SHURE KSM-137SL – Cardioid Instrument Microphone 20Hz to 20kHz

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

• 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

Audio Frequency Response    20 Hz - 10,000 Hz
Case Material    Die cast zinc
Connector Type    3-pin XLR
Element    Dynamic
Finish    Textured Satin Black
Impedance, Low-Z balanced    150 Ω
Mic Type    Instrumental
Open Circuit Voltage    0.63 mV/Pascal
Polar Pattern    Supercardioid
Power Requirement    Passive
Shipping Weight    23.7 oz (672 g)
Wired/Wireless    Wired
Weight Net    12.84 oz (364 g)

Audio Frequency Response    50 Hz - 16,000 Hz
Case Material    Die cast zinc
Connector Type    3-pin XLR
Element    Dynamic
Finish    Textured Satin Black
Impedance, Low-Z balanced    600 Ω
Mic Type    Instrumental
Open Circuit Voltage    2.2 mV/Pascal
Polar Pattern    Supercardioid
Power Requirement    Passive
Wired/Wireless    Wired
Weight Net    8.32 oz (236 g)