20 Highlights 99 Differences 0 Reactions 0 Likes

Shure 556S Facts: 127 Specifications & 20 Highlights

What makes the Shure 556S microphone stand out in a crowded lineup? These 127 specs & features — especially general information, dimensions & weight, audio performance & connectivity & interfaces — are a good start.

69 Points
Shure
Shure
Shure 556S
The Shure 556S has been discontinued️. Our community last shared an update on October 21, 2025.
Shure 556S

Highlights 20

No extras. Just what matters.
69 Points

Why is Shure 556S better than other microphones ?

General Information

Scroll down for more facts

Dimensions & Weight

Scroll down for more facts

Audio Performance

Scroll down for more facts

Connectivity & Interfaces

Scroll down for more facts

Power & Battery

Scroll down for more facts

Controls & Features

Scroll down for more facts

Build & Design

Scroll down for more facts

Package & Accessories

  • Spare Parts Supported with a difference of 49.0 points
Scroll down for more facts

Certification & Compliance

Scroll down for more facts

Comparisons 1

Make your choice now!

Quick Take

The essentials that matter—nothing extra

A fast snapshot of the Shure 556S, covering its standout specification and what you can expect right out of the box.

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

The Shure 556S is a vintage Unidyne II dynamic microphone known for its clear, focused sound. Its cardioid pattern and sturdy metal design help minimize background and handling noise.

Specifications & Facts 127

Specs measured. Drama avoided.

Is the Shure 556S worth it? Compare its 127 specs — including the well-loved general information, dimensions & weight, audio performance & connectivity & interfaces — plus price and performance vs other microphones.

General Information 18

Shure 556S Year of Release

What year was it released?

0 Shure 556S 0 Votes 1950

74 Microphones in this range 2023

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

The 556S first appeared in the early 1950s, during the golden age of broadcast and stage entertainment. It remained a go-to for public address and recording studios for decades, making it one of the most historically significant microphones of its era.

Indicates when the microphone was launched.

Shure 556S Country of Origin

What is the country of origin?

77 Shure 556S 0 Votes United States

77 Microphones in this range China

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

Manufactured by Shure Brothers, Evanston, Illinois (later Arlington Heights) — a hallmark of American microphone craftsmanship in the mid-1900s.

Manufacturing or design origin.

Shure 556S Product Type

What is the product type?

27 Shure 556S 0 Votes Dynamic

62 Microphones in this range Condenser

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

A classic moving-coil dynamic microphone, meaning it works without batteries or phantom power. Known for its durability and resistance to moisture and distortion, this type is ideal for live performances and stage vocals, handling loud sound levels effortlessly.

Defines the basic category of the microphone.

Shure 556S Model Name

What is the model name?

60 Shure 556S 0 Votes Unidyne 556S

66 Microphones in this range Super 55 Deluxe

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

The “Unidyne 556S” is part of Shure’s iconic Unidyne family, one of the first directional mics to achieve consistent cardioid pickup. The “S” stands for “Small”, referring to its more compact body compared to the earlier 55 series “Elvis” microphone.

The specific product identifier from the manufacturer.

Shure 556S Series/Line

What series/line does it belong to?

61 Shure 556S 0 Votes Unidyne II

65 Microphones in this range Evolution Series

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

Belongs to Shure’s Unidyne II generation, introduced to refine the original Unidyne’s sound clarity and directionality. This model helped define Shure’s reputation for reliable broadcast and stage microphones through the mid-20th century.

Identifies the product line or collection the microphone belongs to.

Shure 556S Intended Use

What is the intended use?

52 Shure 556S 0 Votes Studio, Live, Broadcast, Presentation

62 Microphones in this range Studio, Live, Podcast, Broadcast, Instrument, Streaming

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

Designed for professional use across diverse applications such as radio broadcast, stage vocals, public address, and studio recording. Its ability to reject background noise made it a standard choice for announcers and stage performers.

Describes the primary application area.

Dimensions & Weight 13

Shure 556S Width

What is the width?

2.19 inch 0Votes
Shure 556S
2.59 inch (Average)

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

Measures roughly 5.6 cm wide, about the same as a modern smartphone’s width — compact for its time, considering earlier Unidynes were bulkier.

The microphone’s overall width.

Shure 556S Depth

What is the depth?

3.07 inch 0Votes
Shure 556S
2.79 inch (Average)

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

Equals about 7.8 cm deep, with a rounded housing that gives it the signature “vintage microphone” look.

The microphone’s overall depth.

Shure 556S Height

What is the height?

7.76 inch 0Votes
Shure 556S
5.55 inch (Average)

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

Stands ≈19.7 cm tall, similar in height to a large travel mug — easy to handle or mount on most standard microphone stands.

The microphone’s overall height.

Shure 556S Weight

What is the weight?

1.81 lbs 0Votes
Shure 556S
0.83 lbs (Average)

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

Weighs ≈0.82 kg (without cable). Substantial enough to feel sturdy in hand yet balanced on stands — a hallmark of the 1950s die-cast builds.

The microphone’s physical weight.

Shure 556S Cable Length

What is the cable length?

20 ft 0Votes
Shure 556S
7.82 ft (Average)

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

Comes with a 6.1-meter shielded two-conductor cable, long enough for podium or studio use without needing extensions.

Length of the included or integrated cable.

Shure 556S Mounting Thread Size

What is the mounting thread size?

67 Shure 556S 0 Votes 5/8"

74 Microphones in this range 5/8"

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

Standard North American mic stand thread — compatible with modern stands and adapters even today.

The thread size for mounting compatibility.

Audio Performance 15

Shure 556S Microphone Type

What is the microphone type?

47 Shure 556S 0 Votes Dynamic

65 Microphones in this range Condenser

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

Durable, low-maintenance, and immune to moisture or temperature changes — perfect for rugged use.

Defines the operating principle of the microphone.

Shure 556S Frequency Response (Min)

What is the minimum frequency response?

40 Hz 0Votes
Shure 556S
38.27 Hz (Average)

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

Captures deep vocal fundamentals and most instruments; 40 Hz ≈ low E on a bass guitar.

The lowest frequency the mic can capture.

Shure 556S Frequency Response (Max)

What is the maximum frequency response?

15,000 Hz 0Votes
Shure 556S
18,030.24 Hz (Average)

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

Covers the full range of speech and vocals, providing a natural yet slightly warm sound typical of vintage dynamics.

The highest frequency the mic can capture.

Shure 556S Sensitivity

What is the sensitivity?

-64 dBV/Pa 0Votes
Shure 556S
-42.78 dBV/Pa (Average)

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

Converted from the original spec of −56 dB re 1 V/µbar; typical output for passive dynamics. Works best with preamps providing +50 dB or more of gain.

Output level relative to sound pressure.

Shure 556S Directionality

What is the directionality?

47 Shure 556S 0 Votes Unidirectional

59 Microphones in this range Unidirectional

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

Rejects sound effectively from the rear and sides — approximately 15–20 dB at 180° and 6 dB at 90° per Shure’s chart.

General pickup orientation.

Shure 556S Acoustic Principle

What is the acoustic principle?

57 Shure 556S 0 Votes Pressure Gradient

65 Microphones in this range Pressure Gradient

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

Uses acoustic ports behind the diaphragm to create its cardioid directionality — the same basic technology in many modern stage mics.

The underlying sound capture mechanism.

Connectivity & Interfaces 10

Shure 556S Connection Interface

What is the connection interface?

17 Shure 556S 0 Votes XLR

37 Microphones in this range XLR

Defines the main interface for connectivity.

Shure 556S Cable Detachable

Is the cable detachable?

Yes 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether the cable can be detached or replaced.

Shure 556S Audio Output Options

What are the audio output options?

85 Shure 556S 0 Votes Analog, Balanced, Unbalanced

35 Microphones in this range Analog, Balanced

Lists output signal formats available.

Shure 556S Phantom Power Support

Does it support phantom power?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether the mic supports phantom power.

Shure 556S Balanced/Unbalanced Output

What is the output type?

85 Shure 556S 0 Votes Balanced

36 Microphones in this range Balanced

Defines the type of electrical signal output.

Shure 556S Dual Output Capability

Does it have dual output capability?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Ability to provide two simultaneous outputs.

Power & Battery 5

Shure 556S Power Source

What is the power source?

80 Shure 556S 0 Votes Passive

37 Microphones in this range Phantom

Defines how the microphone is powered.

Shure 556S Auto Power-Off

Does it have auto power-off?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether the microphone shuts down automatically when idle.

Shure 556S Replaceable Battery Support

Does it support replaceable batteries?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Indicates if batteries can be swapped.

Shure 556S External Power Supply Compatibility

Is it compatible with an external power supply?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Can the mic run on external AC/DC supply.

Shure 556S Power Indicator Light

Does it have a power indicator light?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether a light shows power/battery status.

Controls & Features 18

Shure 556S Onboard Controls

What onboard controls are available?

90 Shure 556S 0 Votes Switches

33 Microphones in this range Switches

Types of direct physical controls.

Shure 556S Mute Function

Does it have a mute function?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Ability to mute audio directly on the mic.

Shure 556S Gain Control

Does it have gain control?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Ability to adjust input gain directly.

Shure 556S Headphone Monitoring

Does it support headphone monitoring?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Direct monitoring via headphone output.

Shure 556S Monitoring Mix Control

Does it have monitoring mix control?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Lets user adjust mic vs playback audio mix.

Shure 556S Touch/Motion Controls

Does it support touch/motion controls?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Allows interaction via touch gestures or motion.

Build & Design 15

Shure 556S Body Material

What is the body material?

90 Shure 556S 0 Votes Metal

36 Microphones in this range Metal

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

Made from die-cast zinc alloy for rigidity and resonance control. The sturdy body allowed it to survive decades of stage use.

The main structural material of the microphone body.

Shure 556S Swivel/Pivot Capability

Does it have swivel/pivot capability?

Yes 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

The self-tensioning swivel allows tilting about 45° forward and 80° backward — convenient for desk or boom positioning.

Whether the microphone head or stand can rotate.

Shure 556S Internal Shockmount

Is there an internal shockmount for the capsule?

Yes 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Shure 556S
Shure 556S

The cartridge and mic body are independently shock-mounted, minimizing handling noise — a remarkable design for the 1950s.

Capsule isolation that reduces handling noise.

Shure 556S Shock Mount

Is a shock mount included?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether a shock mount is included to reduce vibrations.

Shure 556S Pop Filter

Is a pop filter included?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether a pop filter is provided for plosive reduction.

Shure 556S Windscreen

Is a windscreen included?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether a windscreen is included for wind noise control.

Package & Accessories 12

Shure 556S Stand/Tripod

Is a stand/tripod included?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether a stand or tripod is included in the box.

Shure 556S Cables

Are cables included?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Indicates if connecting cables are provided.

Shure 556S Mounting Clip

Is a mounting clip included?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether a clip for attaching to stands/instruments is included.

Shure 556S Extra Windscreen

Is an extra windscreen included?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Indicates if a spare windscreen is included.

Shure 556S Spare Parts Availability

Are spare parts available?

Yes 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether the manufacturer provides replacement parts.

Shure 556S Carrying Case

Is there a carrying case included?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Whether a protective carrying case is part of the package.

Certification & Compliance 7

Shure 556S Warranty

What is the warranty period?

1 years 0Votes
Shure 556S
2.37 years (Average)

Duration of manufacturer warranty coverage.

Shure 556S Temperature Range (Operating)

What is the operating temperature range?

80 Shure 556S 0 Votes 14° to 122°F

53 Microphones in this range 32° to 104°F

Operating temperature window for reliable use.

Shure 556S Safety Compliance

Is it safety compliant?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Indicates adherence to safety regulations.

Shure 556S Environmental Compliance

Is it environmentally compliant?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Compliance with eco/environmental regulations.

Shure 556S FCC/CE Approval

Is it FCC/CE approved?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Explicit FCC/CE compliance approval.

Shure 556S RoHS Compliance

Is it RoHS compliant?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive compliance.

Advanced Features 14

Shure 556S Multi-Pattern Switching

Does it support multi-pattern switching?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Ability to switch between multiple pickup patterns.

Shure 556S DSP Processing

Does it include DSP processing?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Built-in digital signal processing for sound shaping.

Shure 556S AI Noise Cancellation

Does it feature AI noise cancellation?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

AI-powered suppression of background noise.

Shure 556S Beamforming Technology

Does it support beamforming?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Uses mic arrays to focus on sound sources.

Shure 556S Voice Tracking

Does it include voice tracking?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Automatically follows speaker’s voice.

Shure 556S Recording Profiles

Does it have recording profiles?

No 0Votes Shure 556S

Yes Microphones in this range

Predefined sound settings for specific uses.

Surveys

Because hot takes deserve votes.

Shure 556S Sound Quality

How would you rate the sound quality of this microphone?

Crisp and professional 0Votes
Good and clear 0Votes
Average clarity 0Votes
Distorted and unclear 0Votes

Shure 556S Noise Handling

How well does this microphone handle background noise?

Blocks out most noise 0Votes
Handles noise fairly well 0Votes
Reduces some noise 0Votes
Picks up everything 0Votes

Shure 556S Battery Life

How long does the battery last on this microphone?

Excellent — Over 20 hours 0Votes
Long lasting — 10 to 20 hours 0Votes
Decent — 5 to 10 hours 0Votes
Short — 2 to 5 hours 0Votes
Very short — Under 2 hours 0Votes

Shure 556S Durability

How durable is this microphone based on build and lifespan?

Highly durable — Over 4 years 0Votes
Solid — 2 to 4 years 0Votes
Average — 1 to 2 years 0Votes
Very fragile — Less than 1 year 0Votes

Shure 556S Weight

How heavy is this microphone?

Ultra-light — Under 150 grams 0Votes
Lightweight — 150 to 300 grams 0Votes
Medium — 300 to 500 grams 0Votes
Heavy — 500 to 800 grams 0Votes
Very heavy — Over 800 grams 0Votes

Shure 556S Design Appeal

How attractive is the design of this microphone?

Plain and boring 0Votes
Somewhat okay 0Votes
Nice looking 0Votes
Stylish and modern 0Votes

Shure 556S Pricing

How do you feel about the price of this microphone?

Great value for money 0Votes
Pretty good price 0Votes
Fair deal 0Votes
Kinda pricey 0Votes
Crazy expensive 0Votes

Shure 556S Sensitivity

How sensitive is this microphone to capturing sound?

Very sensitive — Detects quiet sounds clearly 0Votes
Sensitive — Captures a wide sound range 0Votes
Moderate — Picks up normal voice levels well 0Votes
Low — Needs to be close to sound source 0Votes
Very low — Struggles to capture soft voices 0Votes

Shure 556S Frequency Response Range

What do you think about the frequency response range of this microphone?

Wide range — 20 Hz to 20 kHz 0Votes
Good range — 30 Hz to 18 kHz 0Votes
Decent range — 40 Hz to 16 kHz 0Votes
Limited range — 50 Hz to 14 kHz 0Votes
Narrow range — Above 60 Hz only 0Votes

Shure 556S Connectivity

How stable and reliable is the connection of this microphone?

Excellent — Always stable, no dropouts 0Votes
Good — Works smoothly with rare issues 0Votes
Decent — Occasional minor disconnections 0Votes
Weak — Disconnects sometimes 0Votes
Poor — Frequently loses connection 0Votes

Guides 1

Yes, we brought proof.

Articles 1

Shure 556S Guide

Shure 556S Guide

shure.com
shure.com

Reviews 0

The good, the bad, and the brutally honest.

Average Rating

Shure
Shure
Shure 556S
Shure 556S
0 / 5 0 Reviews

Discussions 0

Thoughts, takes, and hot debates.

Awards 0

Only the best made it here.
Peep the Winners

Collections 0

Treasures You’ve picked. No fluff, all fun.

More Microphones 77

Unlock more awesome finds.

Microphones like Shure 556S 1

Other Shure Microphones 76

Shure 556S
Shure
Shure
Shure 556S