First available in June 1967, the Unisphere I Model 566, dubbed the Unisphere I, is a member of the Unidyne III family. While the upper portion is the same as the Model 565S, discussed in Tech Tip #565, the lower portion is different.
The lower section of the Model 566 contains:
- A switch with three positions: ON Low Impedance / ON High Impedance / OFF
- A switch cover plate if the ON/OFF function is not desired
- Integrated vibration isolation mount
- Cannon XL 3-11 male connector
This same lower section was also used for the SM56.
Like the Model 565, the Unisphere I 566 also appeared first in the 1967 catalog.
For a brief time in the early 1970s, the Model 566 was also available as the Model PE566 GOLD [PE = Professional Entertainer]. The gold plating, being quite thin, soon became dull and worn as the artist handled the mic. Eventually, gold-plated Shure mics were employed only for awards and special presentations.
While the Model 566 was never widely used for entertainment, it became popular for convention centers as the mic could be attached to a mic stand with a thread-lock glue [Loctite] to discourage theft by convention attendees. The ball grille, another coveted souvenir, could also be secured with Loctite.
The Model 566 was discontinued in 1980. Its final U.S. user net price was $156.60 or $633.65 in 2024 currency.
Related information: 1967 Shure catalog
Shure Apps Tech Tip #306: Gold Rush Mysteries
Arcana – mysterious or specialized knowledge
A matched pair of Model 566 mics was sold as the Model 566M. Created for recording and broadcast studios, a matched pair had output levels that were within +/- 1 dB, and frequency responses within +/- 1.5 dB.
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In the 1960s, two U.S. patents were granted for the Model 566 and other Unidyne III mics. Patent 3,132,713 protected the diaphragm design. Patent 3,240,883 covered the internal acoustical network.
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Rock bands of the early 1960s quickly adopted Unidyne III microphones. From the Rolling Stones to local garage bands, the Unidyne III was ubiquitous. Below, The Kingsmen perform their hit, “Louie Louie.” The band recorded the song in Portland, Oregon, paying $50 for the one-hour session. Their intent was to produce an audition tape for a summer cruise ship gig. Instead, they recorded a piece of rock ‘n’ roll history.
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When Shure relocated in 1956 from 225 West Huron, Chicago, to 222 Hartrey, Evanston, the sticker below was placed on outgoing mail, catalogs, and sales fliers.
