The 75th anniversary of the iconic Shure model 55 Unidyne microphone was in 2014. Yes, the year was 1939 that the Shure Company brought out the model 55. To celebrate Shure produced a limited edition version, the model 5575LE blending the original design specs of the original 55 with a modern Shure internal pickup element. I’m so glad Shure decided to honor their technological advance; the very first unidirectional, single element, dynamic microphone!
The 5575LE is a beautiful unit made just like the original with a brushed chrome plating on the “bird cage” style grill enclosure and the original red color silk screen. In addition to the modern internals Shure included an XLR connector to make it compatible with modern cables.
Shure has now discontinued this special edition model, but you can check it out on their website that has beautiful photos and specs. (Click Here)
The Modesto Radio Museum site is proud to give a salute to Shure for this milestone anniversary! Modesto’s very first commercial radio station, KTRB, used the broadcast version of the model 55 mics during the Bill Bates ownership era as documented on our site.
