Shure unveiled its new Performance Gear Microphones at this year's Winter NAMM. The line, which is due to ship in the first quarter of 2002, is ideal for both the first-time buyer and the musician looking for reasonably-priced, application-specific microphones. Comprising six models designed for vocals and various instruments, all Performance Gear microphones come packaged with cables and mounting accessories to provide plug-and-play simplicity, as well as rugged reliability for onstage performance. As a complement to its individual models, the Performance Gear line additionally includes a pair of drum mic kits, both of which come in their own carrying cases.

Vocal models include the PG48 and PG58. The PG48, created for speech and karaoke, has a cardioid pick-up pattern and a smooth frequency response. For more demanding vocal applications such as lead and back-up vocals, the PG58 offers a more tailored frequency response, an even tighter cardioid pattern, an internal shock mount to further reduce handling noise, and a dent-resistant hardened ball grille.

A versatile microphone designed to be utilized with either amplified or acoustic instruments, the dynamic PG57 is equally at home on guitar amps, brass or saxophones. Also created for instrument use, the highly sensitive PG81 is a condenser mic offering a flat response curve for detailed reproduction of acoustic instruments and overheads. The PG52 and PG56 are built for drums that feature integral swivel mounts. Tuned to capture the low-end punch of kick drums, the PG52 can also be used on bass guitar amps, while the compact, low-profile PG56 is optimized for close-miking applications such as snare drums and rack/floor toms.

(Ruth Rossington)


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