Shure KSM137 Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

zZounds Gear Experts Say...

Record piano, acoustic guitar, drum overheads and more with a Shure KSM137 small-diaphragm condenser -- a great all-purpose microphone.

Overview

Liven up your recording sessions with the Shure KSM137 condenser microphone. This small-diaphragm condenser utilizes a Class A discrete preamplifier for transparent capture, while transformerless circuit ensures impressively low self-noise. A switchable -15/-25 dB pad prevents distortion in high-volume situations, and its wide frequency response makes the KSM137 a must-have mic for countless applications — whether in the studio or on stage.

Built Shure Tough to Handle Any Gig

Every Shure microphone must stand up to extensive durability testing, and the KSM137 is no exception. Shure designed this mic to deliver clean, clear audio session after session. Its Class A discrete preamp provides excellent transparency and fast transient response, while transformerless circuitry and a subsonic filter minimize self-noise and reject unwanted low-end rumble below 17 Hz. All of these finely tuned components are housed in a rugged, champagne-finished shell that keeps out unwanted environmental elements.

Virtually Limitless Applications

The KSM137 boasts a wide frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz with a consistent cardioid pickup pattern, opening the door to an incredible range of uses. From orchestras and choirs to percussion, guitar, piano, brass, woodwinds, strings, and even ambient room capture — this pencil condenser microphone is up to the task. Its excellent off-axis linearity makes it equally capable in both close-miking and wider sound field applications. Switchable 0/-15/-25… read more dB pads mean you can confidently use it in loud settings without fear of overload — go ahead and place it over the drum kit or in front of a blaring amp.

Features:

- End-address small-diaphragm condenser microphone
- Cardioid polar pattern
- 2.5 micron, 24-karat gold-layered, low-mass Mylar diaphragm
- Class A discrete preamplifier — transformerless for low self-noise
- Exceptionally fast transient response
- Champagne finish
- Wide and natural frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Exceptional off-axis linearity
- Subsonic filter rejects low-end rumble below 17 Hz
- Three-position pad switch: 0 dB, -15 dB, -25 dB
- Gold-plated internal and external connectors

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

- Cartridge Type: Condenser
- Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
- 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

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging

Single Microphone

Shipping Weight: 2 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 3 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): KSM137/SL

Stereo Matched Pair, KSM137/SL ST

Shipping Weight: 3 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 3 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): KSM137/SL STEREO

Documents and Manuals

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-516-2525
Email: service@shure.com

A27 Stereo Mic Adapter User Guide

User Guide

Shure's Description

Shure KSM137 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 (SPL). Its low self-noise and extended frequency response make it ideal for recording acoustic instruments, including low-frequency-range instruments.

Shure's KSM-series studio condenser microphones balance exceptional sensitivity and flexibility with unmatched durability to accurately capture the widest variety of sound sources. Finely tuned condenser cartridges give voice to each of these elegant recording microphones.

Features:

- Highly consistent cardioid polar pattern
- Ultra-thin, 2.5 micron, 24 karat gold-layered, low mass Mylar(TM) diaphragm for superior transient response
- Superior common mode rejection and suppression of radio frequency interference
- 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
- 3-position switchable pad (0 dB, 15 dB, and 25 dB) for handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPLs)
- 3-position switchable low-frequency filter reduces background noise and counteracts proximity effect
- Wide 20Hz-20kHz frequency response is superb for vocals and instruments

Applications: Acoustic instruments, overheads, and more

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. 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.

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 -- guitar amplifier or drums

Accessories included with stereo matched pair option:
- Break resistant mic clip
- 2 x A100WS windscreens
- Carrying case

Reviews

(9 ratings)

Submitted March 5, 2012 by donald s in sandusky, OH

"nice overhead mics"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Purchaser zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.

I have done a couple recordings with these now and I think they are just fantastic sdc's. I mainly use them for overhead drum kit micing and have recorded solo acoustic guitar with these as well. I have used oktava 012s, and the rode nt5s in the past and i have to say i prefer these which led me to buy my own pair from zzounds. To compare: the Shures have a nice present quality that is not as overbearing / harsh or as hyped in the hi mids as the the rode nt5s. Compared to the Oktavas I would say that these are a bit fussier about placement but a bit more rewarding once you get them placed correctly. I find the Oktavas sort of dark and un-exciting although very usable. I would love to shoot these out against my dream Neumann 184s but truly feel that these will keep me happy a long time, and even if i one day get together the cash for the neumanns i could still use these for other things to great effect. Great bang for the buck here.