On 30 April, Shure hosted TPi and other industry professionals at The Rose Shure Experience Centre in central London. This event provided an in-depth look at Shure’s latest innovation, the Nexadyne Dynamic Vocal Microphone, continuing the sound specialist’s longstanding legacy of excellence in the microphone industry.
After developing the world’s first single-element unidirectional dynamic microphone, the Unidyne, in 1939, Shure has become one of the most recognised microphones manufacturers worldwide; from the Unidyne to the SM58 which was developed in 1966 and is still used worldwide to this day.
In line with this legacy, Shure doesn’t aim to replace the SM58, but rather give options to its artists to choose from a range of microphones and the newest addition are the Nexadyne 8/C Dynamic Vocal Microphone and the Nexadyne 8/S Dynamic Vocal Microphone.
The former includes a cardioid pattern aimed at being utilised for professional live vocal performance, where the 8/S has a supercardioid pattern which is directed towards professional vocal performance.
Featuring Shure Revonic dual-engine technology, the Nexadyne is tuned for superior off-axis rejection where the Revonic cartridges are configured to work together to manage unwanted internal and external handling noise, with the Revonic two transducer design the microphone manages more acoustic signal processing without the need for traditional pneumatic shock mounting.
At the launch event, attendees were treated to performances from Moonchii and Aaron Anderson, who were among the first performing artists to test out microphones. Production Manager, Chris Parker and FOH Engineer, Matteo Cifelli further provided insider insight, having debuted the microphones on the road prior to the launch.
With an increase in softer-spoken performing artists taking to the world’s largest stages, such as Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, beabadoobee among others, Shure were aware of the challenge of creating a microphone that fits all professional vocalists.
TU Graz Professor of Acoustics, Kai Siedenburg analysed music from 1946 to 2020 and found that vocal levels generally decreased in pop music; to support this Nexadyne is a step forward in supporting artists which require additional amplification and support from their microphones. In addition to benefitting performers and sound engineers, Nexadyne provides improved signal quality, delivering a clearer source for when it comes to the mixing process. Ultimately, the higher output of the microphone ensures engineers can reproduce and balance an artists’ vocals with less audio corrective processing.
The Nexadyne comes in wireless and wired formats for individual performers’ requirements, both available in black with the wireless also available in nickel finish.
Words: Alicia Pollitt
