1940's Shure 556 & 1950's Mic Hollywood Sound Systems Prop Microphone Rental Department

[@johnnyz7752]

Did you say that both of those mics are model 556? I guess it is easy to confuse them, even for you.

[@lukpac]

Yeah, the model numbers are confusing, and the video doesn't get them correct. It appears the first mic is a 55 series "Unidyne", which was available in 55A, 55B, and 55C variants (each wired for a different impedance) and was cardiod. However, the data sheet appears to be for the 556 series broadcast "Unidyne" (also available in A/B/C variants), which was super cardioid and had an integrated shock mount. I *think* the second mic is the 556S, which used the "Unidyne II" design, although I'm not sure about that particular data sheet. Regardless, Shure's system to assigning model numbers to the 55 series is fairly confusing.

[@lukpac]

Ok, after doing a bit more research: - The first mic shown is an original "Unidyne", which is the larger size. As it has no shock mount and an Ampenol MC3F connector, it's either a 55A/55B/55C, a 55AV/55AB/55AC ("voice" response", or a 55. The A/B/C models were hardwired for different impedances, while the later 55 offered all 3 via a switch. - The first data sheet is for the 556A/556B/556C. Also "Unidyne", also the larger size. These models came with an integrated shock mount, and instead of the MC3F connector they shipped with an 18" stub of cable. - The second mic shown is a 556S, which was the smaller "Unidyne II". It came with an integrated shock mount and had a built-in XLR connector. Impedance was selectable via a switch. It appears the data sheet is also for a 556S. None of the mics or data sheets are for the "556" without any letters attached to it. That was the larger "Unidyne" version. As the 55 consolidated the 55A/55B/55C into a single model with switchable impedance, the 556 consolidated the 556A/556B/556C. All were super cardioid mics with integrated shock mounts and cable stubs instead of connectors.

[@HollywoodSoundcom]

Sure, we can hook you up with a Shure X2U which will adapt an old mic for use with a PC over USB. Call Matt at 323-466-2416

[@toxic1428]

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