Shure is a well-known name in the microphone world, and the Super 55 has become an especially popular choice among musicians. Anyone learning or already playing musical instruments has likely come across the Shure name at some point, since the brand has built a reputation for dependable, high quality microphones.
This review covers the Super 55’s features, specs, performance, pros, and cons, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your setup.
Quick verdict: a strong vintage-look dynamic mic for vocals, podcasting, and stage use at a low price point. Plan on adding a pop filter or windscreen, since it can pick up plosives and sibilance when used up close.
Shure Super 55 Review
The Shure Super 55 Deluxe Vocal Microphone stands out with its distinctive color scheme, refined design, and metal construction.
In our testing, this mic delivered excellent sound and handled higher volumes without distortion. The Super 55 offers strong sound quality for the price, genuinely difficult to match at this cost.
It has a frequency response of 50Hz to 15kHz, making it a strong choice for both beginners and professionals. It works well for live performance or studio recording without losing clarity or brightness in the sound.
Features of the Shure Super 55
The Super 55 Deluxe Vocal Microphone has a distinctive satin chrome-plated die-cast enclosure, a unidirectional polar pattern, and rich blue foam accents, paired with a frequency response tuned for natural vocal and speech clarity. It also includes a swivel mount with an integrated stand.
If you want a noticeable, affordable upgrade in sound quality paired with an unmistakable vintage look, the Super 55 is a strong option.
It’s well suited for stage use, studio recording, podcasting, and other applications where a stand-mounted microphone with a classic appearance fits the setup.
- Chrome-plated design with vibrant blue accents
- Frequency response tuned for natural vocals and speech
- Strong off-axis rejection and high gain-before-feedback
- Reduces handling noise for quieter operation
- Rugged die-cast construction for long-term reliability
- Self-tensioning swivel mount that tilts 45 degrees forward and 80 degrees backward
Why Use the Shure Super 55?
It delivers outstanding sound quality and clarity that’s hard to match at this price point, with strong off-axis rejection helping reduce unwanted noise during recording.
The self-tensioning swivel mount allows tilting 45 degrees forward and 80 degrees backward, and the rugged die-cast construction contributes to dependable, long-term performance.
The distinctive satin chrome-plated enclosure, unidirectional polar pattern, and rich blue foam accents combine with a frequency response tuned specifically for natural vocal and speech clarity. It comes with a swivel mount and integrated stand included.
Pros
- Retro, classic look
- Durable
- No phantom power supply required
- Strong sound capturing
- Effective off-axis rejection
Cons
- Some users find it a bit heavy
- Picks up some plosives and sibilance
- Requires a pop filter or windscreen for the best results
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Dynamic |
| Frequency response | 60Hz to 17kHz |
| Polar pattern | Super-cardioid |
| Output impedance | 150 ohms |
| Connectivity | XLR |
| Sensitivity | -53.0dBV/Pa |
| Maximum SPL | 94dB SPL |
| Weight | 0.656kg |
FAQ
Is this mic good for recording podcasts?
Yes, it works well for podcasting. If you’re positioned too close, it can pick up plosives and sibilance, so we’d recommend pairing it with a pop filter or windscreen. For more on how that accessory works, see our guide on what does a pop filter do.
How does it sound?
It has a brightly crisp character that works especially well for vocals.
Can I use this with my laptop or PC? Is it a USB mic?
No, this isn’t a USB microphone. You can still connect it to a computer using an XLR cable if your setup includes an XLR input, typically through an audio interface.
Conclusion
We’d recommend the Shure Super 55 thanks to its strong feature set and impressive sound quality for the price. It’s easy to see why it remains one of the more commonly used microphones among both beginners and professionals.
If you’re looking for an affordable microphone with everything you need for live performance or studio work without sacrificing quality, the Super 55 is a strong choice.
Before buying, check the latest price and availability, since pricing and product availability can change over time. For more dynamic microphone options, see our reviews of the Shure WH20XLR, Shure SG800, Fifine K669B, and Shure SM58.
