Mic Archive
Shure KSM32
Photo: Shure, from its spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1.

Shure

Shure KSM32

Side-address cardioid condenser (permanently biased, embossed 3/4-inch diaphragm), transformerless, with pad and low-frequency filter

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

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−36 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
13 dB(A)
Max SPL
139 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"; 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, 125 Hz to 1 kHz and 2500 Hz to 15 kHz; 0° at the bottom, rings every 5 dB from -20 dB to +5 dB (centre -25 dB). Measuring conditions not stated. Approximate reading error up to about 1 dB.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the user guide
Capsule3/4-inch embossed, high-compliance diaphragm, 2.5 µm gold-layered Mylar. Page 3: "permanently-biased 3/4-inch diaphragm"; "Ultra-thin, 2.5 µm, gold-layered, low mass, Mylar diaphragm".p. 3
Sensitivity−36 dBV/Pa (16 mV/Pa), typical, 1 kHz. "-36 dBV/Pa (16 mV)".p. 7
Self-noise13 dB(A), typical, equivalent SPL, A-weighted, IEC 651
Max SPL139 dB SPL, 1 kHz, 2500 ohm load; also 133 dB SPL, 1000 ohm load; also 154 dB SPL, 2500 ohm load, attenuator on; also 148 dB SPL, 1000 ohm load, attenuator on. "139 (154) dB" for 2500 ohm and "133 (148) dB" for 1000 ohm, the figures in brackets with the attenuator on. The 2010 spec sheet prints the second load as "1500 ohms" (the guide and both dynamic-range rows say 1000 ohm).
Signal-to-noise ratio81 dB, re 94 dB SPL, A-weighted
Dynamic range126 dB, 2500 ohm load; also 119 dB, 1000 ohm load
Output impedance150 ohm, 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 5 adds that it works "with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity with supplies as low as 11 Vdc".
Current draw4.65 mA, typical, at 48 V
Low cutflat, 6 dB/octave below 115 Hz, 18 dB/octave below 80 Hz. Specifications: "flat; -6 db/octave below 115 Hz; -18 dB/octave below 80 Hz". The text on page 5 calls the steeper setting "a 15 dB-per-octave cutoff at 80 Hz"; Figure 2 there 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. 5
Weight490 gp. 7
Dimensions55.9 × 187 mm. "55.9 mm (2.20 in.) maximum body diameter, 187 mm (7.37 in.) long": diameter, length.
Supplied accessoriesA32SM ShureLock rubber-isolated shock mount (SL only); A32VB velveteen pouch. Furnished accessories. Page 4: the KSM32/SL comes with an aluminium case, shock mount, swivel mount and pouch; the KSM32/CG (charcoal grey) with the swivel mount and a padded bag.p. 9
Output clipping level+9 dBV into 2500 ohm, +3 dBV into 1000 ohm (20 Hz-20 kHz, THD < 1%)p. 7
Total harmonic distortion<0.08% for a 120 dB equivalent SPL input, 2500 ohm load
Common mode rejection≥50 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
High-level operationWith the pad on and a load of 5500 ohm or more: up to 160 dB SPL and +15 dBV outputp. 6
ElectronicsClass A, transformerless preamplifier; internal shock mount; three-layer mesh grille as pop filterp. 3
ModelsKSM32/SL champagne finish; KSM32/CG charcoal greyp. 4
Optional accessoriesPS-6 Popper Stopper pop screen; A32M ShureLock swivel adapter; A32SC aluminium case; A32ZB padded bagp. 9
Applications (Shure)Voice; close-miking acoustic instruments (piano, guitar, violins, drums, percussion); 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.

Product page on shure.comRecording Hacks

Recommended for

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

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