Shure KSM32 User manual

27A3044(RF)
E1998,ShureBrothersIncorporated PrintedinU.S.A.
R
The Sound of Professionals...Worldwide
Shure Brothers Incorporated
222 Hartrey Avenue, Evanston IL 60202-3696
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
In Europe, Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Internationally, Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Web Address: www.shure.com
TrademarkNotices:ThecircularSlogo,thestylizedShurelogo,andthewords
“Shure” and “The Sound of Professionals... Worldwide” are registered trade-
marks of Shure Brothers Incorporated in the United States. “ShureLock” is a
trademarkofShureBrothersIncorporatedintheUnitedStates.“Mylar”isaregis-
tered trademark of E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company in the United States.
These marks may be registered in other jurisdictions.
Patent Notice: Patent Applied For
User Guide
Le Guide de l’Utilisateur
Bedienungsanleitung
Guía del Usario
Guidadell’Utente

SHURE BROTHERS INCORPORATED
KSM32 CARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE
If you have any questions not answered in this booklet, please contact Shure
Applicationsat847-866–2200,MondaythroughFriday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, CST.
In Europe, call 49-7131-72140. Our web address is www.shure.com.
Thank you for selecting the KSM32 cardioid condenser microphone.
R
Over 70 years of microphone manufacturing experience has
contributed to making the KSM32 one of the finest
condensermicrophonesavailable.

English – 1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
TheShureRKSM32 is a side-address, cardioidcondensermicrophonefor
highly critical studio recording and live sound productions. It offers an ex-
tendedfrequencyresponseforanopen,naturalsoundingreproductionofthe
originalsound source.
FEATURES
S Class A, transformerless preamplifier circuitry eliminates cross-over
distortion for improved linearity across the full frequency range
S Embossed,high-compliancediaphragmprovidesextendedlowfre-
quencyresponse
S Ultra-thin, 2.5 m m, gold-layered, low mass, Mylar
R
diaphragm for ex-
cellenttransientresponse
S 15 dB attenuation switch for handling extremely high sound pressure
levels (SPL)
S Switchable low-frequency filter provides greater flexibility to reduce
background noise or to counteract proximity effect
S Integrated three-stage pop protection grille reduces “pop” and other
breathnoise
S Internal shock mount reduces transmission of handling noise
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
S Extendedfrequencyresponse
S Very low self noise
S Exceptionallow-frequencyreproduction
S Highoutput level
S High input SPL capability
S No cross-over distortion
S Extremelyuniform polar response
S Superior common mode rejection and suppression of radio frequency
interference

English – 2
MODEL VARIATIONS
TheKSM32/SLhasachampagne-coloredfinishandcomeswiththefollow-
ing accessories:
SLocking aluminum carrying case
SShureLocktelastic-suspension shock mount
SShureLocktswivel mount
SProtectivevelveteenpouch
The KSM32/CG has a non-reflective, charcoal-gray finish for situations
wherelessmicrophonevisibilityisprefered,suchaslivesoundandstagepro-
duction.It comes with the following accessories:
SShureLocktswivel mount
SPadded,zipperedcarryingbag
APPLICATIONS
SometypicalapplicationsfortheKSM32arelistedbelow.Microphoneuse,
however, is largely a matter of personal taste. The KSM32 may be used for a
variety of applications other than those listed.
SVoice—solo,background,voice-over,broadcasting
SAcoustic instruments—such as piano, guitar, drums, percussion,
strings
SWindinstruments—brassandwoodwind
SLow frequency instruments—such as double bass, electric bass, kick
drum
SOverheadmiking—drums orpercussion
SEnsembles—choralororchestral
SRoomambience pick-up—guitar amplifier or drums
Boththeacousticenvironmentandmicrophoneplacementhavesignificant
effectsonthesoundobtainedwhenmikingasource.Youmayneedtoexperi-
mentwith these variables to achieve the best overall sound for each applica-
tion.

English – 3
OPERATION
Positionthemicrophonesothatthesidemarked“Shure”—thesideopposite
theswitches—faces the sound source.
Power
TheKSM32requiresphantompower.Optimalperformancewillbeachieved
whenusinga48Vdcsupply(IEC-268-15/DIN45596).Themicrophoneoper-
ates with supplies as low as 11 Vdc.
Mounting
The ShureLock swivel mount and elastic shock mount provide a secure
meansof fastening the microphone to a floor or boom stand. When using the
swivel mount, the internal shock mount provides good isolation. For greater
reductionof noise from external vibrations, use the elastic shock mount.
It is important when mounting the microphone that the threaded, knurled
lockinggripontheshockmount orswivelmountisscrewedsecurelyontothe
threadsat the base of the microphone. Do not overtighten.
Integral Pop Filter
TheKSM32hasanintegralpopfilterwhichprovidesexcellentprotection
against most wind and breath noise. An external pop protection screen may
benecessary when close-miking vocalists. The use of alow frequency cutoff
filter may also be effective.
SelectingLow-FrequencyResponse
A three-position switch on the back of the KSM32 allows you to adjust the
low-frequencyresponse of the microphone. Thelow-frequency filter settings
can be used to compensate for wind noise, room noise or proximity effect.
Flatresponse. Use this setting for any application where you desire
the most natural reproduction of the source. The microphone will reproduce
ultra-low frequencies, and the ShureLock elastic-suspension shock mount
mayberequired to reducemechanicalvibrations transmitted throughthemi-
crophonestand.
Low-frequencycutoff. Provides 18 dB-per-octave cutoff at 80 Hz.
Helpseliminatestagerumbleorotherlow-frequencyroomnoisesuchasthat
comingfrom heating, ventilation, or cooling (HVAC) systems. It may also be
usedto compensate for proximity effect or to reduce thelowfrequenciesthat
canmake an instrument sound dull or “muddy.”
Low-frequency rolloff. Provides a 6dB-per-octave rolloff filter at
115Hz.Usethissettingwithvocalsorinstrumentstocompensateforproximity
effectortoreducethelowfrequenciesthatcanmakeaninstrumentsounddull
ormuddy.

English – 4
SettingAttenuation
Theattenuation switchon the back of the KSM32 reduces the signal level
fromthecartridgeby15dBwithoutalteringthefrequencyresponse.Thiscan
preventextremelyhighSPLfromoverloadingthemicrophone.Toactivateatte-
nuation,move the switch to the “–15 dB” position.
InsituationswherethehighoutputcapabilityoftheKSM32mightoverload
themicrophonepreamplifierof a console or mixer, use an attenuation switch
(pad) in the mixer or an external inline attenuator such as the Shure A15AS.
LoadImpedance
Aloadimpedanceofatleast1000Ωisrecommended.Whenusedwithtypi-
calmodernmicrophonepreamplifiers(ratedatabout2500Ω),theKSM32pro-
vides higher maximum SPL capability and output clipping level. The KSM32
canhandleupto160dBSPL,andoutput+15dBVintoa5500Ωorgreaterload
withmicrophoneattenuation.
SPECIFICATIONS
CartridgeType
Permanently-biasedcondenser
FrequencyResponse
20 Hz to 20 kHz (see Figure 1)
DirectionalPattern
Cardioid(seeFigure2)
Sensitivity(at 1000 Hz)
Open Circuit Voltage –36 dBV/Pa (16 mV) typical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1 Pa = 94 dB SPL)
Self Noise (equivalentSPL)
13dBtypical,A-weighted(IEC651)
Total Harmonic Distortion (20 Hz to 20 kHz , 2500 Ωload)
< 0.08%* for a 120 dB equivalent SPL input
Maximum SPL (20 Hz to 20 kHz, THD < 1%*)
2500ΩLoad 139 dB (154 dB w/ attenuation). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1000ΩLoad 133 dB (148 dB w/ attenuation). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OutputClippingLevel (20 Hz to 20 kHz, THD < 1%*)
2500ΩLoad +9 dBV (2.82 V rms). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1000ΩLoad +3 dBV (1.41 V rms). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dynamic Range (20 Hz to 20 kHz, 2500 Ωload)
126dB (maximumSPL minusA-weightednoise level)
Signal-to-NoiseRatio
81 dB (IEC 651)**
OutputImpedance
150 Ω (actual)
AttenuationSwitch
0 or –15 dB

English – 5
LowFrequency Response Switch
Flat, –6dB/octave below115 Hz, –18 dB/octave below 80 Hz
Power
PhantomPower 48 Vdc "4 Vdc (IEC-268-15/DIN 45 596),. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . positive pins 2 and 3
CurrentDrain 4.65 mA typical at 48 Vdc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CommonMode Rejection Ratio(CMRR)
50 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Connector
Goldplated,three-pin(XLR)professionalaudio
Polarity
Positivepressureondiaphragmproducespositivevoltageonpin2relativetopin
3
Dimensions
55.9mm (2.20in.) maximum bodydiameter, 187 mm (7.37 in.) long.
Net Weight
490 grams (17.3 oz)
*THDofthemicrophonepreamplifierwhenappliedinputsignalisequivalenttothe
cartridgeoutputat specifiedSPL.
**S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise A-
weighted.
CERTIFICATION
ConformstoEuropeanUniondirectives,eligibletobearCEmarking;meetsEu-
ropeanUnionEMC Immunity Requirements(EN 50 082–1,1992).
FURNISHED ACCESSORIES
ShureLocktElastic Shock Mount (SL model only) A32SM. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ShureLocktSwivel Adapter A32M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AluminumCarrying Case (SL model only) A32SC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Padded,Zippered Carrying Bag (CG model only) A32ZB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protective Velveteen Pouch (SL model only) A32VB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Suspension Shock Mount Elastic Cords (set of two) RK373. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SERVICE
For additional microphone service or parts information, please contact
Shure’s Service department at 1-800-516-2525. Outside the United States,
pleasecontact your Authorized Shure Service Center.

English – 6
(Measured0.6 m (2 ft) from a spherical sound source, free-field conditions)
TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE
Figure 1
20 200001000 1000050 100 98765432 98765432
+10
0
–10
Hz
dB
Low-Frequency Cutoff
Low-Frequency Rolloff
150o
120o
150o
120o
180o
30o
60o
90o
30o
60o
90o
–5 dB
–10 dB
–15 dB
–20 dB
0
TYPICAL POLAR PATTERN
Figure 2
150o
120o
150o
120o
180o
30o
60o
90o
30o
60o
90o
–5 dB
–10 dB
–15 dB
–20 dB
02500
5000 10000
125
250
500,1000 15000

27A3044(RF)
E1998,ShureBrothersIncorporated PrintedinU.S.A.
R
The Sound of Professionals...Worldwide
Shure Brothers Incorporated
222 Hartrey Avenue, Evanston IL 60202-3696
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
In Europe, Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Internationally, Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Web Address: www.shure.com
TrademarkNotices:ThecircularSlogo,thestylizedShurelogo,andthewords
“Shure” and “The Sound of Professionals... Worldwide” are registered trade-
marks of Shure Brothers Incorporated in the United States. “ShureLock” is a
trademarkofShureBrothersIncorporatedintheUnitedStates.“Mylar”isaregis-
tered trademark of E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company in the United States.
These marks may be registered in other jurisdictions.
Patent Notice: Patent Applied For
User Guide
Le Guide de l’Utilisateur
Bedienungsanleitung
Guía del Usario
Guidadell’Utente