What is the primary use of the Shure 520DX?

The Shure 520DX is designed specifically for harmonica players who want a distorted, amplified blues sound. Its shape allows it to be cupped easily against a harmonica.

When was the Green Bullet first introduced?

The original version of the Green Bullet microphone was first released by Shure in 1949.

What kind of connector does the 520DX use?

The 520DX features a permanently attached cable with a 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) phone plug, designed to plug directly into a guitar amplifier.

Does the Shure 520DX require phantom power?

No, the 520DX is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power or batteries to operate.

Can I use the 520DX for vocals?

While possible, it is not recommended for traditional vocals. It has a distorted, lo-fi character and a shape that is difficult to mount on a standard mic stand for singing.

Is the microphone durable enough for touring?

Yes, the 520DX features a rugged die-cast metal casing and is designed to be 'unrelenting' during years of hard touring.

What does the 'DX' in the name stand for?

The 'DX' refers to the updated version of the 520, which includes a built-in volume control knob for easy adjustments during live sets.

Why is it called the 'Green Bullet'?

The name comes from its distinct rounded, aerodynamic shape and its traditional green-coloured finish.

How does it handle moisture?

The 520DX is specifically designed with an immunity to moisture, making it resilient against the condensation typically created by harmonica playing.

What is the typical price for a Shure 520DX?

The typical price for this microphone is approximately GBP 142 in the current market.

How does the sound compare to a Shure SM58?

The SM58 provides a clean, balanced vocal response, whereas the 520DX adds saturation and midrange punch specifically for harmonica textures.

Can the 520DX be plugged into a PA system?

It can be plugged into a PA if the system has a 1/4-inch High-Z input, otherwise, it is best used through a guitar amplifier or an impedance-matching transformer.

Gear article

Shure 520DX Green Bullet Harmonica Microphone

The Shure 520DX, commonly known as the 'Green Bullet', is a specialized dynamic microphone designed specifically for harmonica players. First introduced in 1949, it has become the industry standard for achieving a gritty, distorted blues harp tone through its unique hand-held design and high-impedance output.

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History and Background

The Shure Green Bullet began its journey in 1949 and has since evolved into what many consider the definitive harmonica microphone. Originally intended for general public address and dispatch use, the microphone was adopted by blues musicians who discovered that its high-impedance signal pushed tube amplifiers into a pleasing natural overdrive. Over the decades, Shure refined the design into the current 520DX model, maintaining the iconic visual profile while adding modern reliability features.

Design and Ergonomics

The 520DX features a signature 'bullet' shape, specially contoured to fit comfortably within the cupped hands of a harmonica player. This design allows the performer to create an airtight seal around the harp and microphone, which is essential for certain tonal techniques. The chassis is constructed from rugged die-cast metal, finished in green and chrome. A key feature of the DX revision is the inclusion of a volume control knob at the base of the microphone, allowing players to adjust their output levels or gain stages mid-performance without returning to their amplifier.

Sound Character

Famed for its unmistakable midrange punch, the Green Bullet is designed to cut through dense musical arrangements. Unlike clean vocal microphones like the SM58, the 520DX adds subtle saturation to the sound passing through it. This saturation provides a warm, musical distortion that is synonymous with the Chicago blues sound. Its frequency response is tailored specifically to the harmonica, emphasizing the instrument's texture while providing immunity to moisture damage—a common issue when playing wind instruments into electronics.

Technical Operation

The Shure 520DX is a high-impedance (Hi-Z) microphone. It comes equipped with a permanently attached 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) phone plug, allowing it to be plugged directly into high-impedance equipment such as guitar amplifiers. This is a departure from standard low-impedance XLR microphones used for vocals. This direct-to-amp connection is fundamental to achieving the characteristic 'overdriven' harp sound beloved by professional musicians.

Target Audience and Applications

The 520DX is primarily aimed at live performers playing blues, rock, and folk harmonica. Its durable construction makes it ideal for hard touring environments. While it excels in capturing the grit of a blues harp, it is less suited for players seeking a clean, transparent, or 'acoustic' harmonica sound. For those requiring a more versatile or neutral frequency response, alternatives like the Shure SM57 or Sennheiser MD 441-U are often preferred.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary use of the Shure 520DX?: The Shure 520DX is designed specifically for harmonica players who want a distorted, amplified blues sound. Its shape allows it to be cupped easily against a harmonica.
When was the Green Bullet first introduced?: The original version of the Green Bullet microphone was first released by Shure in 1949.
What kind of connector does the 520DX use?: The 520DX features a permanently attached cable with a 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) phone plug, designed to plug directly into a guitar amplifier.
Does the Shure 520DX require phantom power?: No, the 520DX is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power or batteries to operate.
Can I use the 520DX for vocals?: While possible, it is not recommended for traditional vocals. It has a distorted, lo-fi character and a shape that is difficult to mount on a standard mic stand for singing.
Is the microphone durable enough for touring?: Yes, the 520DX features a rugged die-cast metal casing and is designed to be 'unrelenting' during years of hard touring.
What does the 'DX' in the name stand for?: The 'DX' refers to the updated version of the 520, which includes a built-in volume control knob for easy adjustments during live sets.
Why is it called the 'Green Bullet'?: The name comes from its distinct rounded, aerodynamic shape and its traditional green-coloured finish.
How does it handle moisture?: The 520DX is specifically designed with an immunity to moisture, making it resilient against the condensation typically created by harmonica playing.
What is the typical price for a Shure 520DX?: The typical price for this microphone is approximately GBP 142 in the current market.
How does the sound compare to a Shure SM58?: The SM58 provides a clean, balanced vocal response, whereas the 520DX adds saturation and midrange punch specifically for harmonica textures.
Can the 520DX be plugged into a PA system?: It can be plugged into a PA if the system has a 1/4-inch High-Z input, otherwise, it is best used through a guitar amplifier or an impedance-matching transformer.