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Rotating

Polar Pattern Switch

0/15/25 dB Attenuation Switch

Low Frequency

Response Switch

FIGURE 1. KSM141

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The ShureRKSM141 is an end-addressed condenser microphone with mechanically switching dual polar patterns (cardioid and omnidirectional). Designed for studio use, yet rugged enough for live applications, the KSM141 can withstand extremely high sound pressure levels (SPL). Its low self-noise and extended frequency response make it ideal for recording musical instruments.

FEATURES

SA mechanical polar pattern switch for highly consistent cardioid and true omnidirectional polar patterns. Provides flexibility in a wide variety of recording applications.

SUltra-thin, 2.5 ??m, 24 karat gold-layered, low mass MylarRdiaphragm for superior transient response

SClass A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast transient response, no crossover distortion, and minimal harmonic and intermodulation distortion

SPremium electronic components, including gold-plated internal and external connectors

SSubsonic filter eliminates low frequency rumble (less than 17 Hz) caused by mechanical vibration

SThree-position switchable pad (0 dB, 15 dB, and 25 dB) for handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPLs)

SThree-position switchable low-frequency filter to reduce background noise and counteract proximity effect

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

SExtended frequency response SLow self-noise

SExceptional reproduction of low-frequency sounds SCan withstand high sound pressure levels (SPL) SHigh output level

SNo crossover distortion SUniform polar response

SSuperior common mode rejection and suppression of RFI (radio frequency interference)

MODEL VARIATIONS

APPLICATIONS

The KSM141 produces superior results in any application requiring a high quality microphone. Typical applications include:

SClose miking of acoustic instruments such as piano, guitar, violins, drums, and percussion

SOverhead miking of drums and percussion instruments SElectric guitar amplifiers

SBrass and woodwind instruments

SRoom ambience pick-up (guitar amplifier or drums) SOrchestras, choirs, wind ensembles

SLow-frequency instruments such as double bass and kick drum

NOTE: Sound quality is strongly affected by microphone location and room acoustics. To achieve the best overall sound for a particular application, it may be necessary to experiment with microphone placement and various room treatments.

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USING THE KSM141

Mounting the Microphone

To secure the KSM141 to a floor stand or boom, thread the mount onto the microphone stand and insert the microphone into the microphone clip.

Power Requirements

This microphone requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 Vdc supply (IEC-268-15/DIN 45 596). It can operate on voltages as low as 11 Vdc, but headroom and sensitivity will be decreased slightly.

NOTE: Most modern mixers provide phantom power.

Cable Connections

Use a cable with XLR connectors at each end.

Load Impedance

Shure recommends a load impedance of at least 1000 ???. When used with modern microphone preamplifiers rated at about 2500 ???, the KSM141 provides higher maximum SPL capability and output clipping level. When the attenuation switch is set to the ???25 dB position, it can handle up to 164 dB SPL, and can output +15 dBV into a load of 5000 ??? or greater.

Selecting a Polar Pattern

To select either the cardioid or omnidirectional polar pattern, rotate the knurled ring on the microphone in either direction until you feel a detent. The image of the desired polar pattern should be directly above the notch at the base of the ring.

NOTE: Operating the KSM141 in a non-detent position (no polar pattern selected) will produce an unpredictable polar pattern and may adversely affect frequency response.

Cardioid. When this pattern is selected, the microphone picks up sounds directly in front of the microphone and is least sensitive to those in back. This is the most commonly used pattern in studio recording and live-sound applications. See Figure 4.

Omnidirectional. Picks up sounds from all directions. This pattern is best for picking up room ambience and for miking several sources, such as an ensemble or multiple singers, simultaneously. The omnidirectional polar pattern exhibits no proximity effect. See Figure 4.

WARNING: Rotating the polar pattern switch produces mechanical noise which, when amplified, may damage the loudspeakers. Turn down any loudspeakers or mute the microphone at the mixing console before changing the polar pattern.

Flat response. This setting provides the most natural sound reproduction in most applicatons.

Low-frequency cutoff. This setting provides an 18 dB-per-octave cutoff at 80 Hz. It helps eliminate floor rumble and low-frequency noise produced by heating and air conditioning systems. This setting may also be used to compensate for proximity effect or to reduce low frequencies that make an instrument sound dull or muddy.

+5

0

dB

???10

Flat Response

Low-Frequency Cutoff

Low-Frequency Rolloff

Figure 2. Low Frequency Responses

CERTIFICATION

Eligible to bear CE Marking; Conforms to European EMC directive 89/336/EEC. Meets applicable tests and performance criteria found in European Professional Audio Products EMC Standard EN 55103 (1996); Part 1 (Emissions) and Part 2 (Immunity). The KSM141 is intended for use in environments E1 (residential) and E2 (Light Industrial) as defined in European standard EN 55103. EMC conformance is based on the use of shielded interconnecting cable.

FURNISHED ACCESSORIES

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

SHOCKSTOPPERtShock Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A53M

SERVICE

For additional microphone service or parts information, please contact the Shure Service Department at 1-800-516-2525. Outside the United States, please contact your Authorized Shure Service Center.

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