Shure Nexadyne
our rating
4.6
(out of 5)
Specs
- Frequency Response – 50 Hz – 20 kHz
- Polar Patterns – Nexadyne 8/C: Cardioid; Nexadyne 8/S: Supercardioid
- Sensitivity – 8/C: 2.0 mV/PA 8/S: 2.82 mV/PA
- Self-noise – n/a
- Max SPL– n/a
- Impedance – 8/C: 300 Ω; 8/S: 450 Ω
- Weight – 8/C: 258 g; 8/S: 294 g
- Attenuation Pad – none
- Onboard Filter – none
Pros
- Superior Clarity: Provides a detailed sound with minimal EQ adjustments needed.
- Wide Sweet Spot: Captures consistent vocal quality even with slight off-axis movement.
- Excellent Off-Axis Rejection: Reduces stage noise and feedback, especially in the supercardioid model.
- Controlled Proximity Effect
- Durable
Cons
- The mic’s presence peak might not suit all voices.
Bottom Line:
A new elite live vocal mic. Delivers detailed, clear vocals and has a lovely, wide sweet spot that is tolerant of movement.
Shure Nexadyne 8C/8S Wired
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ULXD2/Nexadyne 8C/S Wireless
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Introducing the Shure Nexadyne
Since the 1930s, Shure has been at the forefront of dynamic microphone innovation, continually refining and advancing the technology behind their iconic SM58. Over the years, models like the Beta 58A and KSM8 have marked significant milestones in their evolution.
At the same time, strong competition from standout live vocal microphones such as the Beyerdynamic M88, Heil Sound PR35, and Telefunken M80 has driven Shure to stay ahead of the curve. In 2024, Shure took a bold step forward with a groundbreaking new capsule design, unveiling the Nexadyne microphone. Is this really something new?
We got our hands on the Nexadyne 8/C and tested it thoroughly to see how it holds up to the competition.
Who is this mic for?
The Shure Nexadyne is ideal for professional vocalists, live performers, and studio engineers seeking a premium microphone with exceptional clarity, controlled proximity effect, and robust off-axis rejection for versatile applications.
Recommended Applications
The Shure Nexadyne is recommended for the following applications:
- Live Vocals and Spoken Word
- Close-miked Studio Applications
Alternatives to the Shure Nexadyne
Beyerdynamic M88
One of the best handheld dynamic mics out there. With quick transients, detail, and thicker lower-mids, the result is silky and full.
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Heil Sound PR35
An elite dynamic mic for live vocals. Its huge diaphragm and high output bring vocals to the front and center of any mix.
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Telefunken M80
A great handheld dynamic, vocal mic. Modern, bright, detailed sound, but never too thin.
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Who is this mic NOT for?
The Shure Nexadyne is not ideal for budget-conscious users or those seeking a microphone for casual or entry-level applications.
Check out our gear category page for more on microphones and audio gear.
What’s in the box?
The Shure Nexadyne box arrived with the following:
- Shure Nexadyne 8/C (cardioid) or 8/S (supercardioid)
- Microphone Clip: A25E model, standard clip style
- Hard Shell Carrying Case: ANXNC case
Build / Design
With dent-resistant, hardened grilles and die-cast aluminum bodies, the Nexadyne microphones are as rugged as we’ve come to expect from Shure mics. The black satin finish looks nice and doesn’t collect fingerprints.
The microphones are slightly larger than standard handheld mics, measuring approximately 200mm in length and 50mm in diameter at their widest point.
As you can see in the image below, the Nexadyne is about the same size as a Neumann KMS 105. The 8/S model weighs around 294 grams, while the 8/C (the one we reviewed) is lighter at 258 grams.
Beneath the grille lies a large capsule (abouBeneath the grille lies a large capsule (about the same size as the Heil PR35 capsule). I love that there is no foam under the grille, but rather a thin, more durable nylon lining.t the same size as the Heil PR35 capsule).
The famous pneumatic shock system employed in earlier Shure handhelds to absorb handling noise is notably absent in the Nexadyne. The design holds the mic’s two capsules out-of-phase, which eliminates most handling noise.
The New Tech: Two is Better than One
At the heart of the Nexadyne microphones is the “Revonic dual-engine transducer technology”, which utilizes two precisely calibrated mic capsules working in tandem. It is similar to the dual-diaphragm design you find in many multi-polar large diaphragm condensers, but it has been adapted to create a fixed, consistent polar pattern in a handheld mic.
The Shure KSM8 was the first Shure mic to use this dual-diaphragm design. In this mic’s design, the rear diaphragm plays a key role in eliminating interference and handling noise by summing the two capsules in reverse polarity, which cancels out unwanted vibrations and electromagnetic hum. As a result, you get a consistent directional pickup across the frequency spectrum with reduced proximity effect.
The key difference between Shure’s Dualdyne and Nexadyne technologies lies in the rear element: Dualdyne uses a passive rear diaphragm to shape acoustic properties, while Nexadyne features two fully active capsules—front and rear—that work together as independent transducers to create advanced directional characteristics.
Testing the Nexadyne, the results of all this tech were apparent—namely, a reduced need for EQ, superior off-axis rejection, low handling noise, and exceptional signal clarity.
Shure Nexadyne Tests – Audio Clips
We used a Universal Audio Apollo Solo Interface recorded with Logic Pro X. There is no EQ or compression applied to any of the audio clips here. We adjusted the gain from the audio interface to taste. As a reminder, we test everything on this site ourselves.
We include the results from spoken word tests, sung vocals, and acoustic instruments here as they reveal the subtleties of the mics most clearly.
We acknowledge that there is not one way to use a microphone. Mic placement, how you play or sing, not to mention EQ, compression, Impedance, and preamp settings can all have dramatic effects on the final result.
Spoken Vocals Tests
Shure Nexadyne
Sung Vocals Test
Shure Nexadyne
Acoustic Guitar Test
Shure Nexadyne
Conclusions About the Sound: Shure Nexadyne
The Nexadyne 8/C gives you a crisp, balanced sound out of the box. The presence peak at 4 kHz sits well with most vocals, and the high treble is nicely rolled off. Additionally, you won’t need to EQ excessive low-frequency buildup because the Nexadyne’s proximity effect is well controlled.
As you can see in the frequency response chart below, the Nexadyne 8/S has a very similar response, the key difference being a louder presence peak at 4 kHz. The 8/S also has a slightly higher sensitivity (2.82 mv/Pa vs 2.0 mv/Pa for the 8/C) to deal better with feedback.
The Biggest Advantage of this Mic: Large Sweet Spot
What I found particularly exciting about the Nexadyne 8/C was the wide sweet spot. The response is consistent from top to bottom in this sweet spot. As a result, the mic gives you a lot of freedom to move. You can pull back from the mic without losing the body of the sound, and 45-degree angles sound almost exactly like directly on-axis.
At the same time, the side and rear rejection is as good as it gets in live vocal mics. You can hear this in our tests.
Proximity Effect, Plosives, Sibilance
The Nexadyne has exceptional control over its proximity, but I was pleased that there was still some proximity effect. In other words, it still flatters the voice with increased bass response without going too far.
Neither sibilance (’s’ sounds) nor plosives (‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds) were an issue with the Nexadyne. Again, the response feels ready to go out of the box.
Studio Applications
The controlled proximity effect and linear low-mid response are beneficial for recording vocals at close range, but these features also make the mic better equipped for other close-miked studio applications.
Although not ideal, it even holds its own for acoustic instruments. As you can hear in our acoustic guitar test, the Nexadyne has enough presence and detail to deliver solid results.
Shure Nexadyne Frequency Response Diagram
Final Thoughts: Is the Shure Nexadyne Worth It?
The Shure Nexadyne is an excellent choice for live vocals, offering a generous sweet spot, outstanding off-axis rejection, and a natural, detailed sound with a well-controlled proximity effect.
Its design simplifies the sound engineer’s job by providing reliable performance and a tolerance for movement. When the mic’s presence peak complements a vocalist’s tone, the mic is a blessing for live vocals.
Should you replace your trusty SM58 with the Nexadyne? If lead vocals play a prominent role in your mix, the Nexadyne’s performance may justify the upgrade. However, the SM58 remains a tough competitor, offering legendary reliability at an affordable price of around $100.
For those considering an upgrade, the Nexadyne deserves serious attention among elite live vocal microphones. I’d confidently rank it alongside other top performers like the Heil Sound PR35 (full review), Beyerdynamic M88, Sennheiser e965, and Neumann KMS 105, all of which deliver excellent sound and ease of use on stage.
Shure Nexadyne
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Questions or Comments?
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FAQ
How does the Nexadyne compare to the SM58 for live vocals?
The Nexadyne delivers a more modern and detailed sound compared to the SM58. It offers better proximity control, a larger sweet spot, and improved off-axis rejection, making it ideal for demanding live vocal performances.
How does the Nexadyne handle feedback in live settings?
Both the cardioid and supercardioid models offer excellent feedback rejection, with the supercardioid 8/S being especially optimized for high-gain environments. This makes it highly effective for minimizing unwanted noise on stage.
Is it worth upgrading from a Beta 58A to the Nexadyne?
If you’re seeking enhanced clarity, reduced handling noise, and a significantly wider sweet spot, the Nexadyne is a worthwhile upgrade from the Beta 58A (see our complete review of the Shure Beta 58A), offering noticeable performance improvements for both singers and sound engineers.
How Do dynamic Microphones Work?
Dynamic microphones operate through a process called magnetic induction.
Inside a dynamic mic’s capsule, there are three key components: a thin metal diaphragm, a coil, and a magnet. When sound waves hit the diaphragm, it begins to vibrate, causing the coil to move as well. This movement of the coil within the magnetic field converts the sound waves into electrical signals.
For a deeper dive on how dynamic microphones work, see our guide 3 Types of Microphones and How They Work.
