Shure 440 SL

harpslinger · Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 1:15 am Post subject: Shure 440 SL

Hi Guys,
I just got a Shure 440 SL grey bullet. It has a real nice white CR. It also has a strange metal disc in front of the element. It fits into the gasket and has a whole about 1/2 inch in the centre. Through the hole you can see the normal 14 hole front of the element. I do not know if it is just in the gasket or attached to the element. it was sealed so nicely I did not want to take it off. Does anyone know if this thing helps with the tone. It is the nicest bullet I have played through. (haven't had the priveledge of a black CR yet) Here is the question. Is this disc responsible for the great tone I am getting or is it just the element? I have some other elements but nothing over 1050 ohms and this one is 1100. So I believe that is the main reason. Can someone please enlighten me about the metal disc?. I could send a picture if it helps.

bacon-fat · Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 19 Location: North of Boston

Well you have a good element to start with, plus it has a little extra in the coil winding, so theres a nice strong signal.

I think the intent of the disc was to emphasize certain voice frequencies, over background sounds.

According to the Shure discontinued mics webpage,the 440sl was designed for a frequency response of 300-3000 Hz, roughly middle C to high G. Compare that to a Green Bullet, 520, which ranges from about 100-9000 Hz, low G to twice beyond high C (treble trouble)

http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Dow...Specs/us_pro_ug_disc_mics_content

For harp, that means you can crank the amp with less chance of feedback as well.

So this brings up a question; what is the production code for this element ? If it is 99*86, then the disc is contributing to the narrowed frequency response.

harpslinger · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 3:25 pm Post subject: 99B86

Awsom insight,
Thank you.

I just assumed the wider the frequency range the better.

The element is a CM 99B86 AI.
I have one other really nice element. It is a CR 99G86 with 537 in small red numbers below and KA in blue letters to the side. It has slightly warmer tone but a little less crunch and clarity. I actually like the the CM better.

I have a number of other weaker elements. I cannot afford to have someone else work on them right now and I don't want to sell them in their present condition.

Is there a way you know of to bring up the signal?

Also what would be the best frequency range for a harp mic?

vibrolux56 · Joined: 11 Dec 2007 Posts: 22 Location: USA

My 1980 520D which the wife bought me new, came with one of those discs in the box. I never used it, but never really used the mic either (don't tell her, it cost $80) I have run across those (and some foam washers the same config/ 9/16" hole) on shure desk mics from the 70's while harvesting elements. They have all been removeable except one. It was glued on. I have that element in a shell now and it sounds great, and I think Baconfat is on the money, they seem to change the frequency response. I doubt that the glue was a factory thing, since out of maybe 10 that I've seen this is the only one glued to the element. You can probably pop it out of the gasket and remove it, and put it back on if you prefer.
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gheumann · Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2009 4:06 pm Post subject:

Those discs DO come off. They are glued to the element. I always take them off - I think the elements sound better without them. You can grab the disc/cover with a needle nose pliers and yank it off - just be careful not to lever the pliers in such a way as to damage the "real" cover below it.

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