Shure KSM44SL Studio Condenser Microphone with Case and Shockmount

No longer available at zZounds
20 Hz - 20 KHz. 15 dB attenuation switch.

The KSM44/SL is a multiple pattern (cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional), externally biased, dual large diaphragm condenser microphone with extremely low self-noise (7dB). Developed to meet the needs of studio recording musicians, the warm, rich sound of the KSM44 delivers exceptional performance, tailored to deliver vivid reproduction of voice for the most critical recordings.

The KSM44 also offers great flexibility in a variety of recording applications, working well on acoustic and amplified instruments, as its capacity for managing high SPLs accommodates loud sound sources such as drums and guitar amplifiers.

Features
Dual 1 in., externally biased, ultra-thin, 2.5 micron, 24-karat gold-layered, low mass, Mylar diaphragms provide superior transient response

Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast transient response and no crossover distortion. Minimizes harmonic and intermodulation distortions.

Full-range frequency response (20 Hz - 20 KHz) for an extremely accurate reproduction of voice and instruments.

Extremely low self noise (7 dBA) for critical studio vocal recording.

Premium electronic components and gold-plated internal and external connectors.

Subsonic filter eliminates rumble from mechanical vibration below 17 Hz.

15 dB attenuation switch for handling high input SPL sound sources.

3-position switchable low-frequency filter virtually eliminates unwanted background noise and controls proximity effect.

Durable read more zinc die-cast housing and hardened low carbon steel grille to protect the cartridge from accidental drops or misuse.

Uniform polar response provides natural off-axis response for critical recording.

An integrated 3-stage pop protection grille to guard against wind and breath noise.

An internal shock mount to reduce unwanted handling and stand noise.

Performance Characteristics
Extended frequency response

Very low self-noise

Exceptional low-frequency reproduction

High output level

High input SPL capability

No cross-over distortion

Extremely uniform polar response

Superior common mode rejection and suppression of radio frequency interference

Accessories
Each KSM44/SL comes supplied complete with:

Color-matched ShureLock(TM) elastic-suspension shock mount

ShureLock(TM) swivel mount

Protective velveteen pouch

Locking aluminum carrying case

Applications
The KSM44/SL is designed as a premium vocal microphone for studio recording. Microphone use, however, is a matter of personal taste. Here is a non-exhaustive list of common applications:

Vocals: solo, background, voice-over

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

Of course, both the acoustic environment and microphone placement have significant effects on the sound obtained when miking any sound source. We encourage users to experiment with these variables to achieve the best overall sound.
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Cartridge Type: Externally biased condenser

Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000 Hz

Output Impedance: 150 ohms (actual)

Attenuation Switch: 0 or 15 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 (IEC-268-15/DIN 45 596), positive pins 2 and 3

Current Drain: 5.4 mA typical at 48 Vdc

Common Mode Rejection: >/= 50dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Polarity: Positive pressure on front diaphragm produces positive voltage on output pin 2 relative to pin 3

Dimensions and Weight: 55.9 mm (2.20 in.) maximum body diameter, 187 mm (7.37 in.) long; 490.5 g (17.30 oz.)

Directional Polar Patterns: Cardioid/Omnidirectional/Bidirectional

Sensitivity (typical; at 1000 Hz; 1 Pa =94dBSPL): --31 dBV/Pa / --37 dBV/Pa / --36 dBV/Pa

Self-noise (typical, equivalent SPL; A-weighted (IEC 651)): 7 dB/10 dB/10 dB

Maximum SPL* 2500 ohms load (Attenuator on): 132 (149) dB/138 (151) dB/137 (150) dB

1000 ohms load: 127 (144) dB/132 (145) dB/131 (144) dB

Output Clipping Level*
2500 ohms load: 7 dBV/7 dBV/7 dBV
1000 ohms load: 1 dBV/1 dBV/1 dBV

Dynamic Range
2500 ohms load: 125 dB/128 dB/127 dB
1000 ohms load: 120 dB/122 dB/121 dB

Signal to Noise ratio: 87 dB/84 dB/84 dB

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

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (45 ratings)
Submitted April 13, 2005 by a customer from aol.com

"Very nice mic for a number of applications"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I would imagine that this will be a part of my gear collection forever. One can always use more mics, and a good one is always welcome.
Sound
Has a very good sound. Not quite neutral, but not a highly colored mic either. I give it an 8 because I don't want to make the $5000 mics out there jealous!
Features
This is a very professional looking package. Nice locking aluminum case (but it scratches if you look at it funny...be aware). Comes with a very nice shockmount as well. 3 Patterns and a pad and rolloff switch....really nice.
Quality
Feels very solid. Comes with a nice feature set. Nice case, all accessories.....right down to the velveteen bag to give it that extra touch of class. Granted, all the extras in the world wouldn't make me buy the mic if the sound sucked.....this mic doesn't suck. Not by a longshot.
Value
It's expensive....but, if you can swing it...you won't be disappointed. No mic is perfect on every application...but this one is pretty good on most.
Manufacturer Support
I haven't had to use any support.
The Wow Factor
I rated this as a 10 because I MORE than want it...I OWN it.

Musical Background:

Hobbyist

Musical Style:

Folk to metal and all in between
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