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.
Power Phantom 48 V DC ±4 V (IEC-268-15/DIN 45 596).
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Cardioid
- Sensitivity
- −36 dBV/Pa
- Among 204 condensers: more output than 58%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 71%
- Self-noise
- 13 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 67%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 68%
- Max SPL
- 139 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 58%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 53%
- Rated range
- 20 – 20k Hz
- Released
- 1998
vs 75 side-address condensers
More output than 47% of 75 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 99 side-address condensers
Quieter than 45% of 99 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 107 side-address condensers
Takes louder sound than 58% of 107 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Instruments sources recommend it for most
5 of 12; all under Recommended for.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
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
From the user guide, p. 8. Approximate
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.
In practice
All specs
| From the user guide | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 3/4-inch embossed, high-compliance diaphragm, 2.5 µm gold-layered MylarPage 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-noise | 13 dB(A)typical, equivalent SPL, A-weighted, IEC 651 | |
| Max SPL | 139 dB SPL1 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 ratio | 81 dBre 94 dB SPL, A-weighted | |
| Dynamic range | 126 dB2500 ohm load; also 119 dB, 1000 ohm load | |
| Output impedance | 150 ohmactual | |
| Rated load impedance | 1000 ohmrecommended minimum. "Shure recommends a load impedance of at least 1000 Ω." | p. 6 |
| Rated frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHz | p. 7 |
| Powering | phantom 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 draw | 4.65 mAtypical, at 48 V | |
| Low cut | flat, 6 dB/octave below 115 Hz, 18 dB/octave below 80 HzSpecifications: "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". | |
| Connector | XLR-3 maleImplied: "a cable terminated with XLR connectors at each end"; positive pins 2 and 3. | p. 5 |
| Weight | 490 g | p. 7 |
| Dimensions | 55.9 × 187 mm"55.9 mm (2.20 in.) maximum body diameter, 187 mm (7.37 in.) long": diameter, length. | |
| Supplied accessories | A32SM ShureLock rubber-isolated shock mount (SL only); A32VB velveteen pouchFurnished 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 operation | With the pad on and a load of 5500 ohm or more: up to 160 dB SPL and +15 dBV output | p. 6 |
| Electronics | Class A, transformerless preamplifier; internal shock mount; three-layer mesh grille as pop filter | p. 3 |
| Models | KSM32/SL champagne finish; KSM32/CG charcoal grey | p. 4 |
| Optional accessories | PS-6 Popper Stopper pop screen; A32M ShureLock swivel adapter; A32SC aluminium case; A32ZB padded bag | p. 9 |
| ApplicationsShure | 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 ambience | p. 4 |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 1998 | |
Documents
- KSM32 Cardioid Condenser Microphone, user guide27C3044 Rev. 6
- KSM32 Side-address Cardioid Condenser Microphone, Product Specifications
- Shure KSM32 | RecordingHacks.com
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © Shure, unchanged, with its original address.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.