Special webinar on the history of the legendary Shure Unidyne microphone

Introduced in 1939 and still manufactured today, the Model 55 was the first unidirectional microphone to use a single dynamic element.

Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the launch of the Unidyne 55, Shure has organized an online seminar in which a tour of this legendary microphone will be given. Often called “the Elvis mic,” it has a classic look that is a cultural icon, to the point of being still manufactured by Shure today.

Introduced in 1939 and still manufactured today, the Model 55 was the first unidirectional microphone to use a single dynamic element. On January 31, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers awarded this microphone its 137th award.

During the online seminar, Michael Pettersen, head of technical production and in charge of compiling the history of the company, will give an overview of the unique place that this microphone occupies in the history of broadcasting, politics and entertainment in the 20th century. He will also discuss the prototypes that gave rise to the Unidyne we know today and the surprising story of Ben Bauer, the 24-year-old Ukrainian immigrant who invented the Unidyne, obtaining the first of 100 patents in audio technologies. Collector photos and documents from the Shure archive will be presented throughout the seminar.

As always, Shure Learning Center online seminars are free and registrations are accepted in order, as they are received.

The seminar takes place on Monday, July 14, 2014 from 7:00 to 8:00pm (CDT time).

To register, you must access this link. After registration, the user will receive an email with instructions to join the seminar.