Shure KSM137 User manual

KSM137
Instrument Microphone
The Shure cardioid condenser microphone, KSM137, user guide.
Version: 2.0 (2023-K)

Shure Incorporated
2/10
Table of Contents
KSM137 Instrument Microphone 3
General Description 3
Features 3
Performance Characteristics 3
Model Variations 3
Applications 3
Power Requirements 4
Mounting the Microphone 4
Selecting Low-Frequency Response 4
Setting Attenuation 5
Load Impedance 5
Stereo Pair Stand Adapter 5
Installation 6
Stereo Techniques 6
Specifications 7
Accessories 9
Furnished Accessories 9
Optional Accessories 10
Certifications 10

Shure Incorporated
3/10
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
KSM137 
Instrument Microphone
General Description
TheKSM137isapremium,end-address,condensermicrophonewithacardioidpolarpatternengineeredforhighlycriticalstu-
dio recording and live sound productions. Its class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier provides extremely transparent
soundcapture,andathreepositionswitchablepadandlow-cutfilterallowsforhandlingofextremelyhighsoundpressurelev-
els (SPL) and controlled bass response. Versatile, durable, and precise, the KSM137 is an outstanding microphone for both
live and studio applications.
Features
A highly consistent cardioid polar pattern
Ultra-thin,2.5μm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 inter-modulation 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
Three-position attenuation switch (0 dB, 15 dB, and 25 dB) for handling extremely high SPLs
Three-position low-frequency filter switch reduces stand vibration noise and counteracts proximity effect
Performance Characteristics
Extremely uniform polar response
Extended frequency response
Minimal self-noise
Exceptional low-frequency reproduction
Able to withstand high SPLs
High output level
No crossover distortion
Superior common-mode rejection and suppression of radio frequency interference (RFI)
Model Variations
This microphone can be purchased as a stereo pair (KSM137/SL STEREO). In addition to the standard accessories, the stereo
pair includes a stereo stand adapter (A27M) for mounting two microphones on one stand.
®

Shure Incorporated
4/10
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Applications
Brass and woodwind instruments
Orchestras, choirs, and wind ensembles
Overhead miking of drums and percussion instruments
Close-miking of acoustic instruments such as piano, guitar, violins, drums, and percussion
Low-frequency instruments such as double bass and kick drum
Electric guitar and bass amplifiers
Vocals and speech
Room ambience
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 room treatments.
Power Requirements
This microphone requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 Vdc supply (IEC-61938). However, it will operate with
slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity with supplies as low as 11 Vdc.
Most modern mixers provide phantom power. You must use a balanced microphone cable: XLR-to-XLR.
Mounting the Microphone
Use the supplied microphone mount with floor or boom stands. Visit www.shure.com for more mounting options:
To reduce the pickup of unwanted low-frequency mechanical vibrations, use an isolating shock mount.
For stereo applications, use the optional Shure A27M Stereo Microphone Adapter.
Selecting Low-Frequency Response
A three-position switch on the back of the microphone lets you adjust the low-frequency response. Use the low-frequency filter
to reduce wind noise, room noise, or proximity effect.
Flat response. Provides the most natural sound in most applications.
Low frequency cutoff. Provides an 18 dB-per-octave cutoff at 80 Hz. Helps eliminate floor rumble and low-frequency room
noise from 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.
Low frequency rolloff.Providesa6dB-per-octaverollofffilterat115Hz.Usethistocompensateforproximityeffectortore-
duce low frequencies that could make an instrument sound dull or muddy.

Shure Incorporated
5/10
Setting Attenuation
The attenuation switch lets you reduce the signal level without altering the frequency response. This can prevent extremely
loud sounds from overloading the microphone circuitry.
0 dB For "quiet" to "normal" sound levels.
−15 dB For use with extremely loud sound sources such as drums, horns, or loud guitar cabinets.
−25 dB For use with in close proximity (less than 10 cm) to extremely loud sound sources such as drums, horns, or loud guitar
cabinets.
Load Impedance
Maximum SPL capability, output clipping level, and dynamic range vary with the input load impedance of the preamplifier to
whichyouconnectthemicrophone.Shurerecommendsaminimuminputloadimpedanceof1000Ω.Mostmodernmicrophone
preamplifiers meet this requirement. Higher impedance results in better performance for these specifications.
Stereo Pair Stand Adapter
Stereomicrophonetechniquesgivedepthandspatialplacementtosoundsourcesforbroadcasting,recording,orsoundrein-
forcement applications. The Shure A27M allows you to mount two microphones on a single stand with a wide range of angles
and vertical separations for a variety of coincident and closely-spaced stereo configurations.

Shure Incorporated
6/10
1.
2.
3.
Installation
Adjust the vertical separation as shown.
Mount on a stand and attach microphones using 5/8"-27 thread stand adapters.
Adjust the microphone angle using the knurled knob. Use the 45 degree reference marks at the top of the knob to set
the desired angle.
Stereo Techniques
The following table displays the most common stereo techniques. Keep in mind that microphone technique is largely a matter
ofpersonaltaste;thereisnoone“correct”microphoneposition.Formoreinformation,search“StereoTechniques”at
www.shure.com (www.shure.com/stereo-tech).

Shure Incorporated
7/10
Specifications
Cartridge Type
Electret Condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Response
20to20,000Hz
Output Impedance
150Ω
Sensitivity
open circuit voltage, @ 1 kHz, typical
–37dBV/Pa[1](14.1mV)
Maximum SPL
1 kHz at 1% THD[2]
PAD ON
5000Ωload 170dB
2500 Ω load 164dB
1000 Ω load 159dB
PAD OFF
5000Ωload 145dB
2500 Ω load 139dB
1000 Ω load 134dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio[3]
80dB
Dynamic Range
@ 1 kHz
5000 Ω load 131dB
2500 Ω load 125dB

Shure Incorporated
8/10
1000 Ω load 120dB
Clipping Level
20Hzto20kHz,1%THD
5000 Ω load 15dBV
2500 Ω load 9dBV
1000 Ω load 3dBV
Self Noise
equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical
14dBSPL-A
Common Mode Rejection
10to100,000kHz
≥50dB
Attenuator Switch
0,-15,-25dB
Low-Frequency Filter Switch
Flat,–6dB/octavebelow115Hz,or–18dB/octavebelow80Hz
Connector
Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male, balanced
Polarity
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
Power Requirements
11–52VDC[4]phantompower(IEC-61938)
4.7mA,maximum
Net Weight
100g(3.5oz.)
[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL
[2]THDofmicrophonepreamplifierwhenappliedinputsignallevelisequivalenttocartridgeoutputatspeci-
fied SPL
[3]S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self noise, A-weighted
[4]All specifications measured with a 48 Vdc phantom power supply. The microphone operates at lower
voltages, but with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity.

Shure Incorporated
9/10
Typical Frequency Response
Typical Polar Patterns
Overall Dimensions
Accessories
Furnished Accessories
Carrying Case for two KSM137 or KSM141 microphones and A27M stereo bar A100C
Foam Windscreen for KSM141 and KSM137 A100WS

Shure Incorporated
10/10
Microphone Clip for AMS26, BETA181, KSM137, KSM141, MX412, MX418, MX412S,
MX418S, MX412SE, MX418SE, SM62, SM63, SM63L, SM63LB, SM81, VP64, VP64A,
VP64AL and standard microphone stands
A57F
Stereo Microphone Adapter A27M
Optional Accessories
Isolation Mount/Swivel Adapter for KSM109, KSM137, KSM141, SM63, SM81, SM94
and VP64 A53M
Popper Stopper Pop Filter with Metal Gooseneck and Microphone Stand Clamp PS-6
Note: KSM137/SL stereo only.
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]
TrademarkNotices:ThecircularSlogo,thestylizedShurelogo,theword“Shure,”and“ShureLock”areregisteredtrademarks
ofShureIncorporatedintheUnitedStates.“PopperStopper”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. 479, 837
®