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Shure KSM44
Photo: Shure, from its user guide (Recording Hacks copy), p. 3.

Shure

Shure KSM44

Large dual-diaphragm condenser, multi-pattern (cardioid, omni, figure-8), transformerless, with pad and low-frequency filter

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

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Cardioid / omni / figure-8
Sensitivity
−31 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
7 dB(A)
Max SPL
127 dB SPL
Impedance
150 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the user guide (Recording Hacks copy), p. 8. Figure 4, "Typical cardioid 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 (Recording Hacks copy), p. 8. Figure 5, "Typical cardioid polar pattern"; two plots (125 Hz to 1 kHz, 2500 Hz to 15 kHz), 0° at the bottom, 5 dB per ring from +5 dB (outer) to -20 dB. Measuring conditions not stated. Approximate reading error up to about 1 dB.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the user guide (Recording Hacks copy)
Capsuledual 1-inch, 2.5 µm, 24-karat gold-layered Mylar diaphragms. "Dual 1 inch, externally biased, ultra-thin, 2.5 µm, 24 Karat gold-layered, low mass, Mylar® diaphragms".p. 3
Sensitivity−31 dBV/Pa, cardioid; typical, 1 kHz; also −37 dBV/Pa, omni; also −36 dBV/Pa, figure-8p. 7
Self-noise7 dB(A), cardioid; typical, equivalent SPL, A-weighted, IEC 651; also 10 dB(A), omni; also 10 dB(A), figure-8
Max SPL127 dB SPL, cardioid; 1 kHz, 1000 ohm load; also 132 dB SPL, cardioid, 2500 ohm load; also 144 dB SPL, cardioid, 1000 ohm load, pad on; also 149 dB SPL, cardioid, 2500 ohm load, pad on; also 132 dB SPL, omni, 1000 ohm; also 138 dB SPL, omni, 2500 ohm; also 131 dB SPL, figure-8, 1000 ohm; also 137 dB SPL, figure-8, 2500 ohm; also 156 dB SPL, pad on, 5500 ohm or greater load. Table: "132 (149) dB" (2500 ohm) and "127 (144) dB" (1000 ohm) for cardioid, the bracketed figure with the attenuator on. With the pad: omni 145 / 151 dB, figure-8 144 / 150 dB (1000 / 2500 ohm). The 156 dB figure is from p. 6: "With the -15 dB pad engaged, the KSM44 can handle up to 156 dB SPL and output +15 dBV into a 5500 ohm or greater load."
Signal-to-noise ratio87 dB, cardioid; 94 dB SPL minus self-noise; also 84 dB, omni; also 84 dB, figure-8. "S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise A-weighted".
Dynamic range120 dB, cardioid; 1000 ohm load; also 125 dB, cardioid, 2500 ohm; also 122 dB, omni, 1000 ohm; also 128 dB, omni, 2500 ohm; also 121 dB, figure-8, 1000 ohm; also 127 dB, figure-8, 2500 ohm
Output impedance150 ohm, actual. "150 Ω (actual)".
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, recommended minimum. "A load impedance of at least 1000 Ω is recommended."p. 6
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHzp. 7
Poweringphantom 48 V DC ± 4 V (IEC-268-15/DIN 45 596). P. 4: "it will operate 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/oct below 115 Hz, 18 dB/oct below 80 Hz. "Flat; -6 dB/octave below 115 Hz; -18 dB/octave below 80 Hz". Graphed on their own in Figure 2 (p. 5).
Pad−15 dB. "0 or 15 dB attenuation".
Weight490.5 g
Dimensions55.9 × 187 mm. "55.9 mm (2.20 in.) maximum body diameter, 187 mm (7.37 in.) long" (diameter × length).
Supplied accessoriesA44SM ShureLock elastic shock mount (champagne); A44M ShureLock swivel adapter (champagne); A44SC aluminium carrying case; A44VB velveteen pouch. Furnished accessories.p. 10
Output clipping level7 dBV into 2500 ohm, 1 dBV into 1000 ohm (all three patterns; 20 Hz-20 kHz, THD < 1%)p. 7
Common mode rejection≥50 dB, 20 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; three-stage pop grille; internal shock mountp. 3
Optional accessoriesA32WS windscreen, A32ZB padded zippered bag, PS-6 Popper Stopper pop filterp. 10
Replacement partsShock mount elastic cord (champagne) 95B2125

Documents

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

Recording Hacks

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