Mic Experts? Old Vintage Mic questions

[Trout]

I was out and about today and found a very good condition ( Possibly NIB ) Shure 550S in original box, with original cable and connector un-used and hang tags, warranty card . It is the Bling version (Gold Color Plating ) This is the specs sheet pdf
Other than being a 1964ish microphone, and looking pretty cool, are these things any good for anything? The original price on the box in 1964 was $89.95
Just curious, I know very little about microphones and for the cost of a McDees happy meal I couldnt resist
Trout

[GaryNattrass]

These old dynamic mics make great harmonica mic sounds when plugged into a small valve combo.

Other than that it is a cool mic especially in bling gold.

[Trout]

Originally Posted by GaryNattrass

These old dynamic mics make great harmonica mic sounds when plugged into a small valve combo.

Other than that it is a cool mic especially in bling gold.

Most likely not much use for recording instrument though huh?

I havent plugged it in yet as even the cable has never had a connector on the amp end. It has the factory gold amphenol connector pre-wired.

Would I use it configured for high impedance on a guitar amp?

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[GaryNattrass]

It will be OK for instrument recording or micing too but I doubt it will sound as good as an sm57 etc.

Yes high impedance should work fine with a guitar amp.

[elambo]

Hmm, I think you'll find it doesn't stack up so well against many modern choices. There's also the issue of that particular mic's condition. It might "look" new, but does it work as-new? Probably so, but worth looking into.

It's something I'd personally only buy to use for it's visual appeal, not for recording.

[Trout]

Originally Posted by elambo

Hmm, I think you'll find it doesn't stack up so well against many modern choices. There's also the issue of that particular mic's condition. It might "look" new, but does it work as-new? Probably so, but worth looking into.

It's something I'd personally only buy to use for it's visual appeal, not for recording.

Good Points, Condition is the key I guess. My guess looking at it is it was never used, but who knows. It came from an Estate of a guy that owned a TV repair shop in the Chicago burbs. He had several higher end model old open reel recorders with broadcast mic's(webcor) but not the cheesy little ones, These were big multitrack units.

I went there to buy up the tube inventory and found the mic, Still in original box, wrapped inside the original tissue, and further yet still in the padded pouch.

Eh worst case I guess I could just add it to my collection of old audio odds N ends.

Trout

[GaryNattrass]

Great if it is unused and mint and a nice ornament at least, as said it may not stack up to new mics as the magnet would have lost some of its power.

But hey loads of people like old gear because it has matured and taken on a sound of its own so dont dismiss it and treat it like the classic shure that it is.

If it hasnt been abused and used then it will have its own classic tone and that is to be admired in this age of digital accessability where everyone is using the same gear to the same ends.

Enjoy it for what it is and if you end up becoming famous you can always blag the tone down to that old shure mic you found.

Looking at the spec it seems reasonable enough and with it being omni it will suffer less from the effects of proximity which increases poping on vocals and a raised low end response.

Have a listen and if you dont like it send me an e-mail as I would love to own it.

[Trout]

Originally Posted by GaryNattrass

Have a listen and if you dont like it send me an e-mail as I would love to own it.

I should get around to trying it tomorrow, Soon as the bling factor wears off I'll drop you a note.

I have a 57 to sort of compare it to, though its been dropped more that a HS Quarterback LOL.

Trout