The Shure Model 561 is an omnidirectional, low-impedance dynamic microphone designed for use on a stand or flexible gooseneck. Its smooth frequency response is tailored for optimum speech intelligibility, making it ideal for language labs, paging applications, and base station communications. The 561 is also suitable for use as a talk-back or cuing microphone in TV, film, and recording studios.
Features
- Frequency response tailored for speech applications, with bass rolloff and mid-range “presence” rise
- Omnidirectional pickup pattern
- Low impedance; long lengths of cable can be used without affecting microphone response or level
- Shock-mounted cartridge for reduced stand and handling noise
- Rugged die-cast aluminum construction
- Lockable stainless steel mesh grille
- Optional gooseneck and mounting flange
Gooseneck Mounting and Installation
- If necessary, drill a hole approximately 7 mm (1/4 in) in diameter through the mounting surface.
- Place the flange over the hole in the mounting surface and secure it with three screws.
- Thread the supplied hexnut all the way down on the flange.
- Thread the gooseneck tightly onto the flange. Back the hexnut up against the gooseneck. Use a wrench to tighten the nut firmly against the bottom of the gooseneck.
- Slide the cable all the way through the gooseneck.
- Thread the microphone firmly onto the gooseneck.
- Connect the cable wires to the amplifier, mixer, or radio transmitter via screw terminals, an XLR connector, or a 1/4-inch phone plug.
- Lock the microphone in place by tightening the setscrew over the mounting threads. The setscrew in the nameplate can be tightened to secure the grille.
Use Shure A95 Line Matching Transformers to match a low impedance (300 ohm) microphone line to a high impedance amplifier or mixer input. The A95 is available with various input/output connectors.
Connector Wiring
The 561 may be wired for either balanced or unbalanced operation.
For balanced operation, the WHITE wire is connected to the positive audio input, the BLACK wire is connected to the negative audio input, and the SHIELD is connected to chassis ground.
For unbalanced operation, the WHITE wire is connected to the audio input, the BLACK wire is connected to audio ground, and the SHIELD is connected to chassis ground.

Internal Connections
Cable-To-Connector Wiring
| Input Type | Wire Color | Function | XLR Connector | 1/4 inch Phone Plug |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balanced | White | Audio + | PIN 2 | Tip |
| Black | Audio – | PIN 3 | Ring | |
| Shield | Chassis Ground | PIN 1 | Sleeve | |
| Unbalanced | White | Audio | — | Tip |
| Black | Audio Ground | — | Sleeve | |
| Shield | Chassis Ground | — | Sleeve |
Specifications
Type
Dynamic (moving coil)
Frequency Response
40 to 10,000 Hz
Polar Pattern
Omnidirectional
Impedance
200 Ω
Output Clipping Level
at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage
-57.5 dBV/Pa (1.33 mV) [1]
Polarity
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on white conductor with respect to black conductor
Cable
| 561 | 1.2 m (4 ft) two-conductor shielded, unterminated |
| 561-5M | XXXXERROR: [[ 5 m (16.34 ft) two-conductor shielded ]] DOES NOT EXISTXXXX, unterminated |
Stand Thread
XXXXERROR: [[ Suitable for mounting on stand or gooseneck with 5/8-27 thread ]] DOES NOT EXISTXXXX
Case
Silver and black aluminum with stainless steel grille
Net Weight
142 g (5.0 oz.)
Packaged Weight
255 g (9.0 oz.)
[1] 1 Pa = 94 dB SPL
Architect’s Specification
The microphone shall be a moving coil (dynamic) type with a frequency response of 40 to 10,000 Hz. It shall have an omnidirectional polar characteristic and a low impedance rated at 150 Ohms for connection to inputs rated 19 to 300 Ohms. The microphone output level shall be –57.5 dBV/Pa. It shall be equipped with a non-detachable 1.2 m (4 ft.) cable (561), or a non-detachable 5 m (16.34 ft.) cable (561-5M). The microphone shall be threaded for mounting on a stand or gooseneck with a 5/8″–27 thread. The overall dimensions of the microphone shall be 67.1 mm (2–21/32 in.) in length and 34.5 mm (1–3/8 in.) in diameter. The microphone shall be the Shure Model 561 or equivalent.

Dimensions

Frequency Response




