Sound & Style: Shure Unidyne Retro Microphone Showdown

Let’s take a look at two Unidyne mics from Shure’s Classic Series: the 55SH and the Super 55. The style of these mics is so iconic that they literally inspired the microphone emoji 🎙
All audio was recorded into the Rodecaster Pro with zero processing or effects. I point out in the video when I’m using a Cloudlifter and when I’m not. You don’t need a Cloudlifter with these mics, but I’d recommend it if it’s within your budget.
•Shure Super 55 (the blue mic)
geni.us/ulcA (Amazon)
geni.us/swsuper55 (Sweetwater)
•Shure 55SH Series II
geni.us/Sm6Xuy2 (Amazon)
geni.us/sw55sh (Sweetwater)
•Extension Tube for Mounting on a Boom Arm:
geni.us/nwDW (Amazon)
•Blue XLR Cable:
geni.us/bluexlr (Amazon)
••••More Mic Videos••••
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•Shure MV7 Review: • Shure MV7: An Awesome ...
•Shure Sm7B vs Sm57: • Shure SM57 vs. SM7B: A...
•Does your Mic Need a Cloudlifter? • Do You Need a Cloudlif...
•Chapter Markers:
0:00 - The Unidyne Legacy
1:06 - What This Video Covers
2:06 - What's the Difference?
3:45 - Basic Sound Comparison
5:08 - Mounting Options & Obstacles
5:38 - Shock Mount Noise Test
6:32 - Plosive Test
7:03 - Pickup Pattern Comparison
8:00 - Noise Rejection Test
9:10 - With and Without Cloudlifter
10:44 - Positioning
11:14 - Mounting to PSA 1 Boom Arm
12:03 - What About the PodMic?
13:05 - Finding the Right Mic for You
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Episode 225: Shure Mic Showdown: Super 55 vs 55SH Unidyne
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#Shure #Audio #Microphones #Podcasting
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[@tombuck]

Chapter Markers: 0:00 - The Unidyne Legacy 1:06 - What This Video Covers 2:06 - What's the Difference? 3:45 - Basic Sound Comparison 5:08 - Mounting Options & Obstacles 5:38 - Shock Mount Noise Test 6:32 - Plosive Test 7:03 - Pickup Pattern Comparison 8:00 - Noise Rejection Test 9:10 - With and Without Cloudlifter 10:44 - Positioning 11:14 - Mounting to PSA 1 Boom Arm 12:03 - What About the PodMic? 13:05 - Finding the Right Mic for You

[@EpIcHoBoGuY]

i didn't really know about these mics other than from elvis until watching some live Metallica and seeing his cool matte black and red foam one after a little look around i came across the t.bone GM 55 which is a £60 clone and since the t.bone MB 75 is such a good sm57 clone and only £28 id love to see how the t.bone GM 55 holds up against the real deal

[@rakiytzakari]

"Choosing a microphone can be a surprisingly personal experience." How very true! I just found that out yesterday at Guitar Center mic trial station. The Shure Super 55 wasn't even on my radar, but it's SO SO SO sweet on my voice! It was like hearing myself speak for the first time! Thank you for the great video, I had questions about using it with a boom arm and you answered that and plenty more!

[@thiagodelgado3128]

IS Just cosmetic or he hás vintage warm sound? Sorry i cant hear the difference

[@RayRayJams]

Out of all the mics I've had over the years, the Shure 55sh ii has always been my favorite and still is!!! I've had it for 20 years, and it's still an amazing microphone!!! I remember being 8 and going into Sam Ash and telling the sales associate that I wanted a "James Brown" microphone and he knew exactly what I meant! My mom bought it for me saying it'd be better than a video game!

[@Spikespiguel]

I’m very satisfied with my regular 55’s, they had more than adequate noise isolation in a loud environment for our wrestling announcers speaking with music playing loudly.

[@tombuck]

I love the idea of a wrestling announcer using these. That's awesome.

[@pretor706]

Black & white Intro and then color to show that they are different mics. What a pleasure to watch. And during the outro the Subscribe font + music. BOOM!

[@tombuck]

Thank you! I was pleased with myself for that 😁

[@honeyken316]

Hello Tom, I remember that these microphones were treasured when they came out as they allowed for much more gain and PA volume because of the polar pattern they possessed. (de-esser?) Because the PA could be turned up louder before getting feedback, these were the hottest item in the sound technician's kit. The bad things were the fact that they covered up lots of the performers face and were so heavy they needed to stay on the stand. Later vocal microphones had similar or better pattern control but were smaller and easier too be hand held. Think SM58 as the new vocal go to microphone. Nice video as always. Keep up the good work. KEN

[@tombuck]

Makes sense- looking into the history I saw how much larger the original Unidynes were before these “smaller” ones were released.

[@StellaMoonstone]

I recently got the Shure 55SH (Classic) on eBay for $90 and watched your video as a reference. Great vid! Although I prefer the Super 55's sound, I love how the Classic 55 has the black foam inner and on/off switch. Maybe in the future I'll buy the Super 55's cartridge and solder the more modern cartridge into my Classic 55. To me, the Classic 55 sounds smoother, not as loud, like a Jazz singer. While the Super 55 sounds more aggressive, louder, and in-your-face--very suitable for podcasters (and people like Alex Jones or Joe Rogan). I personally enjoy the Super 55's sound way better but I'm thinking achieving that sound on the Classic won't be anything a little EQ won't be able to achieve.

[@tombuck]

Absolutely! With a strong starting point, it just takes a bit of EQ to do whatever you want.

[@ialokinstein]

I was JUST looking at these two last night!!! I couldn't find another review like this... perfect review!!! I love the classic style!

[@tombuck]

Good timing I guess!

[@tomn.9610]

WOW, the Super 55 sounds really good. It seems to bring out the best in your voice. Thanks for the great video

[@tombuck]

Yeah, it's my favorite between the two. I love it.

[@MSladekPhoto]

I LOVE the look of these mics! I had no clue you could still get mics (new!) that looked like that. Bonus that they sound good. Thanks, as always, for pros and cons, features/benefits, etc...

[@tombuck]

I didn't know there were modern versions either!

[@MichaelJamesYouTube]

Tom, your video production keeps getting better & better. You truly are a step above the norm, & your original style is extremely attractive.

[@tombuck]

Thank you so much! I try to learn something new with each video.

[@ridgidcarloportajada4674]

Got to be the best review I've watched, thanks for the vid! I just got my Shure 55SH

[@tombuck]

Thank you! I hope you love your mic!

[@rjphllps7]

I actually live the super because I bought this to DJ weddings to stand out and look good, then I started streaming and use it and by golly it works great for that also. Glad I bought it and don't regret it one bit! Instead of the extender I use the quick release mic attachment and it works similar and easy to remove when I need to go from streaming to DJ'ing weddings!

[@tombuck]

Nice! Love the quick release idea. 👍

[@AdrianReddix]

These look and sound awesome. Cloudlifters make a difference so many of the times. Great video

[@tombuck]

Thank you!

[@CybertronStudios]

I have the Super 55 for like 4 years now. I just watched this cause I saw your IG post and wanted to see how you would use it. lol Really enjoyed the video.

[@DrGreenaway]

This is exactly the comparison video I was looking for. Thanks.

[@tombuck]

So glad to hear that! They're both awesome mics, but I personally love the Super 55.

[@premierbarber]

Went with this because the podmic was out of stock, looks even better in person. Great video! Thanks for all the great content!

[@tombuck]

They’re awesome designs for shure.

[@somerjordan6947]

I think I like the super, but the reg. 55 sounds like vintage radio. 😍

[@tombuck]

It does! It's cool to see how they each have their own characteristics and "personality."

[@adamtyler2641]

Interesting - what about it sounds like vintage radio to you? Looking between the two and your comment stood out to me.

[@josku5]

@@adamtyler2641 Probably it having a shallower frequency response and a bit of a nasally sound thanks to the boosted mids

[@jeff_haber]

Another great episode, Tom, well done! Loved that you hedged your bet at the end by explaining why your trusty Podmic wasn't co-starring this time around - riots avoided :) I've got my 55SH that I purchased back in 1993 while I was gigging in Hollywood with a big band and wanted the right look and feel and wasn't disappointed. There's nothing like working live with what I think is not just a great mic, but a sculpted work of art. I was actually going to use if for my podcast, No Bed of Roses, but bought the Podmic because of this blazingly smart, funny and informative guy on KZbin who swears by them. He was right!

[@tombuck]

Woah- I should subscribe to that guy's channel!

[@wpherigo1]

Excellent as always. These style mics (or something similar) are predominant in my church’s videos from the 1980’s & 90’s. Definitely an “ah hah” moment when I saw the thumbnail. Learned a *lot* from this video - like what super cardioid does. Nowadays we use more modern style mics at the pulpit, but might need to revisit that decision!

[@tombuck]

Despite the “retro” appeal, I do think they’re pretty timeless. 👍

[@phillwildman]

I also bought a Rode PodMic on your (and others) recommendation. Bought with a SE M1 Dynamite gain booster. Fantastic sound, which is great for use on my Video Voice Overs. Ive also started using it for MS Teams and Zoom Meetings when talking to colleagues. I used to own the Shure Super55, which I used when I was a Singer. It has the Shure Beta 58 capsule inside, so sound is nice and warm. Great for my Live stage work as a solo performer as it looked so cool when singing songs from my Jazz Swing set or old Elvis songs. I previously used a Beyer Dynamic TGX480 for live stage and that is still my favourite Mic for Live Stage Singing based on audio quality. You can really take advantage of the Proximity effect with the Beyer Dynamic TGX480 Mic, which is imperative for a good vocal performance. While in the Studio I now use a Shure KSM27 for when I am recording my singing vocals. But the Rode PodMic is ideal for Video Voice Over work. I have yet to try it out for singing into, but I suspect that it would not be ideal for that. For recording voice during Video filming I use a Sennheiser ME66/KP6 power module combo. I hope you found these comments interesting. Thanks for the channel, keep up the good work Tom. ;-)

[@tombuck]

Thanks for this insight- it's great to hear this perspective based on so much experience. Nice profile picture too! 😁

[@IntrovertAmateur]

That intro was so classic and tasty 🤤🤩 To be honest I didn’t hear that big of a difference between these except when you showcased the angle. Great video as always 👍 The Rode Micro is currently all I need for now, but I keep watching your mic reviews 😂😆

[@tombuck]

The Micro is a mighty little mic.

[@shawnandrewusic]

Thank you for sharing this video! Was doing some research on these mics and encountered your video!

[@HomesickMac]

Oh God, you killed it with the dinner joke! Used to sing through this mic in the 70-80's, then they kind of disapeared, and then the blues scene got wild about them in the 2000+ , like every band had to get one. Specially those with a harp player/singer.....

[@tombuck]

Oh yes, I remember that phase haha!

[@PrestonJensen]

Thanks for the video! Cool when the 🎙 matches the emoji!

[@tombuck]

Thanks man!

[@HeahMinAn]

I was viewing this last night and your video came out! What a coincidence✌🏻

[@tombuck]

Perfect timing!

[@HeahMinAn]

@@tombuck Yes, it’s

[@chadwickeearnest1191]

Just got my Super 55 in, even more beautiful in person. Cannot wait to get this incorporated in my studio and back online. You’re becoming an expensive person to follow!😂😂

[@tombuck]

Haha, I'm sorry! But it's a great mic, right?

[@chadwickeearnest1191]

@@tombuck seriously a work of art. Never a better time to pull Out the high quality vintage. Super 55 > to cloud lifter > rodecaster

[@Nick_Lewis]

Hypercardioid? Phantom power? I don’t know half the words you said, but I still enjoyed it. 👍

[@tombuck]

They’re mostly real words 👍 Mostly.

[@abennett]

Great video as always, Tom!

[@tombuck]

Thank you, as always!

[@Lucas-ro6zf]

Those look real nice!

[@LiveDeerCamByCajun]

Thanks for the video Tom. You do a great job.

[@tombuck]

Thank you!

[@NefariousHostility]

I own a Shure 55SH, generally use it for singing....solid microphone. I found your video trying to figure out if it would work for voiceovers/videos. Looks like the answer is yes...thank you for the video....you've got a new subscriber now.

[@tombuck]

I'm so glad to hear that! While not one of the super traditional video mics, it definitely works and I think it looks super awesome on camera.

[@danggood]

that intro/outro was solid. the lighting was 🤩 and i like the sound of the Super 55 a bit better. the classic sounded a bit tinnier to my ears.

[@tombuck]

I agree on all points!

[@dj.excess]

I went with the super 55 and it’s amazing no doubt. I even bought a red filter to change the look on it and just need time to open it and change it because I prefer red

[@tombuck]

I’ve seen people do that, but I’m scared to open them. I’d love to change the filter in the Classic 55.

[@mad0214]

The wacky wavy arm technical off-axis rejection test was everything I come to this channel for - well that and the puns. BTW, I've been so against buying a cloud lifter because it would cost as much as my podmic, but that inadvertent demo has me questioning that decision.

[@tombuck]

Thank you kind sir! And yes, when I first made my "do you need a Cloudlifter" video, I really hoped the answer was no, but it definitely helps.

[@vlascano]

Great review! Please keep them coming. And you get a 🙌🏻 for the puns 😂

[@tombuck]

Thanks! Will do!

[@PhillipBridgesReviews]

I want to apologize for not say how wicked cool that intro was. Heather pointed it out on the Couples Table live stream and I was like "Wait, did I totally miss that?" I had to watch this video again. 😜 Darn.

[@tombuck]

Haha thank you! And thanks to Heather for the great idea 😁

[@heatherjustcreate]

FAVORITE INTRO/OUTRO EVER! Also, you’re gorgeous! 😘 💜

[@tombuck]

I agree, it’s a gorgeous intro 😉

[@randovids7147]

That went from a little creepy to wholesome and adorable once I realised who it was /facepalm 😂

[@heatherjustcreate]

@@randovids7147 😋😋

[@christopherrippel2463]

Your hand gestures on the directional pattern of each microphone was the best I have ever seen anyone explain the difference! BTW: What pink vinyl is on the turntable? I have a 1961 55SW! I am rebuilding it at this moment.

[@tombuck]

Thank you! And good eye- it’s a reissue of The Fury of The Aquabats 😁

[@djtoman6875]

Great comparison, as always, especially the wacky inflatable flailing arm dude noise rejection test. As soon as I started getting into podcasting and trying out all sorts of different mics I knew that one day I wouldn't be able to resist the allure of the Super 55 based on looks alone. But what pushed me to pull the trigger on this mic sooner than expected was the super cardioid pickup pattern shared by the Beta 58A, which uses the same capsule. For around an $80 "beauty surcharge" you get the same mic with its excellent noise rejection and excellent handling of the proximity effect. So far my favorite mic among my various options is the Neat King Bee II, but since it's a condenser mic that introduces some room echo, and the room I currently rent has a lot of traffic outside and limited treatment options, I am going to give this gorgeous hunk of vibrating metal a go.

[@robertmattson8635]

Hey Tom! A couple of mics that I use in my space are the Lewitt LCT 440 Pure and the Synco D2 shotgun. Both are in that $250 to $300 range and I use them for VO and online meetings. They could be fun for you to review someday.

[@tombuck]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[@TransplantHelper]

worked well on the boom but that classic mic is just looks so good in a desk stand.

[@tombuck]

Yep, it really does. I'd love to find a silver desk stand to match it.

[@Juice_boxtv]

i have a 55sh, i went for it over the super 55 because of how it sounded on my voice tbh. i was surpised and you are right it is a super personal thing. it really is fun to try different mics out. this is my 3rd shure and i have yet to not love them (sm57, sm58, 55sh)

[@tombuck]

Such a great mic! I recently found an "S36 Stand" on eBay originally form the 1050's that's made to hold the old Unidyne mics. It's in shipping right now, but it might be worth checking out if you use the mic on a tabletop stand.

[@Juice_boxtv]

@@tombuck im on a telescoping stand with a boom arm attached to it some old janked together band room specials i grabbed and made work. I will check it out though, this guy is a touch too heavy for the springs on this peavy arm. Thanks! i appreciate it

[@sylversky7599]

Top ...man..so far the best ... Super video about this product. 1 remark you can open the micro and put inside some windscreen foam very carefully to eliminate the background noise or buy a pop.screen for micro as well . Simple and effecient . The deluxe 55 is totally legendary and iconic

[@webingerphoto49]

Tom…just got 55S (classic) Unidyne . I play harmonicas with a Shure Green Bullet…so I thought to try playing my harmonica through it and with vocals.It was awesome! If I am being mobile on stage the Green Bullet is great…if I am stationary the 55S (classic). Just thought I’d pass this along to harp players!

[@tombuck]

Oh nice! So cool to hear it being used for instruments!

[@markh2715]

great review

[@ColonelRPG]

the flailing mini man test was definitely worth it!

[@tombuck]

It’s the most scientific of all tests.

[@DanielTolson1]

You the man Tom. Thank you 🙏 I really like the limited edition black and red Metallica uses. So hot right now.

[@tombuck]

Yes! Those are pretty awesome.

[@thomassorheimdanielsen]

I really love the look of these mics! I think I need to get one.... :)

[@tombuck]

They're beautiful, timeless designs.

[@thomassorheimdanielsen]

@@tombuck I really want the Super 55, however, contrary to you, I am not a fan of the blue. It does not feel "classic" or timeless. Dilemma... :)

[@Podcastforthewin]

I have to say, you Shure do put together a good review.

[@tombuck]

And I Shure appreciate you’re support!

[@MLegacy100]

absolutely phenomenal review. sub

[@tombuck]

Thank you!

[@brienramsey8772]

Tom, love your videos. I am a huge fan of the Rode Podmic too, and I own 3 of them for my podcast. I also own a Shure super 55 that I love but I don't use it as often as I should. After seeing your review, I might just switch out one of the Podmics for the 55 for a while! Anyway, my question is...at the 13:05 mark in your video, there is a mic shown in the background, lying on it's side on the desk. Is that the monoprice??? I was looking into that mic as well, and will you be doing a review of that mic too, sometime in the not-too-distant future?!? Thanks and keep up the great work, love you videos on the Podmics and Rodecaster!!! Keep up the great work!!!

[@tombuck]

Good eye! You caught the Easter Egg 😁 It is the Memphis, and I will be doing a comparison with all three very soon.

[@robertmattson8635]

I used to have a Monoprice Memphis Blue Classic Dynamic Microphone that's about $70-$80. It has a blue foam pop filter and a switch, and sounded similar to a SM58. A really nice looking mic that gave pretty decent sound quality, especially for the money. Sadly I gave it to a friend because it would look really nice on my office shelf even if I didn't use it.

[@tombuck]

I actually bought that one too to compare and it’s pretty neat. 👍

[@killaforchicken]

Lmao, I literally just bought one of these mics today. Perfect upload!

[@tombuck]

Whoa- good timing! 😁

[@scottpaquette2721]

I don't need anymore microphones .... but I want one of those great looking microphones :) And they do sounds quite good, thanks for the review Tom!

[@tombuck]

I feel you. I have no need for any more mics but I keep buying mics. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@scottpaquette2721]

@@tombuck I'm sure we can start a support group for people who buy too many mics.

[@Podcastforthewin]

It’s hard to believe that 2009 was 12 years ago... feels like just yesterday

[@tombuck]

I know! It hit me right as I was saying it here.

[@chadwickeearnest1191]

Man I LOVE these mics!! Just ordered the super for the sound and the look. #vintage!

[@tombuck]

It's so good! Genuine works of art.

[@chadwickeearnest1191]

@@tombuck 100% agree. A mic you actually want on camera.

[@JamesMusicCo]

😂 the Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tubeman test was awesome!

[@JamesMusicCo]

I love how it just magically freezes at 8:48 for like 10 seconds! Hilarious!

[@LeenLapid]

Thanks for sharing will share your video link to a friend.

[@tombuck]

Awesome, thank you! 🙌

[@VastCNC]

That intro was perfect.

[@tombuck]

Thank you!

[@FynnOliverEmonSill]

Love these, - this - you....so fun.

[@MBurrellstudios]

I'm not about to read your impressive 157 other comments so I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this. However, the Series II 55sh was introduced in 1989 and the Super 55 in 2009. I've used and owned both. Plus I own the 55sw from 1961 and a 1951 55s. Yes, I'm a happy guy. I love these mics.

[@tombuck]

They’re both really excellent mics. I personally lean towards the Super 55 and think that it’s absolutely awesome.

[@johnheiser2604]

Hi Tom, I have them and love them. The low profile Elgato wave arm is the way to go so you have them in the vertical profile.

[@daveggiemonsta958]

Yooooo, how did I just notice your Aquabats poster??? Super rad!!!!

[@tombuck]

Haha, I tihnk there's something like 11 Aquabats posters in this room 😁

[@daveggiemonsta958]

@@tombuck love it!

[@JPKloess]

This was an obnoxiously exhaustive review, very nice.

[@tombuck]

Thank you?

[@carlos-pratspratsonthebeat1145]

Thanks for this info , May God Bless You So Much

[@berlimpodcasts2660]

I love Shure Mics!!! I have a classic SM58.

[@tombuck]

Yes! One of the best mics ever.

[@MyTerryw]

Now that is a nice mic shame just bought Rode Procaster xlr. All good and as I use fethead I would possibly be also looking at the cost of cloudlifter as looks a tight fit to get fethead in if on desk stand. Nice video. May have to find an excuse to get the super 😆

[@tombuck]

I've learned you don't need excuses to get more mics. They all offer something fun and different 👍

[@NicleT]

Taller tabletop mic stands are called “Atlas” stands.

[@jayjayrecordz]

Might start using my 55SH as my studio mic 🤔

[@jimcamp2423]

These are nostalgic, it's the beginning of WW2 (1939) with these. I'd like to see a 3rd & 4th fixed pole microphones in the mix, Pyle PDMICR68SL & Monoprice Memphis Blue.

[@tombuck]

I have the Memphis for an upcoming video, but I didn’t go for the Pyle since it’s made out of plastic.

[@jimcamp2423]

@@tombuck The PDMICR68SL is Pyle's metal body, the PDMICR42 is the plastic body. The PDMICR68SL is $ 39.99 Amazon or Wal-Mart. That's the one I pulled the trigger on and have taken a leap of faith that it's close enough. This video compared it to a Shure, but it's not as in depth in a more technical review. Your's is more lecture/speech/talk show host-like for a review than his was vocals/karaoke singing, but he does cover the BLasting/PLosives/Sizzling S's. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6uVnIKEq5WMb6s

[@FatimaStarr2013]

Thank you ❣️☺️

[@tombuck]

You’re welcome 😊

[@shaddow1000]

great side by side I already (just) spent the extra before I saw this vid and so glad I did because the deluxe sounds much better

[@tombuck]

I LOVE the Super 55! It definitely does have a more rich and full sound I think.

[@slashclash21bharat]

A wholesome and "Highly Scientific" comparison, Thanks a Ton! Time to "unidyne in style".

[@PawFromTheBroons]

With the release of Peele's Nope, you might want to put a link to your desktop alien-detector in the description. One never knows just how truly weird their subscribers are. 😆

[@tombuck]

Honestly, I hope they're weirder than I imagine. 😁

[@galxrax6389]

you got my vote for that joke at the end i love shure i am using the old school pe 585

[@tombuck]

Nice! That's an awesome old school mic.

[@robertrickman3531]

Just pulled the trigger on a Super 55...Ive heard them for Years, DECADES I dare say. I am actually excited to use one for myself. The VOX for the Holiday(July 2,3,4) is a rather Dynamic/Transient Female Voice with an Equally Powerful Band (Medvick EG, Theilen DR, Twigg, BS)... 6' behind her. (I have a Corner Stage that is only 20' deep...), so the SuprCard pattern is gonna be Very Helpful. I have alot of New Country music coming across my stage during my season, and Ive always wanted to hear a S-55.....

[@tombuck]

It's such a fun mic, I'm shure you'll love it! I have a lot of mics that I enjoy, but I think the Super 55 is definitely the most fun to use.

[@dougbutton9352]

Excellent review! Thank you for all the info in a very clear manner. Can you review some of the copycat mics that are out there?

[@tombuck]

I’ve only done one with the Monoprice Memphis, which is surprisingly great: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ6wkqOqr6qqaK8si=m8ySQ8a5vAy0qklF A lot of the other copycat mics I found are very plasticy, so I didn’t really want to even bother with them.

[@jhntk7918]

Great content, Buck! Subbed-

[@tombuck]

Awesome, thank you!

[@IMNOTABARISTA]

It looks so beautiful :) By the way, what coffee do you like the most?

[@henryssurfshowcase]

Thank you for review, I would think there are more plus benefits with the Super 55 all the way around! I watched your video twice, once with out headphones, and 1 time with headphones. The Super 55 to me would be the one to buy between the two. Or just buy both if you can not decide..

[@zurvey]

I love the Shure Super 55 too and have one as well. They look great, sound really great, are great at rejecting room noise, and are built like a tank. Great review.

[@tombuck]

I love the build quality! There are a lot of cheap plastic "retro" mics out, and it's nice to have the full metal original.

[@DaivG]

Ending on a Dad joke. Couldn’t ask for more!

[@cleanairideasin9491]

OMG. .... I was going to write a nice comment about your awesome video, but then I heard the unidyne pun at the end. Instead, I projectile-vomited all over my Behringer. But no worries -- it still sounds great! Haha. By the way, there was a Tom that taught here in Korea almost 8+ years back, and he sure reminds me of you.

[@tombuck]

Please give my apologies to your Behringer 🙏

[@RafaelLudwig]

Coming up Next on the Tom & Mic Podcast! The super 55 tone is so nice!

[@tombuck]

I really love it.

[@SuboptimalRunner]

Another great video, Tom! How does the sound of the Super 55 (blue) compare with the Shure MV7? I know the MV7 has all of the USB bells and whistles, but as someone who generally connects via XLR, that's not as big a selling point for me.

[@tombuck]

My very scientific assessment is that the MV7 has more low end and is a bit more”full” whereas the Super 55 is punchier.

[@SuboptimalRunner]

@@tombuck well, I guess that means I need both!

[@StuartCardell]

Thanks!

[@DNYS8N]

As an outdoor performer I like the 58. Indoors I prefer Audix which requires more discipline to stay right on top of mic. I want a big Super 55 so I can have a better focal point and improve my sound, but it’s probably more psychological. However it’s over twice the cost of a 58; so I’m passing sticking to the old adage if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, but that look keeps calling me back.

[@tombuck]

It's tough to ignore the awesome style of these mics, even though I think you're right and the 58 is the more sensible choice.

[@Newrecordday2013]

This is a perfect video. You won. Got the high score. We can all pack and go home folks...

[@tombuck]

We’ve reached “peak video” 😁

[@nezt94]

your pun games shurely unbeatable

[@tombuck]

Why thank you. You've shure got great taste!

[@SingwithCinderella]

I love the review...but I just want to give a shoutout for the puns!!

[@tombuck]

Thanks Cinderella! That makes my heart sing.

[@MikeMena]

Awww man, I wonder how one that “sitcom crowd laugh” sound effect would work with the extra, extra bad jokes!! cringe factor would triple! 😅

[@tombuck]

You’re right! 🤔

[@AndyKow]

Nice review. Love the super scientific test! Lol.

[@tombuck]

Lots of serious analysis went into this experiment 🔬

[@staticidiot8241]

Nice one mister Elvis, but you can't beat the Podmic clan.

[@tombuck]

Haha, true.

[@KathrynsWorldWildfireTracking]

Very nice review. I'm looking to replace my JBL Quantum 800 gaming set with something "pro" for streaming. (My audio on my stream past 2 years is cringe! But hey, I was a newb.) Would have liked to see female voice tests, since some people say "sounds great for men, but not women!" Also, perhaps a few other mics compared, but hey, that was pretty thorough. Thanks for not having zany or over-excited content. Nice and calm.

[@tombuck]

Thanks Kathryn! I try and have my wife jump in for some sound comparisons when I can, but unfortunately I couldn’t do that with this video. She does sound great in the Super 55 though 👍

[@KathrynsWorldWildfireTracking]

@@tombuck Cool! Thanks, you're the man. I ordered one with your link. :)

[@MsTrumpetChick1]

I'm looking at this for twitch streaming purposes and trying to figure out if it's possible to use with a boom mount, I am encountering a lot of stuff regarding the extension tube. I'm brand new to microphones and cords and audio mixing, what boom stand would you recommend to have a downwards hanging mic, which cords would I need, sound mixers etc? Would this work with a goxlr?

[@tombuck]

The extension tube really helps and then makes the mic compatible with just about any arm. I really like the Elgato Low Profile arm if you want something low, and the new Rode PSA1+ Makes it easy to mount the mic vertically.

[@SexyTrappaTv]

Ok Tom I think this fits my question as I’m looking for the mic 🎙️ that I can hang like upside down so the cord is like coming from the sky sort of speak… for Artist to do live performances via social media so the mic 🎙️ I need is one that definitely will cancel out noise for traffic , construction workers , car horns etc as the mic will be set up at random places all over my city so I need the mic to be able to hang and sometimes maybe have a stand also so what do you prefer?

[@rickandtech3869]

Like you videos, both your youtube and podcast follower, just wonderding do you still process your sound, say in audition after rode caster pro? I mean if I do a solo podcast for 1 hour I will make a lot of mistakes🤔

[@tombuck]

Thank you for the kind words! Audio processing kind of depends. For podcasts, I try to get everything as "correct" as possible during recording, but sometimes I'll put the audio into Audition to make some adjustments or edit out parts.

[@HickLif3]

First video I've seen of yours and random question, what clock is that under the monitor? that is cool

[@tombuck]

It's a Nixie Tube clock from a company called Millclock. 👍

[@HickLif3]

@@tombuck thank you! I ended up watching a lot more of your videos and have learned a lot!

[@fedayeentaqx9956]

Tom, I'm about to buy the super 55, and am wondering is a normal mic preamp, like an ART Tube MP, or Presonus Tube Pre, going to work also, or does it have to have the cloudlifter to get that clarity and brightness you had with the cloudlifter? (or close to it at least)

[@fedayeentaqx9956]

Or if anyone else knows, im new to quality dynamics, only used a 57 and 58, and condenser mics

[@tombuck]

It should work fine. If you get it and feel it’s not giving you enough output, then you can add a booster 👍

[@FaithfullyBearded]

I SHURE love this video

[@tombuck]

I’m amped to hear it!

[@ynotw57]

Anyone else catch the music bed? I'm having a Team Coco moment over here.