Shure KSM32 User manual

©2004, Shure Incorporated
27B3044 (Rev. 3) Printed in U.S.A.
User Guide

1
®
SHURE INCORPORATED
KSM32 CARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE
Thank you for selecting the KSM32
Over 75 years of audio experience has contributed to making the KSM32
one of the finest microphones available.
If you have any questions that are not answered in this booklet, please contact Shure Applications
Engineering at 847-600-8440, Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 4:30 pm, CST. In Europe,
call 49-7131-7214-0. Our web address is www.shure.com.

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FIGURE 1. KSM32 Front and Back
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Shure®KSM32 is a side-address condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern.
Designed for studio use but rugged enough for live applications, the KSM32 has an externally
biased 1-inch diaphragm, extremely low self-noise, and an extended frequency response
specially tailored for vocal tracking and instrument recording.
FEATURES
• Class A, transformerless preamplifier circuitry eliminates cross-over distortion for
improved linearity across the full frequency range
• Embossed, high-compliance diaphragm provides extended low frequency
response
• Ultra-thin, 2.5 µ m, gold-layered, low mass, Mylar
®
diaphragm for excellent
transient response
• 15 dB attenuation switch for handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPL)
• Switchable low-frequency filter provides greater flexibility to reduce background
noise or to counteract proximity effect
• Integrated three-stage pop protection grille reduces “pop” and other breath noise
• Internal shock mount reduces transmission of handling noise
Low-frequency
response switch
15 dB
attenuator
KSM32 BACK
KSM32 FRONT

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PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
• Extended frequency response
• Very low self noise
• Exceptional low-frequency reproduction
• High output level
• High input SPL capability
• No crossover distortion
• Extremely uniform polar response
• Superior common mode rejection and suppression of radio frequency interference
MODEL VARIATIONS
The KSM32/SL has a champagne-colored finish and comes with the following accessories:
• Locking aluminum carrying case
• ShureLock
™
elastic-suspension shock mount
• ShureLock
™
swivel mount
• Protective velveteen pouch
The KSM32/CG has a non-reflective, charcoal-gray finish for situations where less micro-
phone visibility is preferred, such as live sound and stage production. It comes with the fol-
lowing accessories:
• ShureLock
™
Swivel mount
• Padded, zippered carrying bag
APPLICATIONS
Some typical applications for the KSM32 are listed below. Microphone use, however, is large-
ly a matter of personal taste. The KSM32 may be used for a variety of applications other than
those listed.
• Voice and vocals
• Close-miking of acoustic instruments such as piano, guitar, violins, drums, and
percussion
• Brass and woodwind instruments
• Low-frequency instruments such as double bass and kick drum
• Overhead miking for drums or percussion
• Orchestras, choirs, wind ensembles
• Room ambience pick-up (guitar amplifier or drums)
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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OPERATION
Mounting
The ShureLock swivel mount and elastic shock mount provide a secure means of fastening
the microphone to a floor or boom stand. When using the swivel mount, the internal shock
mount provides good isolation. For greater reduction of noise from external vibrations, use the
elastic shock mount.
It is important when mounting the microphone that the threaded, knurled locking grip on the
shock mount or swivel mount is screwed securely onto the threads at the base of the micro-
phone. Do not overtighten.
Power
The KSM32 requires phantom power and performs optimally with a 48 Vdc supply
(IEC-268-15/DIN 45 596). However, it will operate with slightly decreased headroom and
sensitivity with supplies as low as 11 Vdc. Most modern mixers provide phantom power.
Phantom power can only be transmitted to the KSM32 through a cable terminated with XLR
connectors at each end.
Positioning the Microphone
The front of the KSM32 is marked by the logo. See Figure 1. Position this side of
the microphone toward the sound source. The rear of the microphone is marked by the
logo, the low-frequency filter switch, and the 15dB attenuation switch.
Selecting Low-Frequency Response
A three-position switch on the back of the KSM32 allows you to adjust the low-frequency
response of the microphone. The low-frequency filter settings can be used to reduce wind
noise, room noise or proximity effect.
Flat response. Provides the most natural sound in most applications.
Low-frequency cutoff. Provides a
15 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.
20 100050 100
98765432
+5
0
–10
Hz
dB
Flat Response
Low-Frequency Cutoff
Low-Frequency Rolloff
FIGURE 2. LOW FREQUENCY RESPONSES

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Setting Attenuation
The attenuation switch on the back of the KSM32 reduces the signal level from the cartridge
by 15 dB without altering the frequency response. This can prevent extremely high SPLs (ie.
close miked drums and guitar cabinets) from overloading the microphone. To activate
attenuation, move the switch to the “-15 dB” position.
0 dB - Use this switch for “quiet” to “normal” sound levels.
-15 dB - Use this switch position when in close proximity with extremely loud sound
sources such as kick drum, snare drum, or loud guitar cabinets.
In situations where the high output capability of the KSM32 might overload the microphone
preamplifier of a console or mixer, use an attenuation switch (pad) in the mixer or an external
inline attenuator such as the Shure A15AS.
Integral Pop Filter
The KSM32 grille consists of 3 separate mesh layers that act as an integral pop filter which
helps reduce wind and breath noise. Depending on the performer, an external pop-protection
screen or windscreen (See Figure 3) may be necessary when close-miking vocalists.
FIGURE 3. PS-6 POPPER STOPPERPOP FILTER
Load Impedance
Shure recommends a load impedance of at least 1000 Ω. When used with modern
microphone preamplifiers (rated at 2500 Ω), the KSM32 provides higher maximum SPL
capability and output clipping level. When the attenuation switch is set to the -15 dB position,
the KSM32 can handle sound pressure levels of up to 160 dB and output +15 dBV into a load
of 5500 Ωor greater, with microphone attenuation.

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SPECIFICATIONS
*20 Hz to 20 kHz; THD < 1%. THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal is equivalent to cartridge output at specified SPL.
**S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise, A-weighted.
Cartridge Type Permanently-biased Condenser
Frequency Response 20 to 20,000 Hz (see Figure 4)
Directional Polar Pattern Cardioid (see Figure 5)
Output Impedance 150 Ω(actual)
Attenuation Switch 0 or -15 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 (IEC-268-15/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
Polarity Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on
output pin 2 relative to pin 3
Dimensions and Weight 55.9 mm (2.20 in.) maximum body diameter,
187 mm (7.37 in.) long (see Figure 6)
490 grams (17.3 oz.)
Sensitivity (typical, at 1000 Hz;
1 Pa = 94 dB SPL) -36 dBV/Pa (16 mV)
Self-noise(typical,equivalentSPL;
A-weighted, IEC 651) 13 dB
Maximum SPL at 1000 Hz
2500 Ωload (Attenuator on)
1000 Ωload (Attenuator on)
139 (154) dB
133 (148) dB
Output Clipping Level*
2500 Ωload
1000 Ωload
+9 dBV
+3 dBV
Dynamic Range
2500 Ωload
1000 Ωload
126 dB
119 dB
Signal to Noise ratio** 81 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD),
2500 Ωload <0.08% for a 120 dB equivalent SPL input.

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FIGURE 4. TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE
FIGURE 5. TYPICAL POLAR PATTERNS
FIGURE 6. DIMENSIONS
20 200001000 1000050 100
98765432 98765432
+10
0
–10
Hz
dB
60 cm.
15 cm.
55.9 mm
(2.20 IN.)
187 mm
(7.37 IN.)

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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 KSM32 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
ShureLock™ Rubber Isolated Shock Mount (SL Model only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A32SM
Protective Velveteen Pouch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A32VB
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Popper Stopper™ Pop Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PS-6
ShureLock™ Black Swivel Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A32M
Aluminum Carrying Case (SL Model only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A32SC
Padded, Zippered Carrying Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A32ZB
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Suspension Shock Mount Elastic Cords (set of two). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RK373
Replacement Foam for Carrying Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29A2284
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.
N 108

Trademark Notices: The circular S logo, the stylized Shure logo, and the words
“Shure” and “It’s Your Sound” are registered trademarks of Shure Incorporated
in the United States. “ShureLock” 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 jurisdic-
tions.
Patent Notice: Patent Des. 400,540
SHURE Incorporated Web Address: http://www.shure.com
5800 W. Touhy Avenue, Niles, IL 60714-4608, U.S.A.
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