Shure Introduces New Line of DJ Phono Cartridges
January 28, 1999Shure has introduced a new line of DJ phono cartridges which meets every application
from battling and showcasing to mixing and just plain spinning. Four different
models are offered; two of which have been revived as a result of popular demand,
one brand new design, and another which continues to serve the market as a professional
standard.
Led by hip-hop DJs and Shure endorsing artists like the Invisibl Skratch Picklz
and X-ecutioners, a groundswell of popular support calling for the return of
Shure's classic phono cartridge designs convinced the company that the time
was right to renew its commitment to the DJ market.
Within the new line of DJ cartridges, the most prominent reissue is the Model
M44-7. Designed for tracking forces of 1.5 to 3.0 grams, this rugged battle
needle features an ultra-high output of 9.5 mV (millivolts). Like all other
cartridges in the new Shure DJ line, the M44-7 has a frequency response which
is essentially flat from 20 to 20,000 Hz.
A favorite among scratch DJs, the M44G joins the M44-7 in returning to Shure's
DJ line-up. Designed expressly for showcasing, the M44G maintains a mindful
balance between skip-resistance and accuracy of sound reproduction. Sharing
Shure's Type S cantilever design with the M44-7, it has a tracking force rating
of 0.75 to 1.50 grams.
Both of these M44 Series models have been tested by some of the top DJs in
the world. With world titles at stake, seven of the eight contestants at the
November, 1998 International Turntable Federation (ITF) World Championships
in Amsterdam chose to compete using the first of these newly-reissued Shure
needles -- all seven won world titles.
The new cartridge design in the group is the M35S. Designed for mixing applications,
the cartridge tracks at 3 to 5 grams, uses Shure's Type 1 cantilever design,
and delivers highly accurate sound reproduction with substantial skip resistance.
For spinning, Shure's SC35C cartridge remains in the line-up as the continuing
standard for traditional club, broadcast, and mobile applications. Outfitted
once again with Shure's Type 1 aluminum alloy/tubular cantilever construction,
the SC35C has a tracking force of 4 to 5 grams.
Each cartridge comes standard with accessories including a stylus cleaning
brush and an extra set of headshell leads. Also available is a new replacement
stylus package, the Q-Pack, which contains four styli (needles) conveniently
blister-packed to a single card. For more information, visit the Shure web site at www.shure.com. | 
