I got an old used one as a gift when i started DJ-ing in -88. I think he said it was from -74. I still working good and i used it today :D Thanks for a nice channel.
I know this video is 4 years old but if you're still doing youtube stuff, thank you for the video. I picked up one of these mics for $5 at a thrift store.
Hello sir, I refurbish these vintage mics for a living and just found your channel. Good watch. Have you had a chance to refoam this mic or any other of the older mics you use? Those popfilters make a huge difference in sound quality. Also cleaning the XLR pins is very important as well. They do sell good exterior popfilters for these mics as well that can really clean up the sound on these 545 series mics. These 545 series are extremely good sounding if properly refurbished.
I try my best to clean and refoam whe ln possible. Just did that with my electro voice pl10.... Definitely made a difference. Thanks for watching... Highly appreciated
It is a good looking mic. I certainly don’t mind a mic in the shot. If I’m watching a movie with someone galloping through the desert on a horse I’d rather not see the mic BUT someone sitting at a desk talking to me, I kinda like seeing the mic. 😃 Have a great day and be safe out there!
My dad has an original unidyne from the 60s or 70s. We use it a lot for vocals at band rehearsals. It’s a super cool. Been considering buying one of the modern re-pros. Based on the sound quality from this vid, I might get one.
It’s definitely one of those mics that will never leave my possession....I get bored with the 57s of the world....give me this silver and black beauty all day
The Shure 545 is the predecessor of the Sure SM57. The 545 and the SM57 share a lot of things. Both share the same Unidyne III element, the difference being the material of the voice coil. The 545 voice coil is copper (heavier) while the voice coil of the SM57 is aluminum (lighter). Both sound pretty close. The 545 (and the 565) are slightly richer in harmonics while the SM57/58 are slightly "bassy". The 545 (and the 565) was designed for live sound (stage) hence the chrome glint... while the SM57 (and SM58) SM=Studio Microphone was designed for broadcast studio use, hence the matte finish (to avoid reflections on TV Cameras and/or distract Radio Announcers). But how things turned out was the SM found it's place on stage and not in the Studios as intended, and pushed into oblivion the 545 and 565. In Asia however the glint of the 545 and 565 are much much preferred and you'll see them everywhere, both on live TV and on the stage, hence the reason why they are still in production. I have 3 Shure 565, not vintage made in the USA with the plastic black cartridge, but a newer 2021 production with black metal cartridge, and like them a lot.
@@ObscureMics For the Christmas Edition of your show, I suggest you review the "most famous obscure mic": The Shure 565. Before the SM58 dethroned it, it was EVERYWHERE. Woodstock 1969 music festival really made it popular, Freddie Mercury was his favorite mic, to name a few (google to see photos). Then years later the "studio version" of it, the Shure SM58 pushed it into obscureness... Therefore, you can call it, the most famous obscure mic! All the info I gave you above for the 545 apply to the 565 as they are identical. The only difference is the addition of the ball-type pop filter on top of the cartridge, that shure calls "Unisphere", that reduces plosives. It's sad that there aren't any reviews of the 565, such an iconic, now obscure microphone -- but STILL in production! Give it a shot!
Unidyne stands for "Unidirectional Dynamic". The 545SD is the grandfather of the SM57 and the grandson of the model 55SH (Elvis mic). The 545 is very useful not just on vocals, but on instruments and amp cabinets as well. A very versatile mic. The SM7B is very close to this...but on steroids. All these are microphone technology that has a 75+ year legacy.
@@ObscureTech No problem. I've used Shure mics for over 30 years and they live up to their name. Personally, I like the vintage models, but the capsules (mic element) are more fragile than the modern revisions and the magnet cores aren't neodymium type.
@@ObscureTech The other difference between the 545 and the 57 is the body color. The TV broadcasters and live stage performers were reluctant to use Unidyne series mics because the stage lights reflected off the surface of the mic body. So, Shure introduced the SM57/58 as a solution to that problem. And while they were at it, they revised the design of the internal parts to improve the sound (e.g., using a neodymium magnet vs a conventional ceramic or iron core one).
Love your commentary. Today I picked 2 545d's at a yard sale for 25 cents each. WOW !!!Have not tested them yet and they are not the 545sd's but what the hey !!! I'll deal with it ! Good shape for a fishing BIG sinker if they are duds. Thanks for doing this review.
Thankyou! And wow....that's better than any deal I've ever landed. If you ever wanna loan one out (assuming they work, which I bet they do) I'd love to demo it. I definitely need to find some yard sales!
Lol, the seller is probably regretting that sale. Bad for him, but good for you! In all seriousness, that was an amazing deal. Normally those mics brand new sell for around $120-$130 apiece.
@@ObscureMics Also look around for the Unidyne-B Model 515SB. They can be had for around $20 used on the low end. They are a step down from the SM57 and SM58, but worth the buy. Work great on drums and guitar amps! Btw, I do sound tech work both live and in the studio, if you were curious. ;-)
@@ObscureMics You might have to do some light maintenance when you get the 515s. I've found in some cases the glue that holds the suspension system pads to the capsule dry out. Just a dab of Elmer's or wood glue does the trick. Also, be prepared to completely replace all the foam material in the windscreen. You can either glue new material to the front of the capsule cover or just buy a foam pop filter (aka "Bozo nose") to fit over top. Whichever route you go will work.
the more i hear this mic, the more i am starting to like it. Considering this, the Rode Podmic, and the AKG D5 for speech. I just wonder, will this thing work with the a55m shock mount or would the mount obstruct the switch?
Did you ever do a video on that Turner/Exxecutron/other? Mic from the still shot? The middle one. Love the look of them, but there seems a dirth of info/clips. Believe the Turner was the s500.
565...The Freddie Mercury mic. Also seen used during the Woodstock Festival 1969 and Live Aid 1985. Frank Sinatra also used one until the SM58 was made.
@@Viking_2016 You might be right. Shure made a lot of different model mics. But it was the 545 and 565 models that paved the way towards the SM57/58 models. I sat in on a seminar Shure hosted and they explained what the history was behind these mics. You can find the video of it here by doing a search on Shure's channel. But Freddie did use the 565SD on stage at Live Aid 1985.
Any chance of getting reviews on the ATM23, ATM27, ATM41 and ATM41A, AT891R, AT851A, AT841UG, the AKG D3500, D1000E, D19E, D24, D125, D310, Audix cx-111, cx-112, adx60, etc.? I can give you a dozen more when you’ve done those…
Audix mics always intrigue me....getting one today actually. But it literally just depends on the flow of sales vs what's available weighed against my hobby bank account 🤷. Never know what's in the budget from week to week....but I'll add all applicable from this list to my own list.
Can anyone please tell me what the mic in the middle is on the picture used at the top and tail of this video? The one with the image in the middle of the grill.
For that price ? have you opened it to check fi it's the real deal ? There is lot of fake shure mic scam happening on ebay, beware of that. Good way to tel is opening it up and check for the transformer, cheap copy don't have it. A 120$ mic sold 20$ in working condition would makes me super doubtful.
@@ObscureMics Found one on CL for $45 ($122 @ Shure.com), debating on the 2-hour round trip to pick up, or to ask a co-worker to pick it up, when he goes home for the Holidays next week.
@@tahwnikcufos worth the trip for that. Julian Krause, a great audio RUclipsr has a video that shows how to make an sm57 sound like a sm7b....I added this mic could be near the same settings since it's very 57 like
@@ObscureMics I'm eq'ing my 58 now and have a big foam windscreen on it. I was kinda hoping to do a stubby or 90 degree mod to the 545, to get the cable out of the way.
This microphone is not so obscure to amplified blues harmonica players. Prices have been rising steadily on this mike ever since it aquired the nickname "Paul Butterfield" microphone. This is one of the few microphones still on my hit list as I haven't been able to find one super cheap (has to be Hi Z).
So, I was looking for a microphone to pair with an sm57 that probably sounds a little different, and was wanting to know if this would be a good to pair it with.
@@ObscureMics I was wanting to use one to mic a guitar cab using something called the friedman technique where you have one microphone facing the speaking straight, and the other facing it at an angle.
Ahhhhhhh gotcha. I would save about $50 and grab a CAD TSM411 dynamic microphone...underrated as heck on guitar cabs. AND, there's one on reverb right now for 29.99 free shipping
I DID SETUP FOR BANDS ( 200 SHOWS ) JOHNNY CASH , WAYLON , CHARLE PRIDE , JERRY LEE , OAKS , STALERS , ELVIN BISHOP , NEW RIDERS OF PURPLE SAGE , GEORGE JONES , TAMMY WYNETTE , LORETTA LYNN , BOBBY BARE , JERRY REED , MILSAP , RICKY SKAGGS , AND MANY MORE , BLACK OAK ARKANSAS , TED NUGENT ETC
I got an old used one as a gift when i started DJ-ing in -88. I think he said it was from -74.
I still working good and i used it today :D
Thanks for a nice channel.
Nice!
Thank YOU for watching
I know this video is 4 years old but if you're still doing youtube stuff, thank you for the video. I picked up one of these mics for $5 at a thrift store.
I absolutely am....way too much youtube stuff actually lol. Appreciate it!
Hello sir, I refurbish these vintage mics for a living and just found your channel. Good watch. Have you had a chance to refoam this mic or any other of the older mics you use? Those popfilters make a huge difference in sound quality. Also cleaning the XLR pins is very important as well. They do sell good exterior popfilters for these mics as well that can really clean up the sound on these 545 series mics. These 545 series are extremely good sounding if properly refurbished.
I try my best to clean and refoam whe ln possible. Just did that with my electro voice pl10.... Definitely made a difference. Thanks for watching... Highly appreciated
hey do you have an instagram, or an email? Might be interested in getting some mics repaired!
Do you have one for sale?
@@federicopereda7203 Hello. I do yes. You are looking for the 545, 545S or 545SD model? I also have 545L models as well.
It is a good looking mic. I certainly don’t mind a mic in the shot.
If I’m watching a movie with someone galloping through the desert on a horse I’d rather not see the mic BUT someone sitting at a desk talking to me, I kinda like seeing the mic. 😃
Have a great day and be safe out there!
I'm getting one. They were very popular and common in 60s studios. Much prefer it over the SM57
Same, solid choice
My dad has an original unidyne from the 60s or 70s. We use it a lot for vocals at band rehearsals. It’s a super cool. Been considering buying one of the modern re-pros. Based on the sound quality from this vid, I might get one.
It’s definitely one of those mics that will never leave my possession....I get bored with the 57s of the world....give me this silver and black beauty all day
Don't get a modern one. The difference in realism, punch, air, 3D presentation... is completely different in the modern mics.
good mic. predecessor of the sm57. used 'em a bunch back in the early 80's.
Definitely a good mic
The Shure 545 is the predecessor of the Sure SM57. The 545 and the SM57 share a lot of things. Both share the same Unidyne III element, the difference being the material of the voice coil. The 545 voice coil is copper (heavier) while the voice coil of the SM57 is aluminum (lighter). Both sound pretty close. The 545 (and the 565) are slightly richer in harmonics while the SM57/58 are slightly "bassy". The 545 (and the 565) was designed for live sound (stage) hence the chrome glint... while the SM57 (and SM58) SM=Studio Microphone was designed for broadcast studio use, hence the matte finish (to avoid reflections on TV Cameras and/or distract Radio Announcers). But how things turned out was the SM found it's place on stage and not in the Studios as intended, and pushed into oblivion the 545 and 565. In Asia however the glint of the 545 and 565 are much much preferred and you'll see them everywhere, both on live TV and on the stage, hence the reason why they are still in production. I have 3 Shure 565, not vintage made in the USA with the plastic black cartridge, but a newer 2021 production with black metal cartridge, and like them a lot.
Great info!
@@ObscureMics For the Christmas Edition of your show, I suggest you review the "most famous obscure mic": The Shure 565. Before the SM58 dethroned it, it was EVERYWHERE. Woodstock 1969 music festival really made it popular, Freddie Mercury was his favorite mic, to name a few (google to see photos). Then years later the "studio version" of it, the Shure SM58 pushed it into obscureness... Therefore, you can call it, the most famous obscure mic! All the info I gave you above for the 545 apply to the 565 as they are identical. The only difference is the addition of the ball-type pop filter on top of the cartridge, that shure calls "Unisphere", that reduces plosives. It's sad that there aren't any reviews of the 565, such an iconic, now obscure microphone -- but STILL in production! Give it a shot!
There shall be no Christmas edition lol. I am not aa holiday person. BUT THE 565 will be done....eventually
Unidyne stands for "Unidirectional Dynamic". The 545SD is the grandfather of the SM57 and the grandson of the model 55SH (Elvis mic). The 545 is very useful not just on vocals, but on instruments and amp cabinets as well. A very versatile mic. The SM7B is very close to this...but on steroids. All these are microphone technology that has a 75+ year legacy.
@@ObscureTech No problem. I've used Shure mics for over 30 years and they live up to their name. Personally, I like the vintage models, but the capsules (mic element) are more fragile than the modern revisions and the magnet cores aren't neodymium type.
@@ObscureTech The other difference between the 545 and the 57 is the body color. The TV broadcasters and live stage performers were reluctant to use Unidyne series mics because the stage lights reflected off the surface of the mic body. So, Shure introduced the SM57/58 as a solution to that problem. And while they were at it, they revised the design of the internal parts to improve the sound (e.g., using a neodymium magnet vs a conventional ceramic or iron core one).
Awesome info!
@@ObscureMics You're welcome. About 5 yrs ago, Shure posted a webinar video here on RUclips about the SM57/58's history. It's worth the viewing.
Love your commentary. Today I picked 2 545d's at a yard sale for 25 cents each. WOW !!!Have not tested them yet and they are not the 545sd's but what the hey !!! I'll deal with it ! Good shape for a fishing BIG sinker if they are duds.
Thanks for doing this review.
Thankyou! And wow....that's better than any deal I've ever landed. If you ever wanna loan one out (assuming they work, which I bet they do) I'd love to demo it. I definitely need to find some yard sales!
Lol, the seller is probably regretting that sale. Bad for him, but good for you! In all seriousness, that was an amazing deal. Normally those mics brand new sell for around $120-$130 apiece.
@@ObscureMics Also look around for the Unidyne-B Model 515SB. They can be had for around $20 used on the low end. They are a step down from the SM57 and SM58, but worth the buy. Work great on drums and guitar amps!
Btw, I do sound tech work both live and in the studio, if you were curious. ;-)
I'll pick one up!
@@ObscureMics You might have to do some light maintenance when you get the 515s. I've found in some cases the glue that holds the suspension system pads to the capsule dry out. Just a dab of Elmer's or wood glue does the trick. Also, be prepared to completely replace all the foam material in the windscreen. You can either glue new material to the front of the capsule cover or just buy a foam pop filter (aka "Bozo nose") to fit over top. Whichever route you go will work.
Ian Anderson's mic for singing and flute
brilliant, i play flute too i better get one to copy that dude
I love to buy vintage mics. Enjoy your videos🎙
Appreciate you watching
the more i hear this mic, the more i am starting to like it. Considering this, the Rode Podmic, and the AKG D5 for speech. I just wonder, will this thing work with the a55m shock mount or would the mount obstruct the switch?
Good question....I'd like to think going slightly above the switch is possible...but I'm not sure
Did you ever do a video on that Turner/Exxecutron/other? Mic from the still shot? The middle one. Love the look of them, but there seems a dirth of info/clips. Believe the Turner was the s500.
I have not sadly
@@ObscureMics Do you still have it all this time later? Hah...I actually got one! The cable needs some love, but the element still works.
I do not
unidyne III is the name of the capsule in the mic. Its the same as in the sm57 and sm58 and I think the sm 565 ( vocal version of this one)
565...The Freddie Mercury mic. Also seen used during the Woodstock Festival 1969 and Live Aid 1985. Frank Sinatra also used one until the SM58 was made.
@@Viking_2016 You might be right. Shure made a lot of different model mics. But it was the 545 and 565 models that paved the way towards the SM57/58 models. I sat in on a seminar Shure hosted and they explained what the history was behind these mics. You can find the video of it here by doing a search on Shure's channel. But Freddie did use the 565SD on stage at Live Aid 1985.
Thanx for the comment. I'm buying one and this vid enlighten me. Greetings from Brazil.
Welcome! I still have and will always have this mic. One of my favorites
Any chance of getting reviews on the ATM23, ATM27, ATM41 and ATM41A, AT891R, AT851A, AT841UG, the AKG D3500, D1000E, D19E, D24, D125, D310, Audix cx-111, cx-112, adx60, etc.? I can give you a dozen more when you’ve done those…
Audix mics always intrigue me....getting one today actually. But it literally just depends on the flow of sales vs what's available weighed against my hobby bank account 🤷. Never know what's in the budget from week to week....but I'll add all applicable from this list to my own list.
Great sounding mic for vocals.
Absolutely
Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
Can anyone please tell me what the mic in the middle is on the picture used at the top and tail of this video? The one with the image in the middle of the grill.
That would be a Turner 510
@@ObscureMics thank you! I saw this mic the other day and couldn’t figure it out
For that price ? have you opened it to check fi it's the real deal ? There is lot of fake shure mic scam happening on ebay, beware of that. Good way to tel is opening it up and check for the transformer, cheap copy don't have it. A 120$ mic sold 20$ in working condition would makes me super doubtful.
My first video....no longer have the mic but it was a real one....bought from an individual iny home town... used.
Was thinking about swapping one these in place my SM58 on my desk, with an angled plug.
This is one of the mics I've refused to get rid of
@@ObscureMics Found one on CL for $45 ($122 @ Shure.com), debating on the 2-hour round trip to pick up, or to ask a co-worker to pick it up, when he goes home for the Holidays next week.
@@tahwnikcufos worth the trip for that. Julian Krause, a great audio RUclipsr has a video that shows how to make an sm57 sound like a sm7b....I added this mic could be near the same settings since it's very 57 like
@@ObscureMics I'm eq'ing my 58 now and have a big foam windscreen on it. I was kinda hoping to do a stubby or 90 degree mod to the 545, to get the cable out of the way.
Hi. Do you know if the A81WS windscreen fits on this mic?
It does! This mic is the exact same build wise as the sm57
This microphone is not so obscure to amplified blues harmonica players. Prices have been rising steadily on this mike ever since it aquired the nickname "Paul Butterfield" microphone. This is one of the few microphones still on my hit list as I haven't been able to find one super cheap (has to be Hi Z).
Great info
Is this compatible with the a2ws windscreen?
It is! I actually have one on mine...or had...sold 😬
So, I was looking for a microphone to pair with an sm57 that probably sounds a little different, and was wanting to know if this would be a good to pair it with.
If you want a TAD different, yes......if you want a darker sound or a more low to mid sounding mic, then no. What are you using the mics for?
@@ObscureMics I was wanting to use one to mic a guitar cab using something called the friedman technique where you have one microphone facing the speaking straight, and the other facing it at an angle.
Ahhhhhhh gotcha. I would save about $50 and grab a CAD TSM411 dynamic microphone...underrated as heck on guitar cabs. AND, there's one on reverb right now for 29.99 free shipping
The sound will be just different enough to give you the sound you are looking for
I have one, yes, they're surprisingly great! Your vid sounds great as well.
No EQ. Flat....just a great mic
Just imagine that mic with the A81WS of shure!!!! would it sound good?
I had one on it for a while after this video, it helped a little
I love the look of the 545, anyone know if I can use for vocals in a band instead of the Sm58? .. just to be different? I really want to get one.
You absolutely can.
Obscure Mics . Thanks a million for the reply. Loved the video 🙏☘️☘️☘️
Appreciate you watching
I haver an original one of these plus the reissue. It's better than an SM57 on snare, especially for the bottom.
Ive heard a lot of folks say that. This was actually my 1st video
He got lucky
I HAVE TWO UNIDYNE 3 / MODEL 545 / 1960S - 70S ORIGINAL FOR ZERO
That's AWESOME
I DID SETUP FOR BANDS ( 200 SHOWS ) JOHNNY CASH , WAYLON , CHARLE PRIDE , JERRY LEE , OAKS , STALERS , ELVIN BISHOP , NEW RIDERS OF PURPLE SAGE , GEORGE JONES , TAMMY WYNETTE , LORETTA LYNN , BOBBY BARE , JERRY REED , MILSAP , RICKY SKAGGS , AND MANY MORE , BLACK OAK ARKANSAS , TED NUGENT ETC