SHURE KSM137 CARDIOID INSTRUMENT MICROPHONE

The Shure KSM137 is an end-address condenser microphone with a single cardioid polar pattern. Designed for studio use, yet rugged enough for live applications, the KSM137 can withstand extremely high sound pressure levels (SPL). Its low self-noise and extended frequency response make it ideal for recording musical instruments.

Versatile, durable, and precise, the KSM137 is an outstanding microphone for instruments ranging from percussion to wind, strings to brass, and piano to guitar.

• KSM137/SL with foam windscreen and carrying case, champagne finish

Features:

• A highly consistent cardioid polar pattern
• Ultra-thin, 2.5 micron, 24 karat gold-layered, low mass Mylar^® diaphragm for superior transient response
• Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast transient response, no crossover distortion, and minimal harmonic and intermodulation distortion
• Premium electronic components, including gold-plated internal and external connectors
• Subsonic filter eliminates low frequency rumble (less than 17 Hz) caused by mechanical vibration
• Switchable 15 dB pad for handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPLs)
• Three-position switchable pad (0 dB, 15 dB, and 25 dB) for handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPLs)
• Three-position switchable low-frequency filter reduces background noise and counteracts proximity effect

Performance Characteristics

• Extended frequency response
• Low self noise
• Exceptional reproduction of low-frequency sounds
• Can withstand high sound pressure levels (SPL)
• High output level
• No crossover distortion
• Uniform polar response
• Superior common mode rejection and suppression of radio frequency interference

Applications

Some typical applications for the KSM137 are listed below. Microphone use is a matter of personal taste and the KSM137 may be used for a variety of applications other than those listed.

• 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

Specifications:

Cartridge Type

Permanently Biased Condenser

 

Frequency Response

20­ to 20,000 Hz

 

Directional Polar Pattern

Cardioid

 

Output Impedance

150 ohms (actual)

 

Attenuation Switch

0 dB, 15 dB, or 25 dB attenuation

 

Low Frequency Response Switch

Flat; ­-6 db/octave below 115 Hz;

-­18 dB/octave below 80 Hz

 

Phantom Power

48 Vdc +/- 4 Vdc (IEC­268­15/DIN 45 596), positive pins 2 and 3

 

Current Drain

4.65 mA typical at 48 Vdc

 

Common Mode Rejection

>50 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

 

Polarity

Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on output pin 2 relative to pin 3

 

Dimensions and Weight

20 mm (0.8 in.) diameter, 122 mm (4.8 in.) long;

100 grams (3.5 oz.)

 

Sensitivity (typical, at 1000 Hz; 1 Pa = 94 dB SPL)

­-37 dBV/Pa

 

Self­noise (typical, equivalent SPL; A-weighted, IEC 651)

14 dB

 

Maximum SPL at 1 kHz

5000 ohm load (Attenuator on): 145 (160, 170) dB

2500 ohm load (Attenuator on): 139 (154, 164) dB

1000 ohm load (Attenuator on): 134 (149, 159) dB

 

Output Clipping Level*

5000 ohm load: 15 dBV

2500 ohm load: 9 dBV

1000 ohm load: 3 dBV

 

Dynamic Range

5000 ohm load: 131 dB

2500 ohm load: 125 dB

1000 ohm load: 120 dB

 

Signal to Noise Ratio**

80 dB

 

*20 Hz to 20 kHz; THD < 1%. THD of the microphone preamplifier when applied input signal is equivalent to the cartridge output at specified SPL

**S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self noise A-weighted.