Shure wants to bring microphones to your USB port

Whether you choose a direct USB microphone or you're an audio-specialist XLR type, Shure has you covered on getting that audio routed to your computer's USB port. The PG27USB and PG42USB are direct-to-USB condenser microphones with a cardiod pickup pattern -- pick the $199 PG27USB for a flat response or the $249 PG42USB if vocals are your thing. Like we've seen from other devices, the $129 X2u will marry your favorite XLR-type mic to your USB port with zero-latency, phantom power and headphone monitoring. The Shure name is well-trusted in microphones, but check the full details after the break if you're still not, um, sure.

Jan 06, 2009 At the Consumer Electronics Show and Macworld Conference and Expo, Shure Incorporated extended the Company's legacy of world class microphones to the digital recording market, unveiling three new products – the PG27USB and PG42USB Side Address Condenser Microphones and the X2u XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter (XLR is the standard electrical connector for microphones). In recent years, consumers have taken recording into their own hands, creating an explosion of user-generated content. Now, the overwhelming number of low cost options for digital media production means that anyone with a computer and a microphone is a potential recording star, and the demand for tools that enable and encourage personal creativity is surging.

"Shure has catered to the high-fidelity audio cravings of consumers since the introduction of its first stereo phonograph cartridge 50 years ago," said Mark Karnes, Shure's Executive Director of Global Marketing. "Back then, we were just listening to music. Today, most of us are not only taking our music with us, we're also actively involved in creating and recording sound."

"Given the broad appeal of our new digital recording products, we chose the biggest consumer electronics stages in the country – the Consumer Electronics Show and Macworld – to introduce our highly anticipated answer to the question 'How can I replicate professional quality audio recording with my computer?' Our new digital recording microphones and adapter connect seamlessly for personal recording and produce rock star-caliber sound worthy of bearing the Shure name," continued Karnes.

Shure's iconic microphones have been used by everyone from Elvis Presley to FDR, and they are still the equipment of choice when high quality sound can't be sacrificed – such as in Grammy-winning performances and professional broadcasting arenas. Today, Shure is for the first time bringing its legendary microphones to every level of performer and recording enthusiast, including the new breed of aspiring audio enthusiasts that's proliferating as digital recording takes hold. These content creators need three key factors to produce accurate and high-quality recordings: superior equipment to translate sound; the ability to hear themselves (monitoring); and the ability to accurately adjust monitoring mix. Shure delivers all three capabilities with the new PG27USB and PG42USB microphones and X2u Adapter.

PG27USB and PG42USB Side Address Condenser Microphones

The PG27USB and PG42USB microphones connect professional-caliber Shure microphones to any USB computer port with "Plug and Play" performance. Excellent tools for multi-track recording, the cardioid condenser microphones feature built-in headphone monitoring with zero latency and monitor mix control, enabling users to instantly hear what they're recording through headphones and make adjustments on-the-go. Both microphones are durable enough for everyday use and practice, but sophisticated enough for advanced recording by the most discerning artists.

The key difference between the PG27USB and PG42USB microphones is the application for which they were designed:

• The PG27USB features a flat, neutral frequency response for natural reproduction of a wide variety of instrument and vocal sound sources.
• The PG42USB was specifically engineered to reproduce the subtle nuances of lead vocals. The large diaphragm allows for higher sensitivity to clearly reproduce refined performances. The low-cut filter and external shock-mount further optimize performance for vocals.

Other unique features of the PG27USB and PG42USB include:

• Large diaphragm capsule: Provides wider dynamic range, clear highs, and strong lows.
• USB "Plug and Play" Connectivity: Allows the convenience of digital recording, anywhere your computer goes.
• Integrated pre-amp with Microphone Gain Control: Allows control of input signal strength.
• Zero Latency Monitoring: For real-time playback and multi-tracking without disorientation.
• Headphone Jack: For monitoring with 1/8" connectivity.
• Monitor Mix Control: For blending microphone and playback audio.

X2u XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter

The Shure X2u Adapter is a modular accessory that connects any XLR microphone to a computer to create better-than-CD quality recordings. As home recording flourishes, the X2u redefines what amateur musicians and podcasters can do in their homes and on the go. The X2u mimics the sleek, beautiful design of Shure's iconic SM57 and SM58 microphones and can be used unobtrusively for live and in-studio recording. The X2u's unique features include:

• USB "Plug and Play" Connectivity: Allows the convenience of digital recording, anywhere your computer can go (compatible with Windows Vista, XP, 2000, and Mac OS X 10.1 or later).
• Integrated pre-amp with Microphone Gain Control: Allows control of input signal strength.
• Zero Latency Monitoring: Enables real-time playback and facilitates multi-tracking without disorientation.
• Headphone Jack: For monitoring with standard 1/8" connectivity.
• Monitor Mix Control: For blending microphone and playback audio.
• Phantom Power: For use with condenser microphones.

Pricing and Availability

• X2u Adapter: $129.00 retail [$154.00 MSRP]
• PG27USB: $199.00 retail [$238.00 MSRP]
• PG42USB: $249.00 retail [$298.00 MSRP]

[SITEiNK @ Jan 7th 2009 8:00AM]

it's about time Shure released something like this.

[Knee to the Groin @ Jan 7th 2009 9:22AM]

Agreed :-D

[Alex @ Jan 7th 2009 8:16AM]

The USB-XLR adapter is nice.

There are a lot of people with XLR mics that would be interested in getting them hooked up to their computers for a decent price.

[Tarnation @ Jan 7th 2009 8:32AM]

This is what I was thinking. Why buy another microphone when I already have access to SM58s? Plus if no one has noticed most microphones that connect directly to PCs are garbage in comparison to real microphones.

[▀█▀ █ ▀█▀ ▄█▀ @ Jan 7th 2009 8:16AM]

I don't really see a big market for these. Professionals will most likely use a proper audio interface from MOTU or something similar. And it's too expensive to buy just for Skype or voice chat.
Granted, semi-professional podcasters might like these.

[Sea Urchin @ Jan 7th 2009 8:34AM]

$154????????? Come on, not from Shure, their motto is if its not $700 people won't buy it.

[DJSickly @ Jan 9th 2009 11:04AM]

Shure makes 1 or 2 mics that are over $700. They have world standard microphones at $100.

[Dan @ Jan 7th 2009 8:34AM]

Shure can suck it, their customer service is abysmal.
I'm sure this product will sound great... until it unexpectedly breaks beyond repair.
A pair of $200 headphones should work for more than 4 months without requiring service (which conveniently won't be covered under a warranty claim). In addition, their policy of "don't use headphones to work out, as jostling and moisture weren't designed for their use" Really? why do you think people BUY headphones, if i bought them to sit at home in lab conditions I'd just use my stereo...

/end rant

[Baozer @ Jan 7th 2009 8:48AM]

..but we're talking about microphones.

[UnixSystemsEngineer @ Jan 7th 2009 10:55AM]

Really? I had the best customer service of my life from Shure. My E2's stopped working when I was in France for 6 months. I had a vacation to another country coming up soon and wanted them fixed ASAP and didn't want to buy cheapos for the trip.

Called customer service, got an RMA#, and asked if I could pay extra for them to expedite shipping back to me on the repair/replacement. The agent told me don't worry about it, I'll just mark it as expedited for you for free.

I mailed them in, and Shure sent me a brand new pair, in original packaging, 2nd day air, from Illinois to eastern France (I had bought them originally in the US).

For a $99 pair of earphones. They sent me a brand new pair in packaging, AND sent them International 2nd day air, which would cost you or I *another* $100.

Now, I'm sure they get a big discount from UPS since they're a business, and clearly they owed me a warranty replacement, but I couldn't believe how far above and beyond they went. This was in 2004, BTW. Perhaps things have gone downhill since they started selling more consumer stuff, but I am a faithful customer now.

[Rick @ Jan 7th 2009 12:18PM]

Agreed, Shure rocks.

I bought a pair of se530's off ebay from the US (I live in Oz and the the se530s are horribly expensive here), and after a month or so one of the drivers started buzzing. Called their service centre, and even though they weren't obliged to warranty them since I bought them from a non-authorised seller, they sent me new se530s, boxed, arrived 2 days later. I also ended up with a spare push-to-hear unit which I was able to flog for some pocket money

Phase 1: Shure RMA#
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!

[Matt @ Jan 7th 2009 9:56AM]

A $129 analog-to-digital converter is fairly low-end. In digital recording, the most important first step is getting the highest possible quality in the transition from the analog world to the digital one. I wouldn't use this to record vocals (or whatever) but I agree with....uh..."TITS" (?) it would probably be just fine for a podcaster.

[Loonie @ Jan 7th 2009 3:17PM]

Perhaps we should see the actual quality of the aforementioned transition before writing it off.

[Mark Shultzman @ Jan 7th 2009 10:23AM]

I am gonna givem a try.

[Joe H @ Jan 7th 2009 12:21PM]

You do realize that this USB-XLR thing is nothing new, right? The MXL Mic Mate Pro does the same thing, including the phantom power necessary for certain kinds of microphones, and has been out for at least a year.

[Mr. Voice Over Guy @ Jan 7th 2009 1:44PM]

And even before the MXL, CEntrance released the MicPort Pro. I have been using it for a year or so and LOVING it!
I have been recommending it to to just about everyone I work with. I had some trouble setting up my MicPort on my new laptop and the guys at CEntrance were really helpful when I called in.

Does anyone know if the Shure does 24/96, like the MicPort?

[DJSickly @ Jan 9th 2009 2:11PM]

No 24/96. It's 16/48.

[funkymatt @ Jan 7th 2009 1:14PM]

I don't care if shure is making this. ALL the USB audio peripherals I have used suck.

[tmlclone @ Jan 8th 2009 9:12AM]

After Cameramen, Audiomen are going to be jobless.....

[chazz @ Jan 9th 2009 4:39PM]

Leave it to Shure to be a day late and a dollar short with 16/48. If you're tired of crappy computer mics and headset mics that are almost as bad, you need to buy a real XLR mic and a Centrance Micport:

http://centrance.com/products/mp/

Otherwise you'll sound just as average as everyone else and wonder why it's happening for other people and not you.