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Show all reviews of the Shure 522 Desktop Microphone (Unidirectional)
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You can write your own review
of the Shure 522 Desktop Microphone (Unidirectional).
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KC8VWM
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 8, 2003 23:26
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Sounds like a Heil
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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After I was looking at a Heil Goldline Pro microphone, I was interested to see if there were other comparable mics on the market that offered a similar sound but without the price.
I am now sharing this research with users here on Eham.
First the price - $89.00 can be picked up brand new in the box here:
http://www.thecrazycuban.com/shure522.html
The amazing part about this microphone is the incredible frequency range it offers.
As many "audiophiles" know, a microphones frequency range is going to be the first observation when it comes to how a microphone is going to sound.
Generally speaking, the frequency low end results in a deeper and richer sound. The high end results in more "crispness."
Heil Goldline Pro = 40 to 18,000 Hz
Shure 450 Series II = 200Hz to 5,000 Hz.
Kenwood MC-60A = 150 Hz to 10,000 Hz
Shure 522 = 40Hz to 10,000 Hz.
I was surprised to see that most amateur mics only have a typical frequency range from only 200 - 5,000 Hz.
While they may still sound good, They are only able to reproduce your audio to a "carbon copy" reproduction of your voice.
The Shure 522 mic reproduces your audio "in full color" Similar to broadcast or "Hi Fi" quality.
While looking and comparing frequency charts I thought it was rather curious to note that the 522 was very close in specifications to the Heil Goldline Pro in the graphs below.
This first graph (Shure 450) is a typical ham microphone frequency range for comparison.
Shure 450 Series II Frequency Curve:
http://www.shure.com/images/response/f450series2_large.gif
(looks like it drops off at 8,000 HZ)
Heil Goldline Pro Frequency Curve:
http://www.heilsound.com/Images/Heil-Mic-Frequency-response.jpg
(Heil claims A +4dB peak @2kHz gives the Goldline microphone excellent voice articulation. They dub it "Hi Fi" quality for SSB. You will also notice that the curve drops sharply just after 10,000 - 12,000 HZ.)
Now for the Shure 522 Frequency Curve:
http://www.shure.com/images/response/f522_large.gif
(The frequency curve also rises above +4 and even better db@2khz. The mic is rated at 10,000Hz, however if you notice it actually doesn't drop off until 12,000hz. Notice the low end reaches well into the 40hz range.
Conclusion:
The specifications of the Shure 522 are almost identical to the Heil Goldline Pro. In fact the Shure 522 outperforms the Heil model HC 5, and HC 4 right out of the ballpark!
The fact that this is a unidirectional mic will also "boost" the forward sensitivity range of the microphone. This means you do not require any forward amplification. It will definetly outperform a handheld mic for "loudness." Yet it will sound rich and have a unique full bodied sound. Wont sound like a "carbon copy" of your voice.
Also because it is unidirectional, it should eliminate radio fan and other background noises at your station. I am convinced this mic will provide you with studio quality sound.
I just bought the 522 on ebay brand new in the box from an audiophile - non ham radio person for a grand total of $10.00! It was actually listed under the "audio" section along with EQ's amps and other music production equipment.
I guess no hams bid on this item because it wasn't listed in the usual ham radio equipment section.
73
Charles Bushell
KC8VWM
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