Today I'm going to write a little bit of a review about this microphone. I've actually found it in a box in my closet. I must have picked it up a while ago and then never really touched it since. While there are literally hundreds and hundreds of things floating around my closet (all of which most likely will never see the light of day again) this one stood out to me because I was about to set up a small make-shift studio for a harmonica playing buddy of mine to record a bit for a blues song I have created.
I've been working on something I like to call "Project: Blues" for about 2 weeks. The goal is to take a simple blues song and really see what it takes to make it sound professional, horrible, and mediocre all with the same song.
The harmonica comes into play for the "professional" sound. The Unidyne III is the older brother of the SM57 that the Shure company currently produces. I haven't found any Unidyne III's to be made to date new, however there are hundreds that can be found on eBay.
While using this microphone, especially for recording a Harmonica, you can instantly see why Shure is still in business to this day. For being a Dynamic mic, this thing rocked! It picks up absolutely everything with crystal clear clarity. It can be used for picking up anything from instruments to even vocal needs (although there is an SM58 for that!). When discussing this microphone with some professors of mine from Mercyhurst College (whom are professors for Music Technology) say that these mics literally run forever. I was told a story about how someone literally witnessed a Unidyne III fall down 3 flights of stairs into a puddle of water; then plugged back into the cable and used on stage. Not that I would suggest such a brutal test for a wonderful piece of electronics, but it IS durable.
Unfortunately there are a few issues, as are apparently common with these mics. The capsule around the coil is very easily removed. This causes the head joint of the mic to fall off easily, and to my discovery the only thing actually sealing it on is a small rubber gasket. Also of mention, the on - off switch was acting up quite a bit. Aside from that it was great; not bad for a 20 year old dynamic mic that I got for FREE!
I'd like to take this time to just say that someones trash may be anothers treasure. These old mics, and others useful yet aged equipment are continually thrown away by people who have no idea what they do, or if they even work still! Be sure to keep your eyes pealed because sometimes you can make the best discoveries ever!
All in all I'd recommend the Unidyne III for anyone who is looking to record anything. While it sounds a little better than the SM57, it is not that noticeable to the everyday listener. In other words, if someone recorded a midevil recorder with the Unidyne, and then again with the 57, not very many people would be able to tell a difference at all!
Feel free to leave your comments or stories about any SM57, or Unidyne III's (545 SD) that you've had!
You said "...These old mics, and others useful yet aged equipment are continually thrown away by people who have no idea what they do, or if they even work still! Be sure to keep your eyes pealed because sometimes you can make the best discoveries ever!"
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I recently salvaged from the trash of a nearby church three vintage Shure 55's. Virtually perfect condition, except two of them had a deteriorating wind-screen cloth mesh (easily replaced and perfectly matched using black-toned nylon-stocking mesh).
Last summer at a a city rummage sale I bought a whole box of old junked police microphones including several old Astatic crystal mics. Ten dollars for the whole box!
I see that this is an old article, but in case anyone ever reads this, there are definitely some great "finds" out there if you look.
I use one of these as my through the PA harp mic (as opposed to a bullet mic for my amp), as did Paul Butterfield. He used the pistol grip model. I think it does not have the volume of newer mics but the tone quality is fine. So, just turn the volume up a bit. Butterfield is in the Rock Hall now, so it is a pretty good recommendation.
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