Shure KSM137/SL Studio Cardioid Condenser Instrument 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 (SPL). Its low self-noise and extended frequency response make it ideal for recording musical instruments.

The KSM137/SL comes with foam windscreen and carrying case, and has a champagne finish.

Features:

• A highly consistent cardioid polar pattern
• Ultra-thin, 2.5 micron, 24 karat gold-layered, low mass MylarŪ 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

Applications:

• 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
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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.