KCOR Microphone

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .

IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.

View manifest View in Mirador Viewer

Object Details

maker

Shure

Description

This model 55 Shure microphone was used at the KCOR-AM radio building in San Antonio, Texas during the 1950s. First introduced in 1939, the microphone became iconic due to its adoption by radio personalities and musical acts. The microphone uses Shure’s “Unidyne” element, a pick-up element that only accepts sounds from one direction and forms a cardioid sensitivity pattern. KCOR was licensed and operated by Raoul A. Cortez (1905-1971), a pioneer of Spanish-language media in the United States. Cortez later established the KCOR-TV station in 1955, and programmed his stations to serve the Spanish-speaking community in Texas.

Credit Line

Gift of Univision Communications, Inc.

ID Number

2015.0002.03

model number

555

S56

catalog number

2015.0002.03

accession number

2015.0002

Object Name

microphone

Physical Description

metal (overall material)

grey, black (overall color)

Measurements

overall: 11 1/2 in x 5 1/8 in x 7 in; 29.21 cm x 13.0175 cm x 17.78 cm

See more items in

Work and Industry: Electricity

Cultures & Communities

Communications

Exhibition

American Enterprise

Exhibition Location

National Museum of American History

Data Source