Shure KSM8 Dualdyne User manual

KSM8
©2015 Shure Incorporated
27A23175 (Rev. 2)
Printed in U.S.A.
User Guide
Le Guide de l’Utilisateur
Guida dell’Utente
Bedienungsanleitung
Руководство пользователя
取扱説明書
사용자 안내서
用户指南
Instrucciones de Uso
Manual do Usuário

1
KSM8
SHURE INCORPORATED
Thank you for selecting the KSM series from Shure.
®
Over 90 years of audio experience has contributed to making this one of the
finest microphones available.
If you have any questions not answered in this guide, please contact Shure Applications
Engineering at 847-600-8440, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, CST. In Europe,
call 49-7262-92490. In Asia, call 852-2893-4290. Our web address is www.shure.com.

2
KSM8 Dualdyne™ Microphone
General Description
The Shure KSM8 Dualdyne™ Microphone
is the world’s first handheld dual-diaphragm
dynamic microphone, designed for professional
vocal applications in live sound and studio
environments. Shure has taken dynamic
microphone technology and performance to a
groundbreaking new level with the development
of the premium KSM8 Dualdyne. By achieving
greater output level while minimizing proximity
effect to an unmatched degree, the microphone
provides a clean, richly detailed signal with
minimal feedback. With state-of-the-art
manufacturing from superior components,
each KSM8 Dualdyne is meticulously crafted
and tested to uphold the quality standards of
world-class Shure construction even in the most
demanding live environments.
Model Variations
The KSM8 microphone is available in a black or
brushed-nickel finish. It may also be purchased
as part of a Shure wireless system, or as an
upgrade to an existing wireless handheld
transmitter.
KSM8/B: Superior dual-diaphragm dynamic
microphone with a black finish.
KSM8/N: Superior dual-diaphragm dynamic
microphone with a brushed-nickel finish.
Features
This dual-diaphragm cartridge delivers greater
consistency across the frequency spectrum as
the distance between the microphone and the
source changes. This revolutionary technology
provides the following benefits:
• Reduced proximity effect
• Clean, natural low end
• Smooth high frequency response without a
pronounced presence peak
• Increased working distance
Premium Components
The KSM8 delivers exceptional results and
withstands the rigors of daily use in the most
demanding live sound environments.
- Advanced internal pneumatic shock mount
and the Diaphragm Stabilization System
(DSS™ patent pending) work together to
prevent handling noise
- True cardioid pattern prevents feedback
and provides consistent off-axis response
- Hardened, dent resistant grille lined with
hydrophobic woven fabric that rejects
moisture as well as plosives for years of
high quality use
Care and Maintenance
The KSM8 grille is lined with a permanently-attached hydrophobic cloth. The user should not
attempt to remove or replace this lining. The exterior of the grille can be cleaned by gently
using warm soap and water with a soft toothbrush.
If the grille becomes damaged or deformed, please contact Shure's Service Department for a
replacement.
Warning: Turning the cartridge in the shockmount or touching the second diaphragm can
result in permanent microphone damage and may result in an undesirable change in frequency
response. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.

3
Applications
The KSM8 Dualdyne is designed to excel as a vocal microphone while withstanding the punishment
of professional live sound reinforcement, but can be used to capture other sources as well. For
information on microphone use and applications or for a more comprehensive look at the technology
behind the microphone, visit www.shure.com for educational publications on these topics and more:
• Microphone techniques for live sound reinforcement
• Microphone techniques for recording
• Proximity effect
The Shure Dualdyne™ Cartridge
The KSM8 Dualdyne™ Cartridge utilizes a reversed side entry airflow system. Sound enters the
microphone via the side entry inlets and passes through the rear second diaphragm before striking
the front diaphragm. By using the second diaphragm in the resistance network low frequencies are
partially blocked from entering the cartridge resulting in a natural, low-end response with controlled
proximity effect and no loss in clarity.
Magnet
Sound Channels
Side Entry Sound Inlet
Front Diaphragm
Cavity 1
Rear Diaphragm
Cavity 2
Dualdyne cartridge side view
Dualdyne™ Benefits
The unique design of the Shure Dualdyne™
cartridge provides several benefits over
traditional single-diaphragm dynamic
microphones:
Reduced Proximity Effect
With traditional microphones, low-frequency
response increases as the performer moves
closer to the microphone. A strong presence
peak centered around 4 to 5 kHz is used to
counteract the increased bass.
The dual-diaphragm microphone greatly
reduces the proximity effect, and low-frequency
response remains consistent with distance. This
delivers a more natural response throughout the
vocal range, eliminating the need for a strong
presence peak.
dual-diaphragm
single diaphragm
10
0
-10
dB
Hz
20 100 1k 10k 20k
Single vs. Dual-diaphragm frequency response

4
KSM8
Working Distance
Traditional dynamic
microphone
0 to 1 in. 1 to 3 in. 3 to 6 in.
Increased
bass
Balanced Decreased bass
KSM8 Balanced
Less Signal Processing Required
Live sound engineers often use signal
processing, like equalization, to mitigate both
the proximity effect of traditional microphones
or to compensate for improper microphone
technique (such as when a performer covers the
grille with their hand).
The dual-diaphragm microphone delivers a
smoother response throughout the vocal range
and is less susceptible to improper microphone
handling, requiring less corrective signal
processing and resulting in a more natural
sound.
Design and Construction
The mechanical design of the KSM8 offers
advancements that benefit the performance and
aesthetics of the microphone.
Advanced Pneumatic Shockmount Technology
The Diaphragm Stabilization System (DSS™)
works with the pumping pneumatic shockmount
to isolate and suspend the cartridge, reducing
handling noise. In addition to diminishing
unwanted movement, the moving piston and
internal cavities have been precisely engineered
to stabilize the diaphragm amidst mechanical
vibration. The Shure engineers originally
patented this technology over 50 years ago, and
Shure is the only microphone manufacturer to
successfully implement it.
Innovative Hardened Grille Design
The outer grille has been tempered to provide
years of dent resistance. The grille interior is
lined with a hydrophobic woven fabric. This
moisture-resistant cloth protects the cartridge
while providing superior pop protection,
ensuring years of usability and durability.
Increased Working Distance
Traditional microphones confine the performer
to a specific distance from the microphone.
They must maintain this distance in order to
avoid variations in tone.
The balanced response of the dual-diaphragm
microphone allows the performer to move more
freely without affecting the sound quality.
Exceptional Off-axis Linearity
When unwanted off-axis sources leak into vocal
microphones, it can degrade phase coherency
and compromise source quality. The KSM8
provides greater immunity to these problems,
due to linear polar response across the entire
frequency spectrum.

5
Accessories
Furnished Accessories
Black, Soft Flex Swivel Stand Adapter
for KSM8 and KSM9 A25E
Zippered Carrying Case for KSM8 AK8C
5/8" to 3/8" (Euro) Threaded Adapter 95A2050
Optional Accessories
Black Foam Windscreen for KSM8,
SM85, SM86, SM87A, Beta 87A, and
Beta 87C
A85WS
Replacement Parts
Black Replacement Grille for KSM8
Wired and Wireless RPM266
Brushed Nickel Replacement Grille for
KSM8 Wired and Wireless RPM268
Certifications
This product meets the Essential Requirements
of all relevant European directives and is eligible
for CE marking.
The CE Declaration of Conformity can be
obtained from: www.shure.com/europe/
compliance
Authorized European representative:
Shure Europe GmbH
Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa
Department: EMEA Approval
Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12
75031 Eppingen, Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

6
500 Hz
250 Hz
1,000 Hz
6,400 Hz
9,000 Hz
2,500 Hz
15 dB
10 dB
5 dB
0 dB
0
15 dB
10 dB
5 dB
0 dB
0
Polar Pattern
20
15
10
5
0
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
dB
Hz
20 100 1k 10k 20k
0,6 m (2 ft.) from sound source
Frequency Response
1.9 in.
48.3 mm
7.4 in.
187.9 mm
0.8 in.
20.3 mm
Dimensions
Specifications
Type
Dual Diaphragm Dynamic (moving coil)
Frequency Response
40 to 16,000 Hz
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Output Impedance
300 Ω
Sensitivity
at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage
-51.5 dBV/Pa[1] (1.85 mV)
Polarity
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive
voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
Net Weight
330 g (11.64oz.)
Connector
Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male
Housing
Die-cast Aluminum with Paint or Brushed Nickel
Finish
[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL

Trademark Notices: The circular S logo, the stylized Shure logo, and the word, “Shure” are registered trade-
marks of Shure Incorporated in the United States. “SHOCKSTOPPER” is a trademark of Shure Incorporated
in the United States. “Mylar” is a registered trademark of E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company in the
United States. These marks may be registered in other jurisdictions.
Patent Notice: Patent Des. 530 706 Des. 531 171
www.shure.com
Asia, Pacific:
Shure Asia Limited
22/F, 625 King’s Road
North Point, Island East
Hong Kong
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
United States, Canada, Latin
America, Caribbean:
Shure Incorporated
5800 West Touhy Avenue
Niles, IL 60714-4608 USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone] (USA)
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Europe, Middle East, Africa:
Shure Europe GmbH
Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12,
75031 Eppingen, Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]