Shure

Corporate brand

American professional-audio manufacturer known for microphones, wireless systems, headphones, and conferencing technology.

Last updated August 31, 2026

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Overview

Shure is a privately held American audio-technology company founded by Sidney N. Shure in Chicago in 1925. It began as a supplier of radio-parts kits at a time when radio enthusiasts commonly assembled receivers from components. The business survived the transition toward factory-built radios and the economic pressures of the Great Depression by becoming a distributor for a small microphone maker, then developed its own microphone products during the early 1930s. Microphones became the foundation of Shure’s identity. Its 1939 Model 55 Unidyne established a distinctive, rugged, single-element directional design that became visually associated with public speaking, broadcasting, political events, and popular music. During the Second World War, Shure supplied the United States military with microphones and specialized communication products, including the T-17 battle-announce microphone, throat microphones, headsets, and oxygen-mask microphones. The company’s adoption of military specifications and its ability to design products for demanding environments helped establish its reputation for reliability. Shure also became a major producer of phonograph cartridges. By the mid-1940s, it supplied cartridge products to several large phonograph manufacturers and developed innovations intended to improve tracking, stereo reproduction, and record life. Demand for cartridges declined after compact discs became widespread, leading to the closure of the company’s Phoenix cartridge facility and, eventually, Shure’s 2018 decision to leave the phonograph-cartridge market. The company’s SM57 and SM58 microphones, introduced in 1965 and 1966, respectively, became core products for live sound, recording, broadcasting, public speaking, and installed audio. Their durability, consistent performance, and relatively simple designs made them enduring standards. Shure later expanded through Beta, KSM, PG, Microflex, and other microphone families, as well as wireless microphone systems, personal monitoring products, headphones, earphones, mixers, digital signal processing, discussion systems, and conference-room technology. Shure entered wireless microphones for performers in 1953 and developed a broader wireless business over subsequent decades, including the L Series introduced in 1990. It also built international sales, service, distribution, and manufacturing operations. The company opened or expanded facilities and offices in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Mexico, China, and other markets, supporting a global customer base of musicians, broadcasters, houses of worship, theaters, corporate users, educators, and audio professionals. Corporate leadership remained closely associated with the Shure family and long-serving technical executives. After founder Sidney Shure died in 1995, Rose L. Shure became chair of the board. Sandy LaMantia became president and chief executive in 1996, and Christine Schyvinck succeeded him in 2016. The business formally changed its name from Shure Brothers Incorporated to Shure Incorporated in 1999. It moved its headquarters from Evanston to Niles in 2003, where it developed a technology annex and performance-listening facilities. In the twenty-first century, Shure broadened beyond traditional microphones through acquisitions and software-enabled conferencing. It acquired Popper Stopper studio pop filters in 2001, Stem Audio in 2020, and Finnish software company Wavemark in 2023. These moves extended its capabilities in studio accessories, networked room systems, loudspeakers, control interfaces, hubs, and software for theater, film, television, broadcasting, and streaming. Shure remains an active global professional-audio brand, with its classic wired microphones continuing alongside wireless, personal listening, conferencing, and integrated audio products.

History

Shure was established in Chicago in 1925 by Sidney N. Shure as The Shure Radio Company, initially selling radio-parts kits through direct mail. Its first catalog appeared in 1926. The company expanded during the late 1920s, became Shure Brothers Company after Samuel J. Shure joined, and then contracted sharply during the Great Depression as factory-built radios displaced component assembly. In 1929, it became the exclusive United States distributor for a small microphone manufacturer, giving the company a route into audio hardware. Shure began developing its own microphones with engineer Ralph Glover in 1931. The 33N two-button carbon microphone arrived in 1932, followed by condenser and crystal models. The 1939 Model 55 Unidyne was a major turning point: its directional design reduced feedback and ambient-noise pickup while providing a rugged public-address microphone for professional use. The product’s distinctive appearance later became part of Shure’s cultural identity. World War II expanded Shure’s manufacturing role. The company supplied microphones to the United States armed forces, including the T-17B, which became widely used by the Army and Navy. It also produced throat microphones, headsets, oxygen-mask microphones, and other specialized communication products. Shure’s use of military standards and material-conscious designs strengthened its reputation for dependable equipment. During the 1940s and 1950s, Shure diversified into phonograph cartridges, becoming a significant American supplier to record-player manufacturers. Its engineers worked on tracking, stereo compatibility, needle geometry, and reduced record wear. The company also developed medical audio components, including a piezoelectric stethophone and pickups used in hearing-related products. In 1956, it moved its headquarters to Evanston, Illinois, and entered magnetic tape recording heads, although it withdrew from that business in the 1960s because of competition. Shure continued developing performance audio. It introduced a wireless microphone system in 1953, the 545 microphone in 1959, and the SM57 and SM58 in 1965 and 1966. The SM series was originally aimed partly at television studios and emphasized practical, non-reflective finishes and straightforward operation. The SM57 and SM58 subsequently became durable standards for instruments, vocals, public speaking, live sound, and recording. The Beta series followed in 1989 with supercardioid designs and higher-output neodymium magnet structures. International expansion accelerated from the 1980s onward. Shure opened or expanded manufacturing in Illinois, Mexico, and Suzhou, China, while establishing distribution and sales operations in Europe, Hong Kong, mainland China, Japan, the Netherlands, Denmark, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and other markets. In 1990, the company entered the L Series wireless-microphone market. Shure’s corporate name changed from Shure Brothers Incorporated to Shure Incorporated in 1999. After Sidney Shure’s death in 1995, Rose L. Shure became board chair. James Kogen retired in 1996, and engineering executive Sandy LaMantia became president and CEO. Christine Schyvinck succeeded LaMantia in 2016. The company moved to a new Niles headquarters in 2003 and opened a technology annex and performance-listening center in 2005. Shure’s later strategy combined its established microphone business with personal listening, networked conferencing, digital processing, and software. It acquired Popper Stopper in 2001, adopted hearing conservation as a corporate cause in 2002, acquired Stem Audio in 2020, and acquired Wavemark in 2023. Although it exited phonograph cartridges in 2018, Shure remains active in professional microphones, wireless systems, conferencing, headphones, earphones, monitoring, and related audio technologies.

2023
Wavemark acquired
[1]Shureen.wikipedia.org
Shure expanded its software capabilities for broadcast, theater, film, television, and streaming workflows.
2020
Stem Audio acquired
[1]Shureen.wikipedia.org
The acquisition added networked conferencing hardware and room-control products.
2018
Phonograph-cartridge business exit announced
[1]Shureen.wikipedia.org
Shure announced its withdrawal from phonograph-cartridge production.
2003
Headquarters moved to Niles
[1]Shureen.wikipedia.org
Shure relocated its corporate headquarters to Niles, Illinois.
1999
Corporate name changed to Shure Incorporated
[1]Shureen.wikipedia.org
Shure Brothers Incorporated formally adopted the Shure Incorporated name.
1990
L Series wireless business begins
[1]Shureen.wikipedia.org
Shure entered the L Series wireless microphone market.
1989
Beta microphone series introduced
[1]Shureen.wikipedia.org
The Beta line expanded Shure’s performance microphone range with supercardioid designs.
1966
SM58 introduced
[1]Shureen.wikipedia.org
Shure launched the SM58 vocal microphone, later recognized as an industry standard.
1965
SM57 introduced
[1]Shureen.wikipedia.org
Shure launched the SM57, which became a widely used instrument and general-purpose microphone.
1953
First wireless microphone system
[1]Shureen.wikipedia.org
Shure introduced its first wireless microphone system for performers.
1941
Military microphone supply begins
[1]Shureen.wikipedia.org
Shure received a contract to supply microphones to the United States armed forces.
1939
Model 55 Unidyne introduced
[1]Shureen.wikipedia.org
Shure launched its landmark directional Unidyne microphone.
1932
First Shure microphone
[1]Shureen.wikipedia.org
The company introduced the Model 33N two-button carbon microphone.
1925
Company founded in Chicago
[1]Shureen.wikipedia.org
Sidney N. Shure established The Shure Radio Company as a supplier of radio-parts kits.

Products and positioning

Professional and high-quality audio technology for musicians, recording and broadcast professionals, performers, businesses, educators, meeting spaces, and installed-audio users.

Wired microphone · 1965
SM57
Introduced in 1965, the SM57 is a dynamic microphone used for vocals, drums, guitar amplifiers, public speaking, live sound, and recording. Its rugged construction and versatile response have made it one of Shure’s most durable professional products.
Vocal microphone · 1966
SM58
Introduced in 1966, the SM58 is a dynamic handheld vocal microphone designed for live performance and speech. It is known for durability, feedback-resistant directional performance, and widespread adoption in touring and installed audio.
Wired microphone · 1939
Model 55 Unidyne
The 1939 Unidyne established Shure’s iconic microphone styling and directional approach. Its descendants have been used in public-address, broadcast, political, and musical settings, with later variants including the 55S and Super 55.
Wired microphone · 1989
Beta Series
Introduced in 1989, the Beta family applies supercardioid designs and neodymium magnet structures to performance microphones. The range includes vocal, instrument, drum, and kick-drum models such as the Beta 58A and Beta 52A.
Studio microphone
KSM Series
The KSM family comprises higher-end studio and performance microphones aimed at recording, broadcast, vocals, instruments, and other applications requiring refined acoustic performance and expanded control.
In-ear earphone
SE846
The SE846 is a high-end Shure in-ear listening product designed for detailed personal monitoring and music listening. It represents Shure’s extension from professional microphones into premium earphones.
USB/XLR microphone
MV7
The MV7 is a modern microphone offering USB and XLR connectivity for podcasting, streaming, voice recording, and other creator workflows. It connects Shure’s broadcast-microphone heritage with computer-based production.
Conference system · 2020
Stem Ecosystem
The Stem product ecosystem includes table, ceiling, and wall microphones, loudspeakers, hubs, and control interfaces for networked meeting rooms and collaborative spaces. It became part of Shure through the acquisition of Stem Audio.

Controversies

2021
Shure narrows claims in ClearOne litigation
Shure withdrew several false-advertising and related claims before trial in its dispute with ClearOne; the case continued around a design-patent claim and counterclaims concerning marketing and sales of the MXA910-A ceiling-array microphone.
Source
2021
Shure–ClearOne litigation over microphone technology and marketing
In litigation involving ClearOne, Shure withdrew claims concerning alleged false advertising, deceptive trade practices, tortious interference and unfair competition before trial. The proceedings continued around a Shure design-patent infringement claim and ClearOne counterclaims relating to the MXA910-A ceiling-array microphone. The allegations were disputed and the available material does not establish wrongdoing by Shure.
Source

2002Shure Bid for Hearing
United States
Shure established the Bid for Hearing program as part of its broader corporate emphasis on hearing conservation and hearing-health awareness.
Outcome. Became part of Shure’s hearing-conservation corporate activity.
Source

Brand decisions

2023
Acquired WavemarkM&A
Background
Wavemark developed software for theater, film, television, broadcast, and content-streaming applications.
Action taken
Shure acquired the Helsinki-headquartered software developer Ab Wavemark Oy.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded Shure’s software and workflow capabilities alongside its hardware products.
Source
2020
Acquired Stem AudioM&A
Background
Stem Audio specialized in networked room audio, including table, ceiling, and wall microphones, loudspeakers, hubs, and control interfaces.
Action taken
Shure acquired Midas Technology, Inc., known as Stem Audio.
Aftermath
The acquisition strengthened Shure’s conferencing and collaboration portfolio.
Source
2018
Exited the phonograph-cartridge marketStrategy
Background
Compact-disc adoption had reduced demand for phonograph cartridges compared with earlier decades.
Action taken
Shure announced that it would discontinue its phonograph-cartridge business.
Aftermath
The decision narrowed Shure’s portfolio toward microphones, wireless systems, listening products, conferencing, and related audio technologies.
Source
1999
Adopted the Shure Incorporated nameStrategy
Background
The business had operated under the Shure Brothers name for much of its history while expanding internationally and beyond its original radio-parts activities.
Action taken
Shure Brothers Incorporated was formally renamed Shure Incorporated.
Aftermath
The new name consolidated the company’s identity across its professional-audio and listening-product businesses.
Source

Recent events

2022-02-02
Shure and Crestron partner on European road trip[4]Shure与Crestron合作开展欧洲巡回活动lsionline.com
Reported: 2022-02-02
Shure partnered with Crestron to support the Crestron Next Road Trip Europe, a planned tour featuring a mobile experience centre and demonstrations of their audio technology.
2022-01-11
Shure launches SRH440A and SRH840A headphones[5]舒尔推出SRH440A和SRH840A耳机tech.china.com
Shure announced upgrades to its SRH headphone lineup, including the second-generation SRH440A and SRH840A models, with design and sound-quality improvements. The article states that both models are already available through Shure's Tmall and JD.com stores.
2022-01-04
Shure launches AONIC 40 wireless noise-cancelling headphones[6]舒尔发布AONIC 40无线降噪耳机itbear.com.cn
Shure announced the launch of its AONIC 40 wireless, over-ear noise-cancelling headphones in Shanghai on January 4, 2022.
2021-12-30
Shure announces Aonic 40 wireless noise-cancelling headphones[7]Shure宣布推出Aonic 40无线降噪耳机pocket-lint.com
Reported: 2021-12-30
Shure announced the Aonic 40 wireless noise-cancelling headphones, a new addition to its over-ear wireless range. The headphones were available at a starting price of $249.
Unconfirmed
Shure updates ADX5D firmware with third-party integration[8]Shure 更新 ADX5D 固件并加入第三方集成功能lsionline.com
Reported: 2021-10-15
Shure's ADX5D firmware update (1.3.26) adds third-party integration and control with selected portable mixers and recorders from Sound Devices and Aaton Digital.
2021-09-07
Shure updates Aonic 215 earbuds[9]Shure升级Aonic 215耳机whathifi.com
Reported: 2021-09-07
Shure upgraded its Aonic 215 true wireless earbuds with added features including water resistance, an equaliser, stereo hands-free calls and on-bud controls.
2021-08-05
Shure IntelliMix Room achieves Microsoft Teams certification on Crestron system[10]Shure IntelliMix Room在Crestron系统上获得Microsoft Teams认证lsionline.com
Reported: 2021-08-05
Shure IntelliMix Room became the first software-based digital signal processing product for AV conferencing to achieve official Microsoft Teams certification when installed on the Crestron UC-C100-T Flex Video Conference System Integrator Kit.
2021-06-11
Shure and Suzhou Museum launch co-branded products[11]舒尔与苏州博物馆推出联名款产品finance.sina.com.cn
Reported: 2021-06-11
Shure and Suzhou Museum jointly launched a series of co-branded products.
2021-05-07
Shure and Barco collaborate on meeting audio compatibility[12]舒尔与Barco合作实现会议音频兼容lsionline.com
Reported: 2021-05-07
Shure and Barco are working together to provide customers with an integrated meeting setup: the Shure Audio Ecosystem pairs with Barco ClickShare Conference.
2020-12-16
Shure and The VoiceOver Network announce collaboration[13]Shure与The VoiceOver Network宣布合作lsionline.com
Reported: 2020-12-16
Shure and The VoiceOver Network announced a collaboration to support the voiceover industry, including educational programmes, workshops, social media giveaways and competitions.

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