- Class A, transformerless preamplifier circuitry eliminates cross-over distortion for improved linearity across the full frequency range.
- Embossed, high-compliance diaphragm provides extended low-frequency response.
- Ultra-thin, gold-layered, low-mass, Mylar® diaphragm for excellent transient response
- 15 dB attenuation switch for handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPL)
- Switchable low-frequency filter provides greater flexibility to reduce background noise or to counteract proximity effect.
- Integrated three-stage pop protection grille reduces "pop" and other breath noise
- Internal shock mount reduces transmission of handling noise
- Replacement cartridge: RK374
Performance Characteristics
- Extended frequency response
- Very low self-noise
- Exceptional low-frequency reproduction
- High output level
- High input SPL capability
- No cross-over distortion
- Extremely uniform polar response
- Superior common mode rejection and suppression of radio frequency interference
Applications
Some typical applications for the KSM32 are listed below. Microphone use, however, is a matter of personal taste. The KSM32 may be used for a variety of applications other than those listed.
- Voice -- solo, background, voice-over, broadcasting
- Acoustic instruments -- such as piano, guitar, drums, percussion, strings
- Wind instruments -- brass and woodwind
- Low frequency instruments -- such as double bass, electric bass, kick drum
- Overhead miking -- drums or percussion
- Ensembles -- choral or orchestral
- Room ambiance pick-up -- guitar amplifier or drums
Both the acoustic environment and microphone placement have significant effects on the sound obtained when miking a source. You may need to experiment with these variables to achieve the best overall sound for each application.
General Description
The Shure® KSM32 is a premium, side-address, condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern engineered for highly critical studio recording and live sound productions. With an extremely flat, extended frequency response, the KSM32 provides transparent reproduction of the original sound source. A 15 dB attenuation switch allows the KSM32 to handle the high sound pressure levels (SPL) associated with drums, percussion, and ensembles, while the 3 position low cut filter helps counteract stage vibrations or proximity effect.
Performance Characteristics
- Extremely uniform polar response
- Extended frequency response
- Minimal self-noise
- Exceptional low-frequency reproduction
- Able to withstand high SPLs
- High output level
- No crossover distortion
- Superior common-mode rejection and suppression of radio frequency interference (RFI)
Features
- Class A, transformerless preamplifier circuitry eliminates cross-over distortion for improved linearity across the full frequency range
- Embossed, high-compliance diaphragm provides extended low frequency response and consistent off-axis rejection
- Ultra-thin, 2.5 µm 24-karat gold-layered, low-mass Mylar® diaphragm for superior transient response
- 15 dB attenuation switch for handling extremely high SPLs
- Variable low-frequency filter provides greater flexibility to counteract proximity effect or to reduce mechanical rumble
- Integrated three-stage "pop" protection grille reduces plosives and other breath noise
- Cardioid polar pattern reduces the pickup of unwanted sounds
- Internal shock mount reduces handling and stand noise
- Superior build construction withstands daily use on the stage or in the studio
Variations
The KSM32/SL has a champagne-colored finish and comes with the following accessories:
- Locking aluminum carrying case
- ShureLock® elastic-suspension shock mount
- Protective velveteen pouch
The KSM32/CG has a non-reflective, charcoal-gray finish for situations where less microphone visibility is preferred, such as live sound and stage production. It comes with the following accessories:
- ShureLock swivel mount
- Padded, zippered carrying bag
Power Requirements
This microphone requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 Vdc supply (IEC-61938). However, it will operate with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity with supplies as low as 11 Vdc.
Most modern mixers provide phantom power. You must use a balanced microphone cable: XLR-to-XLR or XLR-to-TRS.
Suspension Mount
Use the supplied ShureLock® rubber suspension mount to secure the microphone to a floor or boom stand.
Important: Thread the knurled locking ring securely to the base of the microphone. Do not overtighten.
Positioning
Position the front of the microphone, with SHURE®, towards the desired sound source. Position the rear of the microphone, with the vintage circle S logo, towards any unwanted sound sources.
Selecting Low-Frequency Response
A three-position switch on the back of the microphone lets you adjust the low-frequency response. Use the low-frequency filter to reduce wind noise, room noise, or proximity effect.
Flat response. Provides the most natural sound in most applications.
Low frequency cutoff. Provides an 18 dB-per-octave cutoff at 80 Hz. Helps eliminate floor rumble and low-frequency room noise from heating and air conditioning systems. This setting may also be used to compensate for proximity effect or to reduce low frequencies that make an instrument sound dull or muddy.
Low frequency rolloff. Provides a 6 dB-per-octave rolloff filter at 115 Hz. Use this to compensate for proximity effect or to reduce low frequencies that could make an instrument sound dull or muddy.
Setting Attenuation
The attenuation switch lets you reduce the signal level without altering the frequency response. This can prevent extremely loud sounds from overloading the microphone circuitry.
0 dB For "quiet" to "normal" sound levels.
-15 dB For use with extremely loud sound sources such as drums, horns, or loud guitar cabinets.
Load Impedance
Maximum SPL capability, output clipping level, and dynamic range vary with the input load impedance of the preamplifier to which you connect the microphone. Shure recommends a minimum input load impedance of 1000 Ω. Most modern microphone preamplifiers meet this requirement. Higher impedance results in better performance for these specifications.
Integral Pop Filter
The microphone grille consists of 3 separate mesh layers that act as an integral pop filter. This helps reduce wind and breath noise. Depending on the performer, an external pop-protection screen or windscreen may be necessary when close-miking vocalists.
Specifications
Cartridge Type
Electret Condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Response
20 to 20,000 Hz
Output Impedance
150 Ω
Sensitivity
open circuit voltage, @ 1 kHz, typical
–36 dBV/Pa[1] (16.0 mV)
Maximum SPL
1 kHz at 1% THD[2]
PAD ON |
2500 Ω load |
154 dB |
1000 Ω load |
148 dB |
PAD OFF |
2500 Ω load |
139 dB |
1000 Ω load |
133 dB |
Signal-to-Noise Ratio[3]
81 dB
Dynamic Range
@ 1 kHz
2500 Ω load |
126 dB |
1000 Ω load |
119 dB |
Clipping Level
20 Hz to 20 kHz, 1% THD
2500 Ω load |
9.0 dBV |
1000 Ω load |
3.0 dBV |
Self Noise
equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical
13.0 dB SPL-A
Common Mode Rejection
20 to 20,000 kHz
≥50 dB
Attenuator Switch
0, -15 dB
Low-Frequency Filter Switch
Flat, –6 dB/octave below 115 Hz, or –18 dB/octave below 80 Hz
Connector
Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male, balanced
Polarity
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
Power Requirements
11–52 V DC[4] phantom power (IEC-61938), 4.7 mA
Net Weight
490 g (17 oz.)
[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL
[2]THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal level is equivalent to cartridge output at specified SPL
[3]S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self noise, A-weighted
[4]All specifications measured with a 48 Vdc phantom power supply. The microphone operates at lower voltages, but with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity.
Accessories
Furnished Accessories
ShureLock Champagne Swivel Adapter |
A44M
|
Carrying Case
|
AK32C
|
Protective Velveteen Pouch
|
A44VB
|
ShureLock Elastic-Suspension Shock Mount for KSM32 Models |
A32SM
|