Shure KSM137 Instrument Condenser Microphone

The Shure KSM137 Instrument Condenser Microphone is a premium studio mic with the Shure KSM pedigree.
The KSM137 is designed to mic instruments including: acoustic guitar, drum overheads, high-hat cymbals, and more. It's a cardioid mic with Shure's Class A transformerless preamp circuitry, an ultra-thin, highly sensitive diaphragm, and a 3-position low frequency filter switch to limit unwanted background noise and proximity effect. The microphone can reproduce sounds between 20 and 20,000 Hz and features a switchable pad (15 or 25 dB). It includes a carry case/pouch, mic clip and Popper Stopper windscreen.

The Shure KSM137 is an end-address condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. Designed for studio use, yet rugged enough for live applications, the KSM137 can withstand extremely high sound pressure levels (SPL). Its low self-noise and extended frequency response make it ideal for recording musical instruments.

Shure KSM137 Features

• A highly consistent cardioid polar pattern
• Ultra-thin, 2.5 micron, 24 karat gold-layered, low mass Mylar diaphragm for superior transient response
• Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast transient response, no crossover distortion, and minimal harmonic and intermodulation distortion
• Premium electronic components, including gold-plated internal and external connectors
• Subsonic filter eliminates low frequency rumble (less than 17 Hz) caused by mechanical vibration
• Switchable 15 dB pad for handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPLs)
• Three-position switchable pad (0 dB, 15 dB, and 25 dB) for handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPLs)
• Three-position switchable low-frequency filter reduces background noise and counteracts proximity effect

Performance Characteristics

• Extended frequency response
• Low self noise
• Exceptional reproduction of low-frequency sounds
• Can withstand high sound pressure levels (SPL)
• High output level
• No crossover distortion
• Uniform polar response
• Superior common mode rejection and suppression of radio frequency interference

APPLICATIONS
Some typical applications for the KSM137 are listed below. Microphone use, however, is a matter of personal taste. The KSM137 may be used for a variety of applications other than those listed.

• Acoustic instruments -- such as piano, guitar, drums, percussion, strings
• Wind instruments -- brass and woodwind
• Low frequency instruments -- such as double bass, electric bass, kick drum
• Overhead miking -- drums or percussion
• Ensembles -- choral or orchestral
• Room ambiance pick-up -- guitar amplifier or drums
• Both the acoustic environment and microphone placement strongly affect the sound obtained from miking a source.
  You may need to experiment with microphone placement and room treatments to achieve the best overall sound for each application.