Shure KSM32

Embossed Single-Diaphragm Microphone

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

Applications

• Brass and woodwind instruments
• Orchestras, choirs, and wind ensembles
• Overhead miking of drums and percussion instruments
• Close-miking of acoustic instruments such as piano, guitar, violins, drums, and percussion
• Low-frequency instruments such as double bass and kick drum
• Electric guitar and bass amplifiers
• Vocals and speech
• Room ambience

  Note: Sound quality is strongly affected by microphone location and room acoustics. To achieve the best overall sound for a particular application, it may be necessary to experiment with microphone placement and room treatments.

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: 158 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.

Typical Frequency Response

Typical Polar Patterns

Overall Dimensions

Accessories

Furnished Accessories

Optional Accessories

Replacement Parts

Certifications

This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is eligible for CE marking.

The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from: www.shure.com/europe/compliance

Authorized European representative:

Shure Europe GmbH

Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa

Department: EMEA Approval

Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12

75031 Eppingen, Germany

Phone: 49-7262-92 49 0

Fax: 49-7262-92 49 11 4

Email: info@shure.de

Trademark Notices: The circular S logo, the stylized Shure logo, and the word, “Shure” are registered trademarks of Shure Incorporated in the United States. “SHOCKSTOPPER” is a trademark of Shure Incorporated in the United States. “Mylar” is a registered trademark of E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company in the United States. These marks may be registered in other jurisdictions.

Patent Notice: Patent Des. 400, 540