NAMM 2018: Shure Announces ‘Off the Beaten Track’ Contest, Expands Wireless Earphone Offerings

Shure and U.S. singer-songwriter Tori Kelly are calling on bands, singers, and solo musicians to enter the global mobile recording contest “Off the Beaten Track.” Artists from 14 countries around the world are invited to compete for a trip to Los Angeles with a professional recording session at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, CA.

“As a singer, I know that inspiration can happen at any moment,” says Grammy-nominated artist Kelly. “So I’m encouraging everyone to go for it and create something that is unique to who they are.”

To enter, musicians must submit a video of an original song performed in a unique location. After uploading to the contest website (off-the-beaten-track.shure.com), entries must collect at least 50 votes to be considered for one of 20 spots on the shortlist, which will be determined by Shure. One entry receiving the most public votes overall wins a wild card spot – so mobilizing fans is important.

For the second stage of the competition, the remaining 21 candidates will receive a box of Shure MOTIV microphones, so they can create an entirely new video with professional-grade audio. Finalists are encouraged to be imaginative and innovative, but filming locations must be safe and legal. For inspiration, musicians should look to Shure MOTIV Sessions, a music video series showcasing mobile recordings.

“MOTIV Sessions are all about creativity and recording in unique locations,” says Jens Rothenburger, Senior Manager Global Marketing for Musician and Consumer Audio at Shure. “We’ve been serenaded by LP on the shores of Lake Geneva and invited into Herbie Hancock’s living room for a private piano performance. Now we want other artists to take their music ‘Off the Beaten Track.’”

After Tori Kelly (Unbreakable Smile, Sing) selects the best video among the 21 finalists, the grand prize trip to LA will take place later this summer. Grammy-winning producer and engineer Al Schmitt, who has worked with Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, and many others throughout his lengthy career, will oversee the recording session at Capitol Studios.

The contest, which will accept submissions from January 25 to March 22, is open to musicians from Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Shure has also expanded its Wireless Earphone offerings across its popular SE Sound Isolating Earphone line, with selectable Android and Apple iOS functionality integrated into new models across multiple price points. The expanded options will be available in discreet packaged variations with wireless/mobile communication features for music enthusiasts, and monitoring versions for professional use. Whether used on stage or on the street, the new line-up offers listeners the superior, immersive audio and multi-driver designs with detachable cables for which Shure is widely known.

“For decades, Shure has prided itself on developing audio solutions that have shaped and informed the live sound industry and music performance. At the same time, we’ve been focused on building solutions for everyday listeners while nurturing our audiophile loyalists,” says Matt Engstrom, Senior Category Director at Shure. “Following the successful introduction of our first Bluetooth earphones last fall, we’ve now integrated this solution along with more connection choices across the line – making wireless an option at all price points. Additionally, users who desire models with standard audio cables can continue to find those versions from the SE112 to the SE535.”

The newly introduced earphone line-up feature Shure’s iconic Sound Isolating design, which blocks up to 37dB of outside noise for immersive, comfortable listening anywhere. Ergonomically designed, the earphones include a selection of sleeve choices for a custom fit. The consumer line-up also includes a variety of connectivity choices with detachable cables, enabling listeners to connect to today’s hottest mobile devices. Of note, the new Universal 3.5 mm Earphone Communication Cable (RMCE-UNI) features an integrated mic and three-button remote, letting users take calls, control music and activate voice commands, and easily switch between Apple iOS or Android/USB connection. Additionally, another separately available earphone cable will soon be available for Android users – the USB–C Earphone Communication Cable (RMCE-USB). This premium cable with integrated DAC/Amp, microphone, and controls works with all Shure SE Sound Isolating Earphones with detachable cables to directly connect to the latest Android devices for high‐quality digital audio (24‐bit/96 kHz) and communication control.

All configurations, no matter the price point, provide superior sound quality and isolation with remarkable durability originally developed for the pros.

Now available in four color options (clear, bronze, black, and blue) the new SE846 model will have the same four-driver design and state-of-the-art audio performance at the same retail price of $999, but will also now come with two new connectivity options — an included Bluetooth cable for wireless convenience and a universal communication cable (compatible with Apple and Android).

The dual-driver SE425 and triple-driver SE535 will also have these new detachable cable options included at the same price points– providing more connection and mobile communication features into each.