Shure PGA56
Dynamic Instrumental Microphone
- PG Alta Series
- For snare, toms, percussion
- Cardioid polar pattern
- 50 - 15,000 Hz
- 200 Ohm
- Sensitivity at 1 kHz: -57 dBV/Pa (1.45 mV)
- Metal housing
- Colour: Black
- Weight: 287 g
- Included: 4.5 m XLR cable, drum clip and bag
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Available since March 2015
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Item number 360109
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Clip-On Microphone No
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Dynamic Microphone Yes
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Condenser Microphone No
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Gooseneck No
An affordable dynamic drum mic
The Shure PGA56 is a cardioid dynamic microphone designed specifically for close-miking snare drums and toms, complete with a rim mount, swivel joint, and a quick-release latch for quick, tool-free attachment to the drum. Its frequency response extends from 50Hz to 15kHz, with a subtle presence rise through the upper midrange that emphasises attack and stick definition on snare and toms while effectively rolling off the low frequencies and resonance of the neighbouring kick drum. The cardioid polar pattern also helps to reject off-axis bleed from hi-hats, cymbals, and adjacent drums, keeping the definition clear at source. The black metal housing and compact profile keep a set of PGA56 mics discreet on a busy kit. A 4.5m XLR cable, zipper pouch, and mounting hardware are all included.
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Capsule and construction
The Shure PGA56's moving coil capsule design means it connects directly to any XLR input without phantom power. Sensitivity is rated at -57dBV/Pa (1.45 mV) and output impedance at 200 ohm, figures well suited to close-miking drums at typical live and studio SPL levels. Its largely neutral response, complemented by a gentle upper-mid presence lift, preserves the body of the drum while giving stick attack enough definition to sit clearly in a mix. The swivel joint and quick-release lever allow the miking angle to be adjusted and locked without tools (simply release the lever, reposition the capsule, and lock it again), which is particularly useful when fine-adjusting the position of several tom microphones during soundcheck.
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A reliable sparring partner
The Shure PGA56 is aimed at drummers and engineers who need a dedicated snare and tom microphone at an accessible price. Rehearsal rooms, smaller venues, home studios, and gigging drummers building out a full kit microphone setup are its natural territory. The drum mount clips directly onto the rim, eliminating the need for a separate stand for each drum, reducing clutter around the kit while avoiding the expense of a stand for every drum. Compared to the more versatile SM57, the PGA56 is purpose-built for snare and tom duties, with a voicing that naturally emphasises attack and often requires less corrective EQ when used on snare. For larger touring productions, the Beta 56A remains Shure's premium alternative.
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About Shure
The American company Shure began developing microphones during the early 1930s and is one of the pioneers of the audio engineering sector. Models such as the 55 Unidyne – known to many as the "Elvis microphone" – and the SM57 and SM58 which appeared in the mid-1960s are still ubiquitous in live sound production today. They enjoy cult status among musicians and technicians alike. In the 1990s, Shure introduced the first wireless microphones and in-ear monitoring systems and became a market leader in this field. In addition to microphones, Shure offers a wide range of earphones and headphones for studio and live use, as well as various accessories.
Reliable and versatile
Whether mounted on a rack tom, floor tom, or snare drum, the Shure PGA56's compact rim mount keeps the microphone securely positioned while allowing the capsule to be angled for the desired balance of attack and resonance. The result is a consistent overall drum sound, with each mic optimally positioned for its individual drum. Unsurprisingly, the PGA56 is a key component of Shure's PGA Drumkit 4, 6, and 7 sets – complete drum mic packages that combine the PGA56 with the PGA52, PGA57, and PGA81 for full kit coverage. It also partners naturally with the PGA57 on guitar amplifiers and acoustic instruments, allowing a consistent microphone setup across the drum kit and backline.
In the spotlight
The PGA56 in action
Close-miking toms is often a compromise between isolation and natural resonance. The PGA56's rim mount allows microphone placement to be quickly optimised for each individual drum, angling the capsule closer to or further from the head. On snare, the PGA56 delivers a bright, articulate sound with an upper-mid lift that naturally emphasises attack and stick definition. On rack and floor toms, the capsule captures a balanced blend of attack, body, and resonance, while on deeper toms, moving the capsule further from the head allows more shell tone and sustain to develop without sacrificing definition. Positioning the cardioid null towards the hi-hat and nearest cymbal further improves separation, helping the entire kit retain a coherent, natural sound even in busy drum mixes.
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Accessories & matching items
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Shure Microphones for Snare Drum at a glance
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Display Microphones for Snare Drum from £ 80 - £ 100
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