from Shure:

• First Phonograph Cartridge (1937) - Shure's development of the first phonograph cartridge established the company as a leader in high-fidelity audio.

• Unidyne Microphone (1939) - The Unidyne Model 55 was the first single-element unidirectional microphone, providing better sound isolation and reducing feedback, making it a popular choice for broadcast and live performance.

• First Handheld Wireless Microphone System (1953) - Shure introduced the Vagabond 88, revolutionising the way performers and presenters operated on stage.

• SM58 Microphone (1966) - The Shure SM58 became an industry standard for live vocal performance microphones, known for its durability and reliable sound quality. It is still an icon today.

• First Integrated Wireless System (1990s) - The introduction of the Shure UHF (Ultra-High Frequency) wireless systems brought more reliable and higher quality wireless audio transmission, setting new standards in the industry.

• Axient Digital Wireless System (2016) - This system introduced innovative features such as interference detection and avoidance, quadversity and advanced connectivity options, setting a new benchmark for wireless microphone performance.

• MXA910 Ceiling Array Microphone (2016) – Conference rooms were changed forever with this remarkable precise audio capture option that inspired a whole new line of ceiling array microphones.

• IntelliMix Room (2020) – The first-of-its-kind audio processing software revolutionised the AV industry by optimising audio conferencing with advanced DSP algorithms.

Shure's commitment to revolutionising audio has led to significant advances in wireless technology, demonstrated by the evolution of its robust and reliable wireless microphone systems such as Axient Digital. Shure advancements in wireless microphones were built on an explosion of software and networking advances, yielding more intelligent products that work more effectively and sustainably.

Shure is marking this landmark anniversary with a series of special activities and product announcements throughout the year to commemorate this historic milestone. As the company embarks on its next century, it remains as committed as ever to pushing the boundaries of audio technology.

Whether it’s pioneering new wireless solutions, advancing audio software or delivering premium sound experiences for creators and professionals alike, Shure has cemented its status as an industry icon and says it is committed to disrupting, redefining and reshaping the future of audio into the next century.