Shure KSM137 User manual

7/13/22, 10:44 AM
KSM137 User Guide
https://pubs.shure.com/guide/KSM137/en-US?_gl=1*gkrqp2*_ga*MjEyMjg5NjA0NS4xNjU3NzA1NDc3*_ga_DB3CR9SF0C*MTY1NzcwNTQ3Ny…
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KSM137
Instrument Microphone
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.
General Description
The KSM137 is a premium, end-address, condenser microphone with a cardioid polar
pattern engineered for highly critical studio 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 levels (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
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KSM137 User Guide
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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.
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 or XLR-to-TRS.
Mounting the Microphone
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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 reduce low frequencies that could make an instrument
sound dull or muddy.
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
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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 reinforcement 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.
Installation
1. Adjust the vertical separation as shown.
2. Mount on a stand and attach microphones using 5/8"-27 thread stand adapters.
3. 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.
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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).
Specifications
Cartridge Type
Electret Condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Response
20 to 20,000Hz
Output Impedance
150Ω
Sensitivity
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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
1000 Ω load 120dB
Clipping Level
20Hz to 20kHz, 1% THD
5000 Ω load 15dBV
2500 Ω load 9dBV
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KSM137 User Guide
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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 specified 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.
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KSM137 User Guide
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Typical Frequency Response
Typical Polar Patterns
Overall Dimensions
Accessories
Note: KSM137/SL stereo only.
Furnished Accessories
Carrying Case for two KSM137 or KSM141 microphones and
A27M stereo bar A100C
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Foam Windscreen for KSM141 and KSM137 A100WS
Microphone Clip for AMS26, Beta 181, 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
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]
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KSM137 User Guide
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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
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