Mic Archive
Shure KSM141
Photo: Shure, from its spec sheet, p. 1.

Shure

Shure KSM141

Small-diaphragm end-address condenser with a mechanical cardioid/omni switch (rotating ring), pad and low-frequency filter

Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.

Type
Condenser (electret)
Pattern
Cardioid / omni
Sensitivity
−37 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
14 dB(A)
Max SPL
134 dB SPL
Impedance
150 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet, p. 1. "Frequency Response", omni graph; relative dB. Room and smoothing not stated.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the spec sheet, p. 1. "Polar Pattern", omni; two plots (250 Hz to 1 kHz, 2500 Hz to 10 kHz), 0° at the bottom, 5 dB per ring from +5 dB (outer) to -20 dB. Measuring conditions not stated. Approximate some frequencies are identified by reasoning, not by the legend: 500 Hz, 1k Hz.

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All specs

From the spec sheet
Capsule2.5 µm, 24-karat gold-layered Mylar diaphragmp. 1
Sensitivity−37 dBV/Pa, typical, 1 kHz
Self-noise14 dB(A), typical, equivalent SPL, A-weighted, IEC 651
Max SPL134 dB SPL, 1 kHz, 1000 ohm load; also 139 dB SPL, 2500 ohm load; also 145 dB SPL, 5000 ohm load (user guide); also 149 dB SPL, 1000 ohm load, -15 dB pad (user guide); also 159 dB SPL, 1000 ohm load, -25 dB pad; also 164 dB SPL, 2500 ohm load, -25 dB pad; also 170 dB SPL, 5000 ohm load, -25 dB pad (user guide). The sheet gives 5000 ohm as "134 dB (159 dB, -25 Pad)", the same as 1000 ohm; the user guide (p. 7) gives "145 (160, 170) dB" for 5000 ohm, "139 (154, 164) dB" for 2500 ohm and "134 (149, 159) dB" for 1000 ohm (no pad, -15 dB, -25 dB). The sheet's 5000 ohm row looks like a misprint.
Signal-to-noise ratio80 dB, 94 dB SPL minus self-noise
Dynamic range120 dB, 1000 ohm load; also 125 dB, 2500 ohm load; also 131 dB, 5000 ohm load
Output impedance150 ohm, actual
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz
Poweringphantom 48 V DC. User guide (p. 5, 7): "48 Vdc ± 4 Vdc (IEC-268-15/DIN 45 596)"; works down to 11 V with slightly less headroom and sensitivity.
Current draw4.7 mA; also 4.65 mA, typical at 48 V (user guide p. 7)
Low cutflat, 6 dB/oct below 115 Hz, 18 dB/oct below 80 Hz. "Low Frequency Response: flat; -6 dB/octave below 115 Hz; -18 dB/octave below 80 Hz". Graphed on their own in the user guide, Figure 2 (p. 6).
Pad−15 dB; also −25 dB, second position. "Attenuator: 0, −15, −25 dB".
Weight156 g, net
Supplied accessoriesA100G case; A100WS windscreen; A57F stand adapter; A27M stereo microphone adapter (stereo pair). Furnished accessories. KSM141/SL: stand adapter, windscreen and carrying case; KSM141/SL STEREO: two of each, the A27M bar and a case. The 2007 user guide lists the A141C case (A141SPC for the pair).
Output clipping level15 dBV into 5000 ohm, 9 dBV into 2500 ohm, 3 dBV into 1000 ohm
Common mode rejection>50 dB, 50 Hz to 20 kHz
PolarityPositive pressure on the front diaphragm gives positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3
ElectronicsClass A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier; subsonic filter below 17 Hz
From the user guide (Recording Hacks copy)
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, recommended minimum. "Shure recommends a load impedance of at least 1000 Ω."p. 5
ConnectorXLR-3 male. Not stated by the manufacturer: "Use a cable with XLR connectors at each end"; pins 2 and 3 named under polarity.
Dimensions20 × 145 mm. "20 mm (0.8 in.) diameter, 145 mm (5.75 in.) long" (diameter × length); Figure 7 (p. 9) is marked 146 mm.p. 7
Pad use (Shure)-15 dB for loud sources about 0.75 m away (kick, snare, guitar cabinet); -25 dB at 10 cm or lessp. 6
Optional accessoriesA53M Shock Stopper shock mount, PS-6 Popper Stopperp. 10

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Shure, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on shure.comRecording Hacks

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