TheMicStore Official Blog - Latest Comments

Re: Microphone Feedback – A guide to taming the beast

alaur — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 14:25:38 -0000

u r good

Re: How to Choose a Radio Mic System

Larry Daly — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 02:05:30 -0000

Hello,

If you were to shell out for a wireless lavalier microphone system, it would still cost at least a few hundred bucks for just one such system.

Re: VHF or UHF Radio Mic – What is the Difference?

Two Way Radio Hire — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:05:37 -0000

Both UHF / VFH really work great with out any confusion, make sure the installation process is done by professional person . The cost of UHF components gradually reduced and therefore more cost-effective for the consumer.

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

mattlawless — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:56:07 -0000

Hi. Please forgive my assumption. You'll appreciate that this is a complex topic and there are certain statements in your original post which would be known to only a few people in the industry. I therefore also apologise for the assumption made here.

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

Scrooloose — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:35:21 -0000

Hi Matt, not sure why you took my post as a "personal attack", I don't know you so I don't see how that's possible. I'm just responding to information you've posted which I feel doesn't convey the accurate picture. I think the other people who have responded to your original post deserve to know the rest of the story. For the record I do not work for Shure, if I did, I would have said so from the outset. You have my apology for the corporate bully comment, I'm putting someone else's words into your mouth. Adios, Scrooloose.

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

Soundbear — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:34:05 -0000

I certainly think you have done the right thing. As a semi-retired sound engineer of over 40 years experience I had become very tired of being told that the SM58 was the 'Industry Standard' for vocalists. I have only used these mics once on a large-scale concert, and was not overly impressed. I recently gave an AKG alternative to a performer (of international repute) and they were 'gobsmacked' at how good they sounded, even though their agent had insisted on an 'industry standard' mic for the concert. I think that they are living on past glories, and I fear that they may get left behind by the competition. Given any amount of money, my choice of mic manufacturers list would put Shure, at best, at number 6. So, no great loss, well done - right decision.

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

mattlawless — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:29:08 -0000

Hi to you 'Scrooloose'. It is a shame that you choose to hide your identity in this rather personal attack, but then given the comments you are choosing to share there is a good chance that you are a representative of Shure itself, I'm not quite sure where the reeking of sour grapes lies? I'll leave it to our genuine customers to make up their own minds about all this, but just for the record, we buy Lewitt products on exactly the same terms as the rest of the UK as would be proper. The person I assume you are referring to has the advantage of having probably the highest integrity in the industry, and would never disadvantage a £1m distribution company by showing favour to one dealer. But then if you are who I think you are, you would know that and have said as much to us over here in the past on many occasions. Thanks for contributing though, and you'll note that it would have been much easier to simply delete your comment had we wished to - but then that wouldn't be a very open or honest approach to an anonymous comment. I could go on, about our commitment to customer choice, or even that we did state that there are good products within the Shure range as a whole, or that at no point did we state that Shure were being a corporate bully (these were others' words), but I doubt there is really any point. You and I are obviously on polar opposites of this issue. I will however reaffirm my belief that this is the right decision for us and our clients. Fortunately this is our decision to make. And following this fairly biased attack one I'm even more glad we took. All the best! Matt

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

Scrooloose — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 07:28:58 -0000

As someone who knows exactly what the new Shure contract entails I think this post reeks of sour grapes. For starters there is no requirement to spend 10,000 Euros on a "sign", or even that much stock. The point of sale unit mentioned is about 2.2m tall, 2m wide, sits flat against a wall and is paid for by, wait for it, Shure themselves. The only commitment from the dealer is to stock a certain profile of Shure's products, which doesn't come to a particularly high value. Shure's philosophy behind the new contracts is that they want their end users to have a better experience. They are concentrating their efforts on ensuring that customers speak to informed and trained advisors with access to the whole relevant product range for that customer. Given that they are the largest manufacturer of professional mics in the world, they also want to work in partnership with dealers to ensure that their brand is given quality representation on shop floors and websites. This is impossible to achieve with a large number of dealers. Whilst I don't doubt the Mic Store's ability to advise on Shure products, their channels to market are basic to say the least and don't really match Shure's brand values. As far as the product goes, it's fairly unprofessional to critique products the way you have, as they sound great, are built well (even if made from plastic) and are very reliable. Yes, other products are available and the end user has every right to buy whatever they perceive to be the best product for their needs and you as a dealer are within your rights to recommend any product to them. However, it's interesting that you mention Lewitt in that context, given that until recently the company that distributes it was owned in part by one of the owners of The Mic Store. Despite that fact that it's a decent product, the cynic in me says that you will have recommended it due to the fact that ultimately a lot more profit was being made from that line, not because it's the best product. I guess only time will tell how things will pan out for Shure, who aren't the corporate bully you make them out to be.....

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

Paul Balmer — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 04:57:29 -0000

Shure have always offered a very limited range of useful microphones for the professional -so it's no great loss!

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

Guy — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:14:23 -0000

Innovation is how you you build on your reputation, display stands wont do that, and Shure needs to realise that the competition are building dynamic mic's that meet the demands of 21st century technology, often at a better price point.

Given Shure's demands, I really dont see that you have any other option.. I hope that Shure will see sense, and get back to the innovation that made their reputation in the first place

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

John — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:55:31 -0000

Good for you – absolutely the right thing to do.

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

rick.cairns@gmail.com — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 18:46:04 -0000

Good for you guys. Was thinking of a new mic so you can send me details of the sennheiser range. Stuff shure Rickster

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

grimsey — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 18:24:28 -0000

stand firm, a brave move but the right one, i believe "shure" are living off past glory of SM57, don't ever succumb to blackmail, my next mic purchase will not be a shure but will be a mic bought from you. Well done and thanks for the email

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

antiguajoe — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 17:00:49 -0000

WELL DONE! I would have lost faith in your store if you had Bowed down to these corpoarte BULLIES, who think that because they have a long standing name, they can bully not only the distributors, but the consumers. In putting up that ridiculous sign, you wpu;d have condesended to their bullying and then in order to get that money spent on a ridiculous sign, ypou would have to over promote their product to get your money back. i am shamaed to nbe a Shure User , goopd product as they might be, I was amazed to hear that Corporate bullying is rife. Shure had better be careful, because the same people they met going up are the same people they will meet coming down, and those people will gladly shit on them as they pass. I am glad you stood up to them, and I am sure you will find another manufacturer with as good a product but NOT A CORPORATE BULLY.

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

Joseph Hood — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:52:23 -0000

Well done for standing up to the blackmail, I have used Shure less and less over the years, quite frankly I have found other manufacturers producing the same or better quality sonically and construction wise too, and all this without the price premium. Yes you have to do more research and use specialists like yourself but I find it worth the extra effort and I often learn something new in the process which is important in the music business.

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

Jeff King — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:44:23 -0000

Customer opinion is becoming increasing powerful with the growth of social networks allowing people to share their views, especially the negative ones, quickly and globally. Recently we have seen the global brand Starbucks, voluntarily deciding to pay more tax in the UK; not because of legal pressure, but by public pressure. The Micstore is a company where expertise is on show every time I ask you a question and every time you provide me with advice. So, here’s the dilemma: by paying a large sum of money and giving over substantial floor space to display a single brand you will enevitably want a return on that investment which will, at some level, bias you towards pushing that brand. This goes against everything that has got you to where you are today. Let me tell you, your customers would have noticed a change in direction and because of the aforementioned power of social networks, they would have told a lot of people, and you would have suffered in the long run. Also, by explaining your situation publicly, you have reinforced what you stand for, which goes far beyond the physical products you offer.

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

mattlawless — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:40:10 -0000

Thanks Frank. It is odd that this situation doesn't seem to have been made more widely known, especially as some of the largest retailers in the country have chosen not to comply also, but it's the smaller retailers I feel sorry for as they simply will not have had a choice in the matter. Appreciate your comments.

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

mattlawless — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:37:12 -0000

Thanks JC. I'd agree with the SM57 comment - it'll be a shame not be able to offer this mic, although there are plenty of viable alternatives at least!

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

Frank Thomson — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:29:32 -0000

Well done for standing up to the pressure from Shure, and I hope others will join the "say NO to Shure' Club! Although the Shure SM58 has often been described as the 'industry standard' microphone over the years, I think they have been sitting on their laurels and allowed other manufacturers to overtake them with newer and better technology. There seems to be an arrogance with Shure, and although I haven't read the case for their recent decision to more or less dictate to their outlets, I must applaud you for taking such a stance. Shure will be the loser here, because of the thoroughly excellent range of microphones from other manufacturers. Best wishes, and keep doing what you're doing!

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

JC Titus Horatio — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:01:33 -0000

The only Shure mics I ever trusted were the SM57s. Definitely sounds like you made the correct decision for your business and definitely in the best interests of your customers.

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

mattlawless — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:00:31 -0000

Really appreciate your feedback Lynn. I do think it's a shame to have to do this, and that it will feel weird that a microphone specialist won't offer Shure mics, but it was one of those things we had to do. Let's see what transpires...

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

mattlawless — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:57:29 -0000

Thanks Alexander, and your pun is most certainly excused!

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

Lynn — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:36:04 -0000

If companies could be Divas, Shure most certainly qualify. How ridiculous of them to think that the average music store could find space for such a thing! And what about the mail-order companies? They don't even have a display area! Congrats for not complying with their stupid request. Perhaps they'll see sense when their distributor list drops to 10% of what it was.

Re: Shure Microphones Announcement

Alexander Gibbons — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:21:49 -0000

It sounds like you made the right decision for your business, and I am very pleased that you are so open about it! It shows that you aren't distanced from your customers, and that you respect us enough to tell us the truth.

Keep up the great work, i'm Shure we all still love you (sorry for the awful pun).