Shure: Wireless systems and microphones
Over the years, Tony has tried many wireless systems for use on stage. The
dilemma he has always faced has been the compromise between the freedom of
movement and the reduced overall sound quality when compared to a cable. Cable
usually won!
A couple of years ago Shure came up with a technological leap that was first
applied in their ULX series systems. Essentially it splits the frequency range
of the audio and applies different ratios of compression / expansion to
different frequency bands. The overall result is a sound that is closer to the
dynamic response of a cable than anything else around. Tony started using the
ULX Professional system for the 2004 Black Sabbath Ozzfest tour and it worked
really well. It was used again on the Sabbath European and US Ozzfest tours in
2005.
The other branch of the link with Shure is microphones. Most of the music that
Tony has played over the years has reached the listener’s ears via a Shure SM57,
the classic guitar recording mic. When it came to equipping Tone Hall, Tony’s
studio, Shure was the first choice. We use the following constantly; KSM 44 and
SM 58 for vocals, KSM 32 for drum overheads and ambience, KSM 137 for hi hats,
Beta 52 and Beta 91 for bass drum (and bass guitar - 52), Beta 98 for toms. For
those who follow Tony’s program ‘Black Sunday’ on Planet Rock FM, Tony and his
guests are recorded using KSM 44s. Oh yes, and guitar comes via…………..you’ve
guessed it, SM 57.
On the tech side, the Shure battery powered headphone amp (a service tool rather
than consumer goody) is invaluable in fault diagnosis.
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