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Educational Guides & Articles
Expert advise at your fingertips! Check out our vast library of free,
downloadable guides and educational articles organized by product category:
Microphones | Wireless | PSM | Mixers & DSP | Phono | General
FEATURED ARTICLES: For Music Educators
Audio Systems Guide for Music Educators (PDF)
This guide covers everything from recording to live sound reinforcement and will help you choose equipment for a variety of applications.
Microphone Techniques for Music - Studio Recording (PDF)
In this guide, Shure application engineers describe particular microphone techniques and placement. This includes tips to pick up a natural tonal balance, help reject unwanted sounds, and create special effects.
MICROPHONES
Audio Transformers
Explains transformers in relation to wired microphones and audio usage.
Cleaning Microphones
This document provides several simple yet effective techniques for cleaning microphones.
CommShield™ Technology Improves RF Resistance
CommShield™ Technology Improves RF Resistance of Shure Microflex and Easyflex Microphones.
Connecting Professional Microphones to Computer Sound Cards
Because interconnection procedures in the computer world differ from those used in professional audio, it is not always easy to make a professional microphone work with a computer. This Shure Application Bulletin will help.
Critical Distance and Microphone Placement
Audio and acoustic principles involved in finding the critical distance where the direct speech and the reflected (or reverberant) speech are equal in intensity.
Direct to Ambient Audio Demo (Flash Demo)
Listen to different mics, different polar patterns, different distances, and different amounts of ambient noise. It is recommended to use headphones to listen to this demonstration.
Gain Changes Based on Mic Placement and Number of Open Mics
Formulas based on microphone placement and the number of open microphones.
Impedance Matching for Microphones - Is it Necessary?
This bulletin answers questions such as "What happens when a high impedance microphone is connected to a low impedance input?"
KSM32 - Transformerless Design
The KSM32 uses transformer-less circuit design. Shure has developed a balanced solid-state preamplifier circuit that has virtually all the benefits of a high-quality transformed design without the drawbacks associated with smaller transformers.
Microphone Sensitivity Ratings: What Does it all mean?
Common questions regarding microphone sensitivity ratings and dB SPL input levels.
Microphone Techniques for Drums (PDF)
Some suggestions to follow when miking musical instruments and drums for sound reinforcement.
Microphone Techniques for Music - Live Sound Reinforcement (PDF)
Recommended microphone type and placement for a large variety of vocal and instrument situations.
Microphone Techniques for Music - Studio Recording (PDF)
In this guide, Shure application engineers describe particular microphone techniques and placement: techniques to pick up a natural tonal balance, techniques to help reject unwanted sounds, and even techniques to create special effects.
Microphones and Multitracks (PDF)
Essential steps to quality recording using a microphone and multitrack recorder.
Microphones on the Ceiling? Shure Strongly Advises "NO"!
Shure feels strongly about not placing microphones on a ceiling. If you decide to install ceiling microphones, you need to address the problems in this technical bulletin.
Phantom Power and Bias Voltage - Is There a Difference? (PDF)
This bulletin explains the differences between phantom power and bias voltage, and addresses common misconceptions.
Predicting Speech to Background Noise Ratio at the Microphone
Help in determining what are acceptable speech to noise ratios and how to predict if speech will be intelligible at the microphone location.
The Myth of Microphone Reach
Shure is often asked "How far away will my microphone pick up?" or "Which microphone has the best reach?" Both questions are based on a misunderstanding of how microphones work. This bulletin attempts to debunk the myth of microphone reach.
Unique Directional Properties of Dual-Diaphragm Microphones (PDF)
A detailed primer on the distinctions between single and dual diaphragm microphones by the KSM44 product team.
WIRELESS SYTEMS
Antenna Set-up for Wireless Systems (PDF)
These recommendations are useful guidelines to help achieve satisfactory performance from wireless audio systems. En Espanol.
Shure's patented Audio Reference Companding is currently featured in many Shure Wireless Systems, and in some PSM 700 Personal Monitor Systems (H3 and L2 bands).
Introduction to Wireless Microphone Systems
Basic review of how wireless microphones work: written for the non-technical or first-time user.
Remote Antennas for UHF Wireless Systems
For good performance, these guidelines should be observed when remote mounting antennas.
Selection and Operation of Wireless Microphone Systems (PDF)
Continuing where "Introduction to Wireless Microphone Systems" leaves off, this comprehensive booklet provides the reader with a more in-depth understanding and knowledge of wireless systems and their operation.
Using Radio Frequency Scanners to Troubleshoot Wireless Microphone Systems (PDF)
As the available radio frequency spectrum continues to get increasingly crowded, the potential for interference in wireless microphone systems also increases, causing headaches for the end userm the sound system installerm and the audio consultant.
What DTV Means to Wireless Microphone Users
The introduction of Digital Television (DTV) service in the U.S. will result in more intensive use of all TV spectrum, both VHF and UHF, as new digital signals come on the air. In addition, the FCC has reallocated four UHF TV channels for use by Public Safety stations.
Wireless Frequency Help Guide (PDF)
Answers to commonly asked questions about Shure wireless system selection and set-up.
Intro to Wireless Microphone Systems & PSM For Houses of Worship (PDF)
This booklet provides a solid understanding of the selection and operation of wireless systems and personal monitors to create an optimal sound platform for your house of worship. It covers the benefits and applications of these product categories, insights on how to select the right system, and ways to use these products most effectively.
PERSONAL MONITORS
Antenna Set-up for Wireless Systems (PDF)
These recommendations are useful guidelines to help achieve satisfactory performance from wireless audio systems. En Espanol.
Intro to Wireless Microphone Systems & PSM For Houses of Worship (PDF)
This booklet provides a solid understanding of the selection and operation of wireless systems and personal monitors to create an optimal sound platform for your house of worship. It covers the benefits and applications of these product categories, insights on how to select the right system, and ways to use these products most effectively.
Selection and Operation of Personal Monitor Systems (PDF)
Divided into two sections, the first section gives a short history of monitoring, and describes in detail the benefits of using them. Section two provides specific information on choosing the proper system to meet your needs, and the various ways personal monitor systems can be configured.
MIXERS AND SIGNAL PROCESSORS
Connecting Your Devices to a Shure Mixer (PDF)
The variety of connectors on audio equipment sometimes leads to confusion in wiring. The diagrams in this booklet provide wiring recommendations for most common cables.
Selection and Operation of Audio Signal Processors (PDF)
For any sound system, the primary goal is good sound. What, however, constitutes "good" sound?
The Basics of Equalization and Feedback
How to effectively approach equaliztion and avoid feedback.
VU and PPM Audio Meters: An Elementary Explanation
Meters which monitor audio levels are typically one of two varieties: VU (Volume Unit) or PPM (Peak Program Meters). Though both perform the same function, they accomplish the function in very different manners.
Why Use Shure Automatic Mixers?
High quality audio becomes progressively more difficult to achieve as the number of open microphones increases. All audio systems face the same problems whenever multiple open microphones are needed.
PHONO
Phonograph Cartridges & DJ Needles
Want to know how to take care of your Shure DJ Cartridges? How about an in-depth look at the Whitelabel? Six articles for DJ and phonograph enthusiasts can be found on our website here.
GENERAL
Audio for Distance Learning
Discusses the specific problems which affect interactive audio between classrooms, including hollow sound, feedback and echo. Also covers the effects of room acoustics, microphone placement and the use of automatic mixers.
Audio Systems Guide for Houses of Worship
Comprehensive review of microphones, wireless microphone systems and mixers for church sound applications. Specific sections covering miking techniques for altar, lectern and choir. En Espanol.
Audio Systems Guide for Music Educators (PDF)
This guide covers everything from recording to live sound reinforcement and will help you choose equipment for a variety of applications.
Audio Systems Guide to Meeting Facilities
Covers the selection and application of wired microphones, wireless microphones and microphone mixers for meeting facility sound systems.
Audio Systems Guide for Theater Performances
(PDF)
The purpose of this booklet is to provide useful tips, practical advice and a general knowledge of microphones and other audio tools – all with the clear intent of making theater productions as understandable, clear and impressive as possible.
Audio Systems Guide for Video Production (PDF)
Intended to help anyone involved with video projects improve the audio quality of their productions. It is not intended as a comprehensive study of the subject of audio. Its goal is to provide helpful tips, practical advice and a general knowledge of audio tools – all with the express purpose of making video productions as clear, understandable and impressive as possible.
Introduction to Recording and Sound Reinforcement (PDF)
Written for the beginner, this guide will help you choose and set up equipment for a variety of typical applications.
Understanding Sound System Design and Feedback Using (Ugh!) Math (PDF)
Explains how to use the Potential Acoustic Gain equation to estimate the amount of gain (volume) that a sound reinforcement system can produce before feedback occurs.
MP3: Getting Your Music from the Garage to the Web
Short and to the point, this booklet addresses everything MP3, from "What is it?" to "How do I do it?"
Predicting Speech to Background Noise Ratio at the Microphone
Help in determining what are acceptable speech to noise ratios and how to predict if speech will be intelligible at the microphone location.
Other Helpful Links
Shure Position on White Spaces
Great resource for how-to, product selection, & real world applications.
Ideal for contractors, engineers, & installers.