BLUE KICKBALL HANDMADE CARDIOID DYNAMIC MICROPHONE

Designed to be punchy and detailed with a larger-than-life sound, the Kickball
delivers an acoustic balance far superior to conventional dynamic microphones.
The back of the mic features a three-position bass frequency switch allowing
three distinct low-frequency equalization curves. This circuit is based on a unique
active RC filter that attenuates sub-bass (below 20Hz) frequencies and contours
the low end without any noticeable phase distortion. Ideal for both stage and studio
use, the Kickball can be used on virtually any instrument: kick drum, snare drum,
tom toms, electric bass, bass cabinets, and anywhere else you need a rugged mic
that sounds unlike anything you?ve ever heard before. And like any good kick drum
microphone, the Kickball can withstand extremely high sound pressure levels that
would send even the toughest condensers back to the showers.
Give the Kickball a listen and you?ll see how well-rounded it really
 
SPECS:
Acoustical Operating Principal: Dynamic transducer with active Class A
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency Range: 35Hz ? 16kHz
Sensitivity: 3.0mV/Pa at 1 kHz; 1Pa = 94dB SPL
Rated Impedance: 50?
Rated Load Impedance: 2k?
Maximum SPL: 162 dB SPL (2k? load at 1% THD)
Output noise Level: 18dB-A
Power Requirement: +48V DC phantom-power
Power Consumption: 2.5 mA

• Contoured frequency response for clean, instrumental reproduction and rich vocal pickup
• Professional-quality reproduction for drum, percussion, and instrument amplifier miking
• Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while reducing background noise
• Pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise
• Extremely durable under the heaviest use
• Frequency response: 40 to 15,000 Hz

Technical Data

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.

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.

Suggested Applications

Acoustic Guitar
Acoustic Bass
Cymbals
Brass/Woodwinds
Orchestra
Ensemble Vocals
Piano
Strings
Room Ambience
Live Recording

• Tailored frequency response provides drums, guitars, vocals, and horns with studio quality sound
• Uniform supercardioid pattern for high gain-before-feedback and superior rejection of off-axis sound
• Hardened steel mesh grille that facilitates use of proximity effect and resists wear and abuse
• Neodymium magnet for high signal-to-noise ratio output
• Advanced pneumatic shock mount system that minimizes transmission of mechanical noise and vibration
• Frequency response: 50 to 16,000 Hz