Can I fix this $3 Goodwill Mic Using a Cheap XLR Replacement? - Shure 565SD Full DIY Guide!

This Shure 565 SD microphone, the predecessor to the famous SM58, came into my hands through pure Goodwill luck. But there’s a catch - it’s missing a plug, and Shure doesn’t even sell the replacement! Rather than give up, I’m diving into a unique DIY approach. Watch as I bring this mic back to life using a generic replacement plug and see if I can keep the mic’s unique high- and low-impedance switching. By the end of this video, you’ll know exactly how to tackle tricky vintage mic repairs even when you can’t find original parts!
This microphone, known as the “Unisphere I,” was a revolutionary design, built to handle both high and low impedance. High impedance allows the mic to plug directly into an instrument interface, a feature few modern mics offer. In this video, I’ll walk through why this capability is so significant and how it’s set up on this classic Shure mic. From sourcing the data sheet to understanding the impedance switch, every step is a chance to learn the intricacies of vintage audio equipment.
Without a specialized Shure plug, repairing this mic might sound impossible. But I’m going to show you how to work with affordable, readily available parts and avoid long phone orders to Shure’s parts department. This video covers everything from reading the mic’s data sheet to soldering the wiring and adapting the plug for a smooth fit. Follow along as I share a low-cost way to make high-quality repairs.
Repairing this mic’s plug presents a few unique challenges. Shure’s original connector not only supports the impedance switch but also uses set screws for a snug fit. With an affordable alternative, I’ve found some workarounds for keeping the mic functional and retaining its unique impedance capabilities. I’ll show you the best method for connecting each wire and adding custom solder extensions, making sure the plug fits just right.
Once the plug is attached, it’s time to test! We’ll see how this $3 Goodwill find compares to modern mics like the SM58. While it’s an older mic, its design still offers surprisingly robust sound quality, especially given a few custom adjustments. I’ll be testing the high impedance mode, demonstrating how it interacts with different equipment setups and putting the mic’s durability to the test.
For those interested in vintage audio, DIY repair, or budget microphone finds for the stage, this tutorial covers a lot of ground. We’ll talk about what makes the Shure 565 SD a unique hand held microphone, how to adapt the wiring for modern needs, and why high impedance is still useful for certain recording situations. With each repair step, you’ll gain the knowledge to tackle other challenging vintage audio projects!
Or maybe you wont.
Yeah, probably you won't.
If you got this far, leave a comment about what New Years' gift you want Santa to bring you for Black Friday.
--------
SparkYo is the world's best small TH-cam content creator. He restores whatever he wants, whenever he wants (or breaks it) and shares short videos for you and everyone. He's a grand guy that loves 8-bit. SparkYo streams Nintendo Direct events direct to his treehouse. He has passion and drive for super mario. Post a quick new SparkYo video on your tiktok to color your gains, boy.
--------
❖ Contacts
E-mail : [e-mail]
Twitter : I 'ardly know 'er
----------
#AudioGearDIY #VintageRestoration #thriftstorefinds

[@SparkY0]

Thanks for watching, friend-os! Taking on this Shure 565 SD repair was a bit of an adventure, I guess... especially when the right plug was impossible to find. Apparantly...
From finding it at Goodwill for $3 to restoring it with a few budget-friendly parts, I’m pumped to see how badly this vintage mic performs now!
Let me know if you’d try a project like this or if you have any other repair ideas. Don’t forget to set your notifications to 'all' so you catch every new project, whether you like it or not. My comment writing robot appreciates the support, and I’ll see you in the next one!
Also, if you see any comments where TH-cam injected spammy promoted keywords with a magnifying glass next to them, which do nothing useful and just close the video, let me know!
Because I'm going to delete those comments; Even when that junk shows up in legitimate comments that are very insightful, funny and engaging. Spam is Spam, even if you didn't want the platform to force it into your comment. Sorry. Thanks!

[@FiddyStump-tn6kk]

Notifications set to ALL. I believe in you, too, internet mans!
I really enjoy these videos. I would like to see somedat multimeter action, because it's fun to watch numbers on screen.

[@SparkY0]

You'd better believe I've got the heck out of those Internet numbers for your screen!

[@navvmalav]

wowie this vid is exactly what i needed! i got a working pe54d mic at a flea market today for $50 but as i was trying to pull out the plug to switch the pin over to lo-z, i broke the plastic part that holds all the pins together... don't think i'll personally want to switch it back to hi-z but i wanna keep the way the wires plug in, so thanks for showing me the way!

[@SparkY0]

Hopefully it works out! PE54Ds are pretty nice

[@FearlessRambler]

Two thumbs up, love them mics

[@SparkY0]

I'm thinking I should probably fix the rotten foam. It's seeming like a problem

[@Nixters]

Genius! I would have given up when the plugs didn't fit.

[@SparkY0]

Don't give up!

[@KeybardExplorer]

You bought this for $3?! Wow. This mic still retails for $130 online, and is THE Freddie Mercury microphone.

[@SparkY0]

Yeah I was surprised, but I guess it was broken.
Look and feel is definitely a step above an SM58 (and new ones are on sale for the same price right now).
Sound-wise, I need to replace the rotten foam on the capsule to give it a fair chance. Off-axis rejection is good though.

[@theiammike123]

just 3 bucks, and you literally get Freddie Mercury's mic? dude, call yourself lucky.