Shure 520DX Harmonica Microphone

Shure 520DX Harmonica Microphone Overview

First released just after the Second World War way back in 1949 as a two-way radio microphone, the 520 was designed specifically for the two-way radio market, with a limited 100Hz-5mHz frequency response to accentuate the spoken voice for communication. By the late 1970's, disappointed by sales of the 520 to the radio market, the 520 was discontinued.
At that point, Shure began to get letter after letter from musicians - particularly harmonica players - asking them to bring back the microphone. Unbeknownst to Shure, harmonica players had found the shape of the 520 perfect to able to hold with a blues harp and the limited frequency response pushed the mid tones of the blues harp really pushing the sound through the mix and, in many ways, becoming the quintessential sound of the blues.

The 520D's tradition is carried on by the newer Shure 520DX Green Bullet and has a contoured size and shape that fits perfectly between harmonica and hands. The only real upgrade from the original 520 is the inclusion of an on-board volume control, giving the players accurate control over their levels on stage and while recording. Fitted with a 20ft cable and and a 1/4" jack plug, the Shure 520DX is designed to be plugged directly into an amp or even into FX pedals. You can, of course, plug it directly into a mixing desk by simply using a DI box or the Shure A95U impedance-matching line transformer

The Shure 520DX - a genuine classic reborn