SHURE PG56 XLR PROFESSIONAL INSTRUMENT MICROPHONE


Most people who are familiar with Shure microphones easily recognize the most popular models, such as the best selling SM Series (i.e., SM57 or SM58) or the slightly more expensive Beta Series (i.e., Beta 57A or Beta 58A). However, Shure also makes a more affordable series of microphones called the Performance Gear Series or PG Series for short. The PG Series of microphones are more affordable than the SM or Beta Series, and yet they still deliver some of the great qualities that musicians and consumers who choose Shure products have come to expect. The microphone that I will be reviewing today is the Shure PG56 Professional Instrument Microphone. This Shure PG56 lists for $143.50, but it can be had for a discounted street price of $69.95 at some of the large music department stores. This price includes a 15 foot XLR to XLR cable, a Shure A50D Drum Mic Clamp, and Integrated Stand Mount, and a handy storage bag to keep it all in. This makes the Shure PG56 an excellent value for the price.


The Shure PG56 is a “Dynamic Cardioid” microphone specifically designed for close micing of drums. A “dynamic” microphone has a moving coil cartridge. The PG56 has a simple, but strong dynamic moving coil with a neodymium magnet which can withstand relatively high sound pressure levels without distorting. The PG56 has a “cardioid” pickup pattern, which means that it is most sensitive to picking up sounds that are directly facing the front of the microphone, and it is less susceptible to picking up sounds that emanate from the sides or back of the microphone. This makes it very useful for close micing of drums, such as a snare drum or tom tom. Because of its cardioid or unidirectional pickup pattern, the PG56 is very useful in situations where one wants to isolate the sound source being miced (i.e., such as in recording situations) and where one wants to reduce the likelihood of feedback from stage monitors (i.e., such as in a live situation).


Although the Shure PG56 can be potentially used for different purposes, it has a frequency response that is specifically tailored for drums. The frequency response is from 50 to 15,000 Hz., and the response is relatively even throughout the frequency range. Like other microphones in the Shure lineup, the Shure PG56 is built to last, and it is designed to take a lot of punishment, and still keep working. The PG56 has a durable die cast metal housing, a steel mesh grill that resists damage or breakage, a built-in locking stand adaptor, and an internal shock mount designed to reduce handling noise or extraneous vibrations. With all its toughness and strength, the Shure PG56 weighs in at a very light 11.4 ounces.


The Shure PG56 is a mic that has been specifically designed to accurately reproduce the sound of drums, whether in a live setting or in the studio. Here are some possible microphone placements. If you are looking for a crisp snap, such as might be the case with recording a snare drum, clip the PG56 on the top rim of the drum, aim it directly at the skin, and position it about 1 inch above the skin. For recording a tom tom, I would place the PG56 as described above, but in this case I would position it about 3 inches above the skin. This would yield a more natural sound. Of course the closer the PG56 is to the skin, the sharper and more full the sound would be. For recording percussion instruments, such as a conga drum, I would not clip the PG56 to the drum, but rather would use a conventional microphone stand. Again, I would position the microphone about 3 inches above the top skin of the drum, and aim the microphone at the rim. Obviously there are many more possible positions and placements that will work just fine, and the placement of any microphone will in large part determine the type of sound that is being captured and reproduced.


Is the Shure PG56 the best possible microphone for recording drums? Of course not, and seriously how could it be when it sells for a mere $69.95. However, it may be the best microphone in this price range for this particular purpose. Further, I have personally used it on a number of recordings, and I have been pleased with the results.


Well I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Shure PG56 Professional Instrument Microphone, but now if you will excuse me, I must get back to my practicing.


Recommended: Yes