Mic Archive
Shure KSM27
Photo: Shure, from its user guide, p. 3.

Shure

Shure KSM27

Side-address cardioid condenser (externally biased 1-inch diaphragm), transformerless, with pad and low-frequency filter

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

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the user guide, p. 8. Figure 4, "Typical frequency response", line labelled "60 cm"; 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 user guide, p. 8. Figure 5, "Typical polar patterns": two plots (250 Hz to 1 kHz, 2500 Hz to 10 kHz), 0° at the bottom, rings every 5 dB from -20 to +5 dB (centre -25 dB). Measuring conditions not stated.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the user guide
Capsule1-inch externally biased, 2.5 µm, 24-carat gold-layered Mylar diaphragmp. 3
Sensitivity−37 dBV/Pa, typical, 1 kHzp. 7
Self-noise14 dB(A), typical, equivalent SPL, A-weighted, IEC 651
Max SPL137 dB SPL, 1 kHz, 2500 ohm load; also 132 dB SPL, 1000 ohm load; also 152 dB SPL, 2500 ohm load, attenuator on; also 147 dB SPL, 1000 ohm load, attenuator on. "137 (152) dB" for 2500 ohm and "132 (147) dB" for 1000 ohm, in brackets with the attenuator on.
Signal-to-noise ratio80 dB, re 94 dB SPL, A-weighted
Dynamic range123 dB, 2500 ohm load; also 118 dB, 1000 ohm load
Output impedance150 ohm, EIA rated; 140 ohm actual. "EIA Rated at 150 Ω (140 Ω actual)".
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, recommended minimum. "Shure recommends a load impedance of at least 1000 Ω."p. 6
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHzp. 7
Poweringphantom 48 V DC ±4 V (IEC-268-15/DIN 45 596). Page 4: works "with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity with supplies as low as 11 Vdc".
Current draw5.4 mA, typical, at 48 V
Low cutflat, 6 dB/octave below 115 Hz, 18 dB/octave below 80 Hz. "flat; -6 db/octave below 115 Hz; -18 dB/octave below 80 Hz"; Figure 2 on page 5 draws both settings.
Pad−15 dB. "0 or 15 dB attenuation".
ConnectorXLR-3 male. Implied: "a cable terminated with XLR connectors at each end"; positive pins 2 and 3.p. 4
Weight642 gp. 7
Dimensions53 × 156.2 mm. "53.0 mm (2.08 in.) maximum body diameter, 156.2 mm (6.15 in.) long": diameter, length. Figure 6 also gives 150.1 mm across the shock mount and 50.8 mm.
Supplied accessoriesA27SM ShureLock rubber-isolated shock mount; A27VB velveteen pouchp. 9
Output clipping level7 dBV into 2500 ohm, 1 dBV into 1000 ohm (20 Hz-20 kHz, THD < 1%)p. 7
Common mode rejection≥50 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
High-level operationWith the pad on and a load of 2500 ohm or more: up to 152 dB SPL and +15 dBV outputp. 6
ElectronicsClass A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier; subsonic filter below 17 Hz; internal shock mount; three-layer mesh grille as pop filterp. 3
Optional accessoriesA32M ShureLock swivel adapter; A32SC aluminium case; A32WS windscreen; PS-6 Popper Stopper; A32ZB padded bagp. 9
Applications (Shure)Voice; close-miking acoustic instruments (piano, guitar, violins, drums, percussion); electric guitar amps; brass and woodwind; double bass and kick drum; drum overheads; orchestras, choirs, wind ensembles; room ambiencep. 4

Documents

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

Recording Hacks

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

Other mics