BlowsMeAway Productions presents…

The Ultimate Series

Short, light Shure microphones with built-in volume control.

Anyone who plays with a Shure stick mic - like the popular 545, SM-57 or SM-58 - knows what wonderful harp mics they are - great tone and range. Their biggest drawback for harp players, however, is the hand fatigue that comes from holding the relatively small diameter head with all that weight hanging out the back. Now there’s a solution.

BlowsMeAway Productions is proud to introduce the Ultimate Series custom microphones.

The Ultimate 57, Ultimate 58 and Ultimate 545 are now available. They are the shortest, lightest examples of these mics possible, and include an integrated volume control. I machine each barrel to precise tolerances in my own shop. It is made of aluminum for light weight, and anodized to greatly reduce scratching and keep it looking great. Not only does the shorter length reduce the cable's leverage on your grip, the center of gravity of the Ultimate mics moves toward the front, further improving grip comfort.

Here is some data for comparison:

	Standard SM57	Ultimate 57
Weight	9.8 oz	6.8 oz.
Length	6 1/8"	5 1/4"

But wait, there's more! All models can be ordered in high or low impedance configurations, allowing you for the first time, for example, to plug an SM57 into your amp without an impedance matching transformer. High impedance mics can be configured with either an XLR or standard 5/8" screw-on connector. Impedance and connector can be switched after purchase but must be returned to BlowsMeAway Productions for this service.

Important information:

New and improved - as of May 15,2009 all low impedance Ultimate mics use my new and improved volume control circuit.

Although the Beta 57 and Beta 58 cannot be Ultimatized, many other Shure models can. These include the PE54 and the Shure 565. I do not supply these mics, but if you supply the donor mic, I can Ultimatize it!


Note that the non-tapering barrel means that Ultimate series mics do not fit in a standard Shure mic clip. However larger 30mm clips like the Shure WA371, AKG SA61 and the Radio Shack 33-372 fit the mic properly. I can provide the WA371 if needed, for $14.95.


All low impedance configurations require standard low impedance "balanced" cabling into a PA, or together with an impedance matching transformer into a high impedance input like a harp/guitar amp. They will not work with “cheater cables” - those cables with an XLR connector at the mic and and a 1/4” plug at the other.

Here's the incomparable Jason Ricci tearing it up on his Ultimate 57. That's a wireless transmitter plugged in the end of the mic.

Pricing:
	Ultimate 57	$219
	Ultimate 58	$229
	Ultimate 545	$229
	Any of the above, customer supplies working donor mic:	$129

Note that the SM57 and 545 above are shown with optional custom volume knobs. These are available at extra cost. See Mic Mods Page for more information.

Get a grip! Some people find the smaller diameter of SM57 and 545 heads too hard to hold in the rear of the hand without cramping. BlowsMeAway has a solution... The Bulletizer!

Grill Lock Option: The floating grill of the SM57 and 545 can make some noise when handheld, especially noticeable on slow ballads. The Grill Lock option reduces but does not eliminate handling noise. There is no charge for this option, but there is a VERY IMPORTANT caveat. Once it is locked, turning the grill can rotate the actual element on its internal mount. You WILL feel a distinct rubbery resistance to this, and if you simply stop there no damage will be done. If you force it beyond that, even 1/4 turn will break the hair-like wires that lead from the element to the solder lugs you'd see if you unscrewed the cartridge from the base.  This isn't meant to scare you away from this useful option. As long as you know about it and you don't hand your mic to ham-fisted strangers, you should be fine with it.

BlowsMeAway warranties the Ultimate Series Microphones for 2 years from date of purchase. Failure due to over-rotating the element on an SM57 or 545 with the Grill Lock Option is not covered under warranty.

Contact BlowsMeAway to purchase.