Shure KSM109 Condenser Microphone

A critical tool for affordable, versatile instrument recording.

Overall User Ratings (based on 13 ratings)
  • Overall:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    3.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    3.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(13) (see rating details)
Submitted December 8, 2007 by a customer from aol.com

"KSM109 - Close Up Mic for gospel bass singers"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Sound
The Shure KSM109 is fantastic for bass vocals in gospel music, if you use it properly. It really gives the lower frequencies a great deal of presence. When I hit a low D or C, the combination of this mic and my subs will rattle the rafters in most churches.
Features
For using this mic as an up close vocal mic, put it on the (0) gain setting...work the mic to achieve the desired presence...and don't forget to adjust your EQ for max clarity. I didn't like the wind screen that came with the mic, so I got a different kind that is smaller...works great.
Ease of Use
You've got to learn this mic. Just like the SM81...you've got to know what you're doing to use it as an up close vocal mic.
Quality
Quality is top notch....it's a Shure...nothing more needs to be said.
Value
Lesser expensive than the SM81, and in my opinion...just as good, if you use it right.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't needed support...great product from a great company.

Musical Background:

active musician

Musical Style:

Southern Gospel
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Submitted July 3, 2008 by a customer from earthlink.net

"Secret Weapon - ksm 109."

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
I expect this, and all quality microphones for that matter, to be one of the longest lasting, reliable, solid investments in the industry. They are both practical and fun, and hold their value very well.
Sound
An excellent, robustly constructed mic for acoustic string instruments on a live stage. Open sounding top end, tight pattern, and enough roll-off to make it practical in front of monitors. Good gain before feedback. I'm replacing all my c1000s w. these.
Features
Transformerless output stage, low noise floor, good headroom, and a 15db pad for loud sources, like drum overheads. The windscreen is handy for plosives or windy days outside. Good resistance to handling noise. The hard plastic clip works fine but will eventually mar the powdercoat and silkscreening.
Ease of Use
Interfaces with the console seamlessly, sounds like a Shure, nice transparency and transient response. Probably does not like to see under-voltages from the phantom power supply. (Rated for 48 volts.)
Quality
Shure is synonymous with quality, all of the 109s I have dealt with are consistent and made to last.
Value
Excellent value and performance for a fixed bias condenser. In fact it's remeniscent of the classic, high end, km84 Neumann, minus the Bavarian price tag.
Manufacturer Support
Shure ships a literal boat load of products, so they'll cover their warrantee- but don't expect the red carpet treatment once you are past it. "Support" is a semi mythological term these days anyway.
The Wow Factor
I need more microphones like a hole in the head, but yes, one or five more would be a good thing.

Musical Background:

Professional

Musical Style:

Bluegrass
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Submitted November 18, 2005 by a customer from yahoo.com

Shure KSM109 Microphone Customer Review

Overall: 1 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
sm57's will sound better for overheads out live. no joke.
Sound
harsh, lifeless, non-dimensional sound. if an sm81 was built for 5 dollars and dropped in water, you'd have this microphone.
Quality
they break all the time. capsule and electronics seperate from housing when you fight to get a cord out of the not so great fitting xlr jack. it's all held together by one tiny screw.
Value
not worth buying

Musical Background:

professional engineer

Musical Style:

everything
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Submitted June 10, 2005

"BAM!"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Sound
As an overhead mic, it sounds really good. It really brings out the high end in some pretty good cymbols. On acoustic it shines. Sounds beautiful and clear.
Features
the -15db roll of switch is great for when using it as an overhead.
Quality
I think its made of plastic, but that makes it really light. It doesnt seem like it could take a beating like a 57 or anything, but seems like it can stand up for some pretty rough usage.
Value
pretty good price for the quality, if your looking for a pretty inexpensive acoustic mic, overhead, or vocal mic, this one is perfect.
Manufacturer Support
havent dealt with them, but im shure it has good support. (get it, its a play on words, wakka wakka)
The Wow Factor
there are some other mics that seem sexier i would say, but still cant complain about this one.

Musical Background:

Active musician and recording hobbyist.

Musical Style:

Punk/Rap/Acoustic
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Submitted October 27, 2004

Shure KSM109 Microphone Customer Review

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Sound
For fiddle it has a more warm accurate sound than the AKG C1000. However I have used the Shure SM81 and like the sound alot better than the 109.
Features
It picks up sound...all the features I need.
Quality
No quality problems yet.
Value
Very good mic for the price. For the money its better than the C1000
Manufacturer Support
Haven't had to use it.
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