Mic Archive
Shure SM137
Photo: Shure, from its spec sheet, p. 11.

Shure

Shure SM137

Small-diaphragm cardioid electret condenser (end-address probe) for instruments, with a 15 dB pad

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

Type
Condenser (electret)
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−41 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
19 dB(A)
Max SPL
139 dB SPL
Impedance
150 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet, p. 11. "Frequency Response"; relative dB. Distance, room and smoothing not stated (the user guide calls it "typical").

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, p. 11. "Polar Pattern, Measured at 1000 Hz" (as printed, though it shows six frequencies); two plots, 250 Hz to 1 kHz and 2400 Hz to 10 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; some frequencies are identified by reasoning, not by the legend: 500 Hz, 1k Hz, 10k Hz.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the spec sheet
Capsule2.5 µm, 24-karat gold-layered Mylar diaphragmp. 11
Sensitivity−41 dBV/Pa, open circuit voltage, 1 kHz
Self-noise19 dB(A), typical, equivalent SPL, A-weighted
Max SPL139 dB SPL, 1 kHz, < 1% THD, 1000 ohm load; also 144 dB SPL, 2500 ohm load; also 154 dB SPL, 1000 ohm load, pad on; also 159 dB SPL, 2500 ohm load, pad on
Signal-to-noise ratio75 dB, referenced at 94 dB SPL at 1 kHz. "S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self noise, A-weighted".
Dynamic range122 dB, 1 kHz, 1000 ohm load; also 128 dB, 2500 ohm load. The user guide (p. 4) prints the 2500 ohm figure as "128 dBV".
Output impedance150 ohm, actual
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz
Poweringphantom 48 V DC. User guide (p. 3): performs best at 48 V "(IEC-268-15/DIN 45 596)" and works down to 11 V with slightly less headroom and sensitivity.
Current draw5.2 mA
Pad−15 dB. "Attenuator: −15 dB"; two positions, 0 and -15 dB.
ConnectorXLR-3 male. "Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male".
Weight195 g
Dimensions24 × 162 mm. "162 mm L x 24 mm" (diameter × length).
Supplied accessoriesswivel adapter; zippered pouch. "Includes a swivel adapter and a zippered pouch". The 2009 user guide (p. 4) lists a 95C2313 storage bag, an A3WS windscreen and the A25D swivel stand adapter; the sheet lists the A25D as an optional microphone clip.
Clipping level3 dBV into 1000 ohm, 9 dBV into 2500 ohm (20 Hz-20 kHz, 1% THD)
Common mode rejection> 50 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
PolarityPositive pressure on the diaphragm gives positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
Optional accessoriesA55M, A55HM Shock Stopper isolation mounts; A53M isolation mount; A25D microphone clip
From the user guide (Recording Hacks copy)
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, recommended minimum. "Shure recommends a minimum input load impedance of 1000 Ω".p. 3
ElectronicsClass A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier; three-layer mesh grille as pop filter

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