Shure KSM137/SL Condenser Microphone

The Shure KSM137 is an end-address condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. Designed for studio use, yet rugged enough for live applications, the KSM137 can withstand extremely high sound pressure levels.

Shure KSM137/SL Cardioid Condenser Microphone Details

The Shure KSM137 is an end-address condenser microphone with a 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.

Shure KSM137/SL Cardioid Condenser Microphone 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, however, is a matter of personal taste. 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

Both the acoustic environment and microphone placement strongly affect the sound obtained from miking a source. You may need to experiment with microphone placement and room treatments to achieve the best overall sound for each application.

Shure KSM137/SL Cardioid Condenser Microphone Specifications

Cartridge Type Permanently Biased Condenser
Frequency Response 20¨C20,000 Hz
Directional Polar Pattern Cardioid
Output Impedance 150 ¦¸ (actual)
Attenuation Switch 0 dB,15 dB, or 25 dB attenuation
Low Frequency Response Switch Flat; ¨C6 db/octave below 115 Hz; ¨C18 dB/octave below 80 Hz
Phantom Power 48
Current Drain 4.65 mA typical at 48 Vdc
Common Mode Rejection ¡Ý 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) ¨C37 dBV/Pa
Self¨Cnoise (typical, equivalent SPL; A-weighted, IEC 651) 14 dB
Signal to Noise Ratio 80 dB

Shure KSM137/SL Cardioid Condenser Microphone Includeds

KSM137
Foam windscreen
Carrying case
Champagne finish

Other Information

Manual

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5
Shure KSM137/SL

Posted by Cam Sinclair on May 3rd 2014

I brought two of these mics from Front End Audio, as always the processing and delivery was prompt and they arrived here to NZ safely packaged.
As for the mics, I absolutely love them, I have recorded two classical guitar pieces with them so far to which I used very minor console EQ to subdue the transient detail, straight off the desk was fine and wouldn't have required any such EQ if going in the mix with drums and guitar etc (in that situation I believe the transient detail would have been a total benefit).
With these mics on classical guitar there was no requirement for corrective Hi-Q cuts at all - great!
I'm yet to use these on drumkit, however I expect the transient detail in that situation to give a brilliant picture of the drums.