The 55SH Series II was introduced in 1983, and continues as the currently available product. Shure states "This microphone is ideal for public address or theater-stage sound systems, as well as for broadcasting, recording, and other sound applications where a stand-mounted microphone with a classic look is desirable."

The 55SH Series II has a cardioid (unidirectional) polar pickup pattern that minimizes sound pickup from the rear of the microphone. This allows the Model 55SH Series II to be used in close proximity to loudspeakers without creating feedback problems, and it can perform under adverse acoustic conditions where omnidirectional microphones cannot.

When I popped the face grille off of a 55SH Series II, I saw the complex guts of a 55 were replaced by a plastic flange holding a fairly standard unidirectional dynamic element. Shure states that the cartridge is an SM48-style cardioid/dynamic. The microphone has a low-impedance balanced output designed for connection to microphone inputs rated at 75 to 300 ohms.

The Model 55SH Series II provides the Shure classic UNlDYNE® II design coupled with modern acoustic components to meet today's performance standards. I guess progress has its price. Better frequency response and directional characteristics. Then have them manufactured in Mexico.