Mic Archive
Shure KSM9
Photo: Shure, from its spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1.

Shure

Shure KSM9

Handheld dual-diaphragm condenser vocal mic, switchable cardioid or supercardioid, transformerless

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

Type
Condenser (electret)
Pattern
Cardioid / supercardioid
Sensitivity
−51 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
22 dB(A)
Max SPL
152 dB SPL
Impedance
150 Ω
Rated range
50 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the user guide, p. 5. Graph without a title, marked with the cardioid icon; 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 user guide, p. 5. Polar plots marked with the cardioid icon; two circles (250 Hz to 1 kHz, 2500 Hz to 10 kHz), 0° at the bottom, 5 dB per ring, outer ring 0 dB. Approximate some frequencies are identified by reasoning, not by the legend: 1k Hz.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the user guide
Capsuledual 3/4-inch gold-layered, low-mass Mylar diaphragmsp. 3
Sensitivity−51 dBV/Pa (2.8 mV/Pa), open circuit, 1 kHz, typical. "–51 dBV/Pa (2.8 mV)".p. 6
Self-noise22 dB(A), equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical. "22 dB SPL-A".
Max SPL152 dB SPL, 1 kHz, 1% THD, 2500 or 1000 ohm load. 152 dB for both loads.
Signal-to-noise ratio72 dB, re 94 dB SPL, A-weighted
Dynamic range130 dB, 1 kHz, 2500 or 1000 ohm load
Output impedance150 ohm. The 2010 sheet says "150 ohms (actual)".
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, recommended minimum. "Shure recommends a minimum input load impedance of 1000 Ohms."p. 4
Rated frequency range50 Hz to 20 kHzp. 6
Poweringphantom 11-52 V DC (IEC-61938). All specifications measured at 48 V.
Current draw5.2 mA, maximum. The 2010 sheet says "5.2 mA typical at 48 Vdc" (and "48 Vdc phantom, 5.6 mA" under dynamic range).
ConnectorXLR-3 male
Weight300 g, net
Dimensions49 × 191 mm. Drawing: 49 mm (1.918 in.) maximum diameter, 191 mm (7.5 in.) long: diameter, length.
Supplied accessoriesAK9C carrying case; A25E microphone clipp. 5
Clipping level6.7 dBV into 2500 ohm, 6 dBV into 1000 ohm (20 Hz-20 kHz, 1% THD)p. 6
Common mode rejection≥60 dB
ElectronicsClass A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier; subsonic filter below 17 Hz; suspension shock mount; three-layer mesh grille as pop filterp. 3
ModelsKSM9 in charcoal grey (KSM9/CG) or champagne (KSM9/SL); the KSM9HS has hypercardioid and subcardioid patterns
Pattern switchCardioid: greatest rejection at 180°. Supercardioid: greatest rejection at 120°, coverage angle 115°p. 4
Optional accessoriesA85WS foam windscreenp. 5
Replacement partsGrille RPM260 (champagne) or RPM262 (charcoal); cartridge RPM160; switch board RPM462; preamp board RPM460

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.

Other mics