KSM137

User Guide

SHURE INCORPORATED

KSM137 CARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE

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Thank you for selecting the KSM137

Over 75 years of audio experience has contributed to making the KSM137 one of the finest microphones available.

If you have any questions not answered in this booklet, please contact Shure Applications Engineering at 847-866-2525, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, CST. In Europe, call 49-7131-72140. Our web address is www.shure.com.

0/15/25 dB Attenuation Switch

Low Frequency

Response Switch

FIGURE 1. KSM137

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The ShureR 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.

FEATURES

SA highly consistent cardioid polar pattern

SUltra-thin, 2.5 ??m, 24 karat gold-layered, low mass MylarR diaphragm 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 reduces background noise and counteracts proximity effect

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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 KSM137 will produce 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 KSM137

Mounting the Microphone

To secure the KSM137 to a floor stand or boom, thread the mount onto the microphone stand and insert the microphone into the microphone clip.

Power Requirements

The KSM137 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 KSM137 provides higher maximum SPL capability and output clipping level. When the attenuation switch is set to the ???25 dB position, the KSM137 can handle up to 164 dB SPL, and can output +15 dBV into a load of 5000 ??? or greater.

Setting Low-Frequency Response

A three-position switch on the KSM137 lets you adjust the low frequency response of the microphone. The low frequency filters can be used to reduce wind noise, room noise, or proximity effect. Refer to Figure 2.

Low-frequency rolloff. This setting provides a 6 dB-per-octave rolloff at 115 Hz. Use this setting to compensate for proximity effect or to reduce low frequencies that could make an instrument sound dull or muddy.

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Setting Attenuation

The attenuation switch on the KSM137 lets you reduce the signal level by up to 25 dB without altering frequency response. This can prevent extremely loud sounds from overloading the microphone. Set the switch to the desired attenuation levels as follows:

0 dB ??? Move the switch to this position for ???quiet??? to ???normal??? sound levels.

-15 dB ??? Move the switch to this position when the microphone is approximately 0.75 meters (2 feet) from sound sources such as a kick drum, snare drum, or electric guitar cabinet.

-25 dB ??? Move the switch to this position when the microphone is 4 inches (10 cm) or less from extremely loud sound sources such as kick drum, snare drum, or guitar cabinets.

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SPECIFICATIONS

*20 Hz to 20 kHz; THD < 1%. THD of the microphone preamplifier when applied input signal is equivalent to the cartridge output at specified SPL

**S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise A-weighted.

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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 KSM137 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

SHOCKSTOPPERt Shock 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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