Shure KSM32 Studio Condenser Microphone

Trust Shure's tough quality standards for your studio vocal mic. The fixed-cardioid KSM32 condenser is a proven contender on broadcast voiceovers and beyond.

The Shure KSM32 is a popular fixed-cardioid condenser microphone that eventually finds itself in the hands of every audio engineer. With a wide frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz that peaks at 7 kHz and 10 kHz to add some high-end air, this microphone is a great choice on vocals and voiceover. It has a thin Mylar diaphragm for great transient response, high SPL handling for recording percussion or louder instruments, and a transformerless preamplifier circuitry, resulting in low self-noise that make it a great fit for critical studio recording. Accessories included are a stand mount and a shock mount, so you can set up and start recording

A Solid Versatile Condenser Microphone

The KSM32's frequency response doesn't confine it to being strictly a vocal microphone. The SPL handling goes as high as 154 dB with the -15 dB pad, so you can set this microphone in front of a bass or guitar amplifier without worry of distortion. It also works well as an ambient room mic, kick drum mic, or even paired up as overhead mics on drums or a choir.

Roll Off and Pad Features

Aside from the -15 dB pad, the KSM32 offers switchable rolloff settings of -6 dB per octave below 115 Hz, and -18 dB per octave below 80 Hz. These filters are helpful for recording vocals, guitars, and mid-to-higher frequency percussion, to weed out the lower unwanted rumble these instruments tend to have around 100 Hz. With the filters off, the KSM32's frequency range goes as low as 20 Hz, so you can grab those read more lower frequency instruments -- like bass or kick drum -- when you want to.

Solid Engineering for Critical Studio Standards

Built with class A tranformerless preamplifier circuitry, the KSM32 has a low self noise of only 13 dB. You'll be able to get that tight and dry sound from a professional vocal booth without any unwanted noise. The Mylar diaphragm is ultra-thin and is very light -- providing a great transient response and true-to-life sound. Also, with the included shock mount, this microphone also works great on stage as well as in the studio.

Features:

- Frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with boost at 7 kHz and 10 kHz
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Class A tranformerless preamplifier circuitry
- Self noise of 13 dB
- Weighs 1.08 pounds
- Connects via XLR
- Flat, -6 dB per octave below 115 Hz, and -18 dB per octave below 80 Hz roll off switch settings
- Maximum SPL of 154 dB when used with pad
- -15 dB pad
- Output impedance of 150 ohms
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio of 81 dB
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- Cartridge Type: Permanently-biased condenser
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Directional Pattern: Cardioid
- Sensitivity (at 1000 Hz): Open Circuit Voltage -36 dBV/Pa (16 mV) typical (1 Pa = 94 dB SPL)
- Self Noise (equivalent SPL): 13 dB typical, A-weighted (IEC 651)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (20 Hz to 20 kHz , 2500 W load): < 0.08%* for a 120 dB equivalent SPL input
- Dynamic Range (20 Hz to 20 kHz, 2500 W load): 126 dB (maximum SPL minus A-weighted noise level)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 81 dB (IEC 651)
- Output Impedance: 150 W (actual)
- Attenuation Switch: 0 or -15 dB
- Low Frequency Response Switch: Flat, -6 dB/octave below 115 Hz, -18 dB/octave below 80 Hz
- Power: Phantom Power: 48 Vdc 4 Vdc (IEC-268-15/DIN 45 596),positive pins 2 and 3
- Current Drain: 4.65 mA typical at 48 Vdc
- Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR): 50 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Connector: Gold plated, 3-in (XLR) professional audio
- Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3
- Dimensions: 55.9 mm (2.20 in.) maximum body diameter, 187 mm (7.37 in.) long.
- Net Weight: 490 g (17.3 oz.
- Conforms to European Union directives, eligible to bear CE marking; meets European Union EMC Immunity Requirements (EN 50 082-1, 1992)

Maximum SPL (20 Hz to 20 kHz, THD < 1%*):
- 2500 W Load 139 dB (154 dB w/ attenuation)
- 1000 W Load 133 dB (148 dB w/ attenuation)

Output Clipping Level (20 Hz to 20 kHz, THD < 1%*):
- 2500 W Load +9 dBV (2.82 V rms)
- 1000 W Load +3 dBV (1.41 V rms)

Optional Accessories
- Foam Windscreen (Charcoal Gray) A32WS (Measured 0.6 m (2 ft) from a spherical sound source, free-field conditions)
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Charcoal Gray, KSM32/CG
Shipping Weight: 2.25 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 10 x 6 x 4 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): KSM32/CG
Blemished, Charcoal Gray, KSM32/CG
Shipping Weight: 2.25 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 10 x 6 x 4 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): KSM32/CG
Champagne, KSM32/SL, with Shock Mount
Shipping Weight: 4.75 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 7 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): SHU KSM32SL

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

Shure KSM32 Condenser Microphone

The Shure KSM32 is a side-address, cardioid condenser microphone for highly critical studio recording and live sound productions. It offers an extended frequency response for an open, natural sounding reproduction of the original sound source.

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
- Ultra-thin, gold-layered, low mass, Mylar diaphragm for excellent transient response
- 15 dB attenuation switch for handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPL)
- Switchable low-frequency filter provides greater flexibility to reduce background noise or to counteract proximity effect
- Integrated 3-stage pop protection grille reduces "pop" and other breath noise
- Internal shock mount reduces transmission of handling noise

Applications:

- Voice: solo, background, voice-over, broadcasting
- Acoustic instrument: 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 ambience pick-up: guitar amplifier or drums

Included accessories (with Champagne Finish):

1 - A32M ShureLock(R) Stand Mount
1 - A32SM ShureLock(R) Rubber Isolated Shock Mount
1 - AK32C Zippered Carrying Case
1 - A32VB Protective Velveteen Pouch

Included accessories (with Charcoal Finish):

1 - A32M ShureLock Stand Mount
1 - AK32C Padded Zippered Bag

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (56 ratings)
Submitted August 13, 2004 by a customer from juno.com

"Shure KSM32 Studio Condensor Microphone Review."

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
Need a more "warm" or more "smooth" mic for vocals, to hear velvety smooth soft warm singing voices. This mic is "natural" not "warm". Some clients may prefer more "warm" = emphasized midrange sound. They must smooth out the high frequency response. I did not think this would be noticable from the curve, but it IS noticeable, only 3 or 4 dB; our ears are fantastic instruments.

Sound
I own two Shure KSM32 studio condensor mics. It has a very natural sound. I bought them because when I used some Audio Technica Midnight Blues to record a band, I noticed bass guitar was missing, and also the bass drum. The frequency response curve of the KSM32 indicates it has very flat bass response. I used them on four concerts and the bass drum sounds awesome on the recording, the spectrum analyzer in Adobe Audition measures it at 54 Hz. The high end is there too, and it produced an astoundingly clear recording, of a xylophone/barred percussion. I recorded also mandolin and banjo and the bright "plucking" sounds are very delightful. I recorded a marching/concert band, and the trumpets were very nice and bright and clarinets very smooth and natural, tenor sax came through fine. The bass response of this mic, picking up wind noise outside, will rip the cones off of your speakers! The only reservation I have, is with voices, sometimes, depending on the distance, the voice will sound "whistly" or similar, at a high frequency, on certain consonants, such as "f" or maybe read more "s". However, it usually is very natual sounding, but not overly "warm" like SM58 or AKG D190ES. Running into a Tapco/Mackie 6306 mixer/preamp to Sony CDRW66 24 bit AD optically coupled SPDIF into 2.68GHz PC running Adobe Audition. Shock mount ez to use and very effective in isolating the microphone. My bass pickup problem solved for the time being. Have to try low "E" on the bass guitar and some pipe organ. Much better than AT Midnight Blues for bass (the AT are voice mics so that should be expected!). They don't have much hiss but when it is quiet they seem to emphasize bass ambient noise if anything, I am talking -60dB or so. As read on VU meters, I can at home studio achieve about 60 some dB SNR and without more sound proofing that is it. That is, ambient noises including computer fans etc. are becoming the dominant factor. This is a good mic, well built, solid feel, reliable, it works fine. To make it perfect they should smooth out the bumps in the high end response to eliminate the slight "buzziness" or "whistling" on voices. This characteristic sounds great on mandolin/banjo though, its not a negative thing on the instruments.

Features
Elastic shock mount works fine, easy to use, reliable. I only use the shock mount, have not used the swivel mount. I don't use the -15dB attenuation switch, the sound would have to be massively loud to require its use. Wish it had omni pattern for flatter bass to 0 Hz but that is somewhat academic. Noise is low enough and not much of a factor.

Quality
This is top quality fit and finish, there is no doubt it will work. Cables are more likely to break, not this mic. The carrying case is not a true road case and will scratch and dent easily.

Manufacturer Support
They have a good web site, did not need any interaction with them.

The Wow Factor
It has wide frequency response, it hears everything.

Musical Style:
Church woodwinds, concert and marching band trumpet and woodwind.
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25 of 26 people (96%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
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Charcoal Gray, KSM32/CG

$599.00
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