Mic Archive
Shure KSM44A
Photo: Shure, from its spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1.

Shure

Shure KSM44A

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

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

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 2. "Frequency Responses", omni; relative dB. Distance, 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 (Recording Hacks copy), p. 2. "Polar Patterns", omni; two circles (250 Hz to 1 kHz, 2500 Hz to 10 kHz), 0° at the bottom, 5 dB per ring.

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All specs

From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy)
Capsuledual 1-inch, 2.5 µm, 24-karat gold-layered diaphragmsp. 1
Sensitivity−31 dBV/Pa, cardioid; open circuit, 1 kHz, typical; also −37 dBV/Pa, omni; also −36 dBV/Pa, figure-8
Self-noise4 dB(A), cardioid; equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical; also 6 dB(A), omni; also 7.5 dB(A), figure-8
Max SPL131 dB SPL, cardioid; 1 kHz, 1% THD, 1000 ohm load; also 134 dB SPL, cardioid, 2500 ohm load; also 147 dB SPL, cardioid, 1000 ohm load, pad on; also 150 dB SPL, cardioid, 2500 ohm load, pad on; also 137 dB SPL, omni, 1000 ohm; also 136 dB SPL, figure-8, 1000 ohm. Omni with pad: 149 / 152 dB (1000 / 2500 ohm); figure-8 with pad: 148 / 151 dB; 2500 ohm without pad: omni 140, figure-8 139.
Signal-to-noise ratio90 dB, cardioid; also 88 dB, omni; also 86.5 dB, figure-8. Printed "90 db" for cardioid.
Dynamic range127 dB, cardioid; 1 kHz, 1000 ohm load; also 130 dB, cardioid, 2500 ohm; also 131 dB, omni, 1000 ohm; also 128 dB, figure-8, 1000 ohm. 2500 ohm: omni 134, figure-8 131 dB.
Output impedance50 ohm
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz
Poweringphantom 11-52 V DC (IEC-61938)
Current draw5.8 mA, maximum
Low cutflat, 6 dB/oct below 115 Hz, 18 dB/oct below 80 Hz. "Flat, –6 dB/octave below 115 Hz, or –18 dB/octave below 80 H[z]". Not graphed.
Pad−15 dB
ConnectorXLR-3 male
Weight492 g, net
Supplied accessoriesA44AM ShureLock stand mount; A44ASM ShureLock elastic shock mount; RK383 shock mount elastic cord; A44ASC aluminium carrying case; A44AVB velveteen pouchp. 2
Preamplifier distortion<0.001% (1 kHz, 94 dB SPL)p. 1
Output clipping level6 dBV into 1000 ohm, 9 dBV into 2500 ohm (20 Hz-20 kHz, 1% THD)
Common mode rejection>50 dB, 10 Hz to 100 kHz
ElectronicsPrethos preamplifier: Class A, discrete, transformerless; subsonic filter below 17 Hz; three-stage pop grille

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.

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