Shure KSM44 User manual

User Guide
27B3122 (CE)
E2003, Shure Incorporated Printed in U.S.A.

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SHURE INCORPORATED
KSM44 MULTIPLE POLAR PATTERN CONDENSER MICROPHONE
If you have any questions not answered in this booklet, please contact Shure
Applications Engineering at 847-866–2525, Monday through Friday, 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 KSM44
R
Over 75 years of audio experience has contributed to making the KSM44 one
of the finest microphones available.

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FIGURE 1. KSM44 FRONT AND BACK
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The ShureR KSM44 is a side-address condenser microphone with multiple polar
patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional). Designed for studio use, the
KSM44 has externally biased, dual 1-inch diaphragms, extremely low self-noise
and an extended frequency response specially tailored for vocal tracking and
instrument recording.
FEATURES
SMultiple polar patterns–cardioid, omnidirectional and bidirectional–for maxi-
mum flexibility in a wide variety of recording applications.
SDual 1 inch, externally biased, ultra-thin, 2.5 µm, 24 Karat gold-layered, low
mass, MylarR
diaphragms provide superior frequency response
SClass A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely
fast transient response and no crossover distortion. Minimizes harmonic
and intermodulation distortions.
SPremium electronic components and gold-plated internal and external con-
nectors.
SSubsonic filter eliminates rumble from mechanical vibration below 17 Hz.
SSwitchable 15 dB pad for handling extremely high sound pressure levels
(SPLs).
S3-position switchable low-frequency filter helps reduce unwanted back-
ground noise or counteract proximity effect.
SIntegrated three-stage “pop” protection grille reduces plosives and other
breath noise.
SInternal shock mount reduces handling and stand noise.

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PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
SExtended frequency response
SUltra-low self noise
SExceptional low-frequency reproduction
SHigh output level
SHigh input SPL capability
SNo crossover distortion
SExtremely uniform polar response
SSuperior common mode rejection and suppression of radio frequency inter-
ference
APPLICATIONS
The KSM44 provides superior results in any application requiring a high quality
microphone. Some typical applications are listed below.
SVoice—solo, background, voice-over or broadcasting
SAcoustic instruments such as piano, guitar, drums, percussion, strings
SWind instruments—brass and woodwind
SLow-frequency instruments such as double bass, electric bass, kick drum
SOverhead miking—drums or percussion
SEnsembles—choral or orchestral
SRoom ambience pick-up—guitar amplifier or drums
Both the acoustic environment and microphone placement strongly affect the
sound obtained from miking a source, especially with a high-resolution microphone
like the KSM44. You may need to experiment with microphone placement, room
treatments and polar pattern to achieve the best overall sound for each application.
OPERATION
Mounting
Use either the ShureLocktswivel mount or the elastic shock mount to secure the
KSM44 to a floor or boom stand. When using the swivel mount, the internal shock
mount provides good isolation from vibration. For even greater reduction of noise
from external vibrations, use the elastic shock mount.
Important: When using the swivel mount or elastic shock mount, be sure that the
threaded, knurled locking grip is screwed securely onto the threads at the base of
the microphone. Do not overtighten.
Power
The KSM44 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.

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Positioning the Microphone
The front of the KSM44 is marked by the logo and the polar-pattern
selection switch. See Figure 1. Position this side of the microphone toward the
sound source to be recorded. The rear of the microphone is marked by the logo,
the low-frequency filter switch and the 15dB attenuation switch.
Selecting a Polar Pattern
The three position switch on the front of the KSM44 sets the polar response pattern
of the microphone. The sensitivity of the microphone to sounds coming from
different angles varies according to this switch’s setting.
Cardioid. Picks up sounds directly in front of the microphone and is least
sensitive to those in back. Cardioid is the most commonly used pattern in studio
recording and live-sound applications. See Figure 5.
Omnidirectional. Picks up sound equally from all directions. This pattern is
best for picking up room ambience and miking several sources at once, such as a
choir or ensemble. Omnidirectional patterns do not exhibit proximity effect. See
Figure 7.
Bidirectional. Picks up equally from the front and back of the microphone while
rejecting sounds from the sides. Bidirectional is often for stereo recording (such as
mid-side and Blumlein techniques). See Figure 9.
NOTE: As with all bidirectional microphones, sounds picked up from the front will
be in polarity with the source and those picked up from the back will be out of polarity
with the source.
Selecting Low-Frequency Response
A three-position switch on the back of the KSM44 allows you to adjust the
low-frequency response of the microphone, as shown in Figure 2. The low-frequency
filter settings can be used to reduce wind noise, room noise or proximity effect.
Flat response. Use this setting when you desire the most natural reproduction
of the source.
Low-frequency cutoff. Provides an
18 dB-per-octave cutoff at 80 Hz. Helps
eliminate stage rumble or low-frequency
room noise from heating, ventilation, or
cooling systems. May also be used to
compensate for proximity effect or to
reduce low frequencies that make an
instrument sound dull or muddy.
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20 100050 100 98765432
+5
0
–10
Hz
dB
Low-Frequency Cutoff
Low-Frequency Rolloff
Flat Response
FIGURE 2. LOW FREQUENCY FILTERS

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Low-frequency rolloff. Provides a 6dB-per-octave rolloff filter at 115Hz. Use
this setting with vocals or instruments to compensate for proximity effect or to
reduce low frequencies that could make an instrument sound dull or muddy.
Setting Attenuation
The attenuation switch on the back of the KSM44 reduces the signal level from the
cartridge by 15 dB without altering the frequency response. This can prevent
extremely high SPLs from overloading the microphone. To activate attenuation,
move the switch to the “–15 dB” position. Note: In situations where the high output
of the KSM44 might overload the microphone preamplifier of a console or mixer,
use an attenuation pad in the mixer.
Load Impedance
A load impedance of at least 1000 Ω is recommended. When used with typical
modern microphone preamplifiers (rated at about 2500 Ω), the KSM44 provides
higher maximum SPL capability and output clipping level. With the -15 dB pad
engaged, the KSM44 can handle up to 156 dB SPL and output +15 dBV into a 5500
ohm or greater load.
Integral Pop Filter
The KSM44 has an integral pop filter which helps reduce wind and breath noise.
An external pop-protection screen or windscreen may be necessary when
close-miking vocalists. The low-frequency cutoff filter may also be effective. See
Figure 3.
FIGURE 3. PS-6 POPPER STOPPERT POP FILTER

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SPECIFICATIONS
Cartridge Type Externally biased condenser
Frequency Response 20 to 20,000 Hz
(See Figures 4, 6, 8)
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 5.4 mA typical at 48 Vdc
Common Mode Rejection 50 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Polarity Positive pressure on front diaphragm produces
positive voltage on output pin 2 relative to pin 3
Directional Polar Patterns Cardioid
(See Figure 5) Omnidirectional (See Figure 7) Bidirectional (See Figure 9)
Sensitivity
(typical; at 1000 Hz; 1 Pa = 94 dB SPL) –31 dBV/Pa –37 dBV/Pa –36 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
(typical, equivalent SPL; A-weighted, IEC 651) 7 dB 10 dB 10 dB
Maximum SPL @ 1000 Hz
2500 load (Attenuator on)
1000 load (Attenuator on)
132 (149) dB
127 (144) dB
138 (151) dB
132 (145) dB
137 (150) dB
131 (144) dB
Output Clipping Level*
2500 load
1000 load
7 dBV
1 dBV
7 dBV
1 dBV
7 dBV
1 dBV
Dynamic Range
2500 load
1000 load
125 dB
120 dB
128 dB
122 dB
127 dB
121 dB
Signal to Noise ratio** 87 dB 84 dB 84 dB
Dimensions and Weight 55.9 mm (2.20 in.) maximum body diameter, 187 mm
(7.37 in.) long; 490.5 grams (17.30 oz). See Figure 10.
*20 Hz to 20 kHz;THD < 1%. THD of the microphone preamplifier when applied input signal is equivalent to the cartridge output at specified SPL.
**S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise A-weighted.

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CARDIOID RESPONSE GRAPHS
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FIGURE 4. TYPICAL CARDIOID FREQUENCY RESPONSE
FIGURE 5. TYPICAL CARDIOID POLAR PATTERN
OMNIDIRECTIONAL RESPONSE GRAPHS
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15 cm.
60 cm.
FIGURE 6. TYPICAL OMNIDIRECTIONAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE
FIGURE 7. TYPICAL OMNIDIRECTIONAL POLAR PATTERN

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BIDIRECTIONAL RESPONSE GRAPHS
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FIGURE 8. TYPICAL BIDIRECTIONAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE
FIGURE 9. TYPICAL BIDRECTIONAL POLAR PATTERNS
55.9 mm
(2.20 IN.)
187 mm
(7.37 IN.)
FIGURE 10. DIMENSIONS

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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 KSM44 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.
N 108
FURNISHED ACCESSORIES
ShureLocktChampagne Elastic Shock Mount A44SM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ShureLocktChampagne Swivel Adapter A44M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Carrying Case A44SC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protective Velveteen Pouch A44VB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Windscreen A32WS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Padded, Zippered Carrying Bag A32ZB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Suspension Shock Mount Elastic Cord,
Champagne (contains one) 95B2125. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SERVICE
For additional microphone service or parts information, please contact Shure’s
Service department at 1-800-516-2525. Outside the United States, please contact
your Authorized Shure Service Center.