Shure has released the Whitelabel, the latest addition
to the Record Needlz family. The name refers to the pre-released or unauthorized
records that crate-diggers treasure.
The Whitelabel sonic signature features a solid
drop bass, flat mids, and accented highs. The ergonomic industrial design features
adjustable stylus overhang, reliable electrical contact, and improved stylus
visibility. Whitelabel also features the high skip resistance and low record
associated with Shure needles.
Whitelabel is not a direct replacement for the
M44-7 and according to company representatives, Whitelabel is optimized for
sound and convenience. Whitelabel provides exceptionally good skip resistance,
but may not meet the needs of extreme scratching and beat juggling.
"Heads will turn," says Greg Needlz,
Phonograph Product Manager. " Whitelabel combines 65 years of Shure audiophile
technology with innovative features that meet the needs of today’s DJs and turntables."
Shure Whitelabel Feature Specs:
Industrial, ergonomic, and plays to the cartridge’s
technological benefits of headshell mounted cartridges.
Forward-Mass Design: Center of gravity is displaced
closer to the cantilever for optimal performance. Forward-mass produces higher
trackability, lower tone-arm resonance, better skip resistance and requires
lower tracking forces.
Adjustable overhang (50mm – 54mm): Unique
to Shure products, adjustable overhang retains the forward and backward adjustment
of a standard-mount headshell, providing maximum flexible adjustment between
S-arm and straight-arm turntables.
Electrical Contact: Engineered for optimized
compatibility with most professional turntables, a rubber tension gasket and
rounded gold plated pins limit possible damage caused by over-tightening cartridge
to the tone-arm.
Stylus Visibility: DJs can see exactly where
they drop the needle.
The Shure Whitelabel phono cartridge, retailing
for ($175.00 MSRP), began shipping on November 12, 2002. For more information
regarding Shure, visit www.needlz.com.