Shure KSM 137/SL End-Address Cardioid Condenser Microphone

by Shure

Product Features

• Cardioid polar pattern, ultra-thin diaphragm, transformerless preamplifier circuitry.
• Switchable pad (25dB, 15dB) for very high input SPL sources.
• Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast transient response, no crossover distortion, and minimal harmonic and intermodulation distortion
• Low self-noise and extended frequency response.
• Three-position switchable low-frequency filter reduces background noise and counteracts proximity effect
• Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast transient response, no crossover distortion
• Cardioid polar pattern, ultra-thin diaphragm, transformerless preamplifier circuitry
• Switchable pad (25dB, 15dB) for very high input SPL sources

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.8 x 0.8 x 0.8 inches ; 3.5 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0002H0HCC
• Item model number: KSM137
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #38,815 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #40 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Microphones > Dynamic Microphones > Instrument

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Versatile, durable, and precise, the Shure KSM137 end-address condenser microphone is an outstanding microphone for instruments ranging from percussion to wind, strings to brass, and piano to guitar. 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.

Key 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

  Frequency response.

  Polar pattern.

• 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 RFI (radio frequency interference)

Applications
Some typical applications for the KSM137 are listed below. Microphone use is a matter of personal taste and 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

Specifications

• Type: Permanently Biased Condenser
• Frequency Response: 20­ to 20,000 Hz
• Directional Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Output Impedance: 150 ohms (actual)
• Attenuation Switch: 0 dB, 15 dB, or 25 dB attenuation
• Low Frequency Response Switch: Flat; ­6 db/octave below 115 Hz; -18 dB/octave below 80 Hz
• Phantom Power: 48 Vdc +/- 4 Vdc (IEC­268­15/DIN 45 596), positive pins 2 and 3
• Current Drain: 4.65 mA typical at 48 Vdc
• Common Mode Rejection: ≥50 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Sensitivity (typical, at 1000 Hz; 1 Pa = 94 dB SPL): -37 dBV/Pa
• Self­noise (typical, equivalent SPL; A-weighted, IEC 651): 14 dB
• Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on output pin 2 relative to pin 3
• Weight: 3.5 ounces

Product Description

The KSM137 is an end-address condenser microphone with a single 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. Versatile, durable, and precise, the KSM137 is an outstanding microphone for instruments ranging from percussion to wind, strings to brass, and piano to guitar.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Shure KSM 137, January 25, 2011

By 

The Dire Maker "TDM" (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shure KSM 137/SL End-Address Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Electronics)

I had been looking around for a good condenser microphone for recording acoustic guitar and a sales representative recommended this one. I absolutely fell in love with this microphone the first time I pushed in the 48v button for my Pro Tools rig. It's a great price for an excellent microphone, Shure has always made affordable go to microphones especially for live performance ie the 57 or the 58. I really like the roll off switches, I don't use the db switch because on my pre I have a pad that I rarely use on an acoustic guitar. I usually place this mic at the 12 fret and use a vocal condenser as a room mic for the stereo effect, so far the work has turned out very well. I would recommend this microphone to someone looking above maybe that entry level or would like to produce there own music.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It works for me!, September 15, 2004

By 

Tiffany Lynn Maldonado "china429" (West Palm Beach, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shure KSM 137/SL End-Address Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Electronics)

The Shure brand gives you what you pay for.
It's very durable. All around a great mic.