Shure KSM44 User manual

27B3122 (BD)
E2002, Shure Incorporated Printed in U.S.A.
User Guide
Trademark Notices: The circular S logo, the stylized Shure logo, and the word
“Shure” 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 jurisdictions.
Patent Notice: Patent Des. 447,131

Declaration of Conformity
We of
Shure Incorporated
222 Hartrey Ave.
Evanston IL 60202–3696 U.S.A.
847–866–2200
declare under our sole responsibility that the following product,
KSM44 Multiple Polar Pattern Condenser Microphone
was tested and found to comply with Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Testing was completed by the following NVLAP or A2LA accredited
laboratory: D.L.S. Electronic Systems, Inc.
1250 Peterson Drive
Wheeling, Illinois 60090, U.S.A.
at the test sites 1 and 2 of
D.L.S. Electronic Systems, Inc.
166 South Center
Genoa City, Wisconsin 53128, U.S.A.
Shure Inc., Manufacturer.
Signed: Date: June 16, 2000
Name, Title: Craig Kozokar, Senior Quality Engineer

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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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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The ShureRKSM44 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, MylarRdiaphragms provide superior transient 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.
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

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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.
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.

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Polar pattern
switch
Low-frequency
response
switch
15 dB
attenuator
KSM44 FRONT KSM44 BACK
FIGURE 1. KSM44 Front and Back
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 4.
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
singers or an ensemble. Omnidirectional patterns do not exhibit proximity effect.
See Figure 6.
Bidirectional. Picks up equally from the front and back of the microphone
while rejecting sounds from the sides. Bidirectional is often used in microphone
configurations for stereo recording (such as mid-side and Blumlein techniques).
See Figure 8. 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.

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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. Since the microphone will reproduce ultra-low
frequencies, the ShureLocktelastic-suspension shock mount may be required to
reduce low-frequency mechanical vibrations transmitted through the microphone
stand.
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 (HVAC)
systems. It 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 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.
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.
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
Ωor greater load.
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Low-Frequency Cutoff
Low-Frequency Rolloff
Flat Response
Figure 2. Low Frequency Responses

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SPECIFICATIONS
Cartridge Type Externally biased condenser
Frequency Response 20 to 20,000 Hz
(See Figures 3, 5, 7)
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
Dimensions and
Weight 55.9 mm (2.20 in.) maximum body diameter, 187 mm (7.37 in.) long; 490.5 grams (17.30 oz)
Directional polar
Patterns Cardioid (See Figure 4) Omnidirectional (See Figure 6) Bidirectional (See Figure 8)
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* 2500
Ωload
(Attenuator on) 132 (149) dB 138 (151) dB 137 (150) dB
1000 Ωload 127 (144) dB 132 (145) dB 131 (144) dB
Output Clipping
Level*
2500 Ωload 7 dBV 7 dBV 7 dBV
1000 Ωload 1 dBV 1 dBV 1 dBV
Dynamic Range
2500 Ωload 125 dB 128 dB 127 dB
1000 Ωload 120 dB 122 dB 121 dB
Signal to Noise ratio 87 dB 84 dB 84 dB
*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.

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CARDIOID RESPONSE GRAPHS
FIGURE 3. TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE
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+10
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dB
15 cm.
60 cm.
FIGURE 4. TYPICAL POLAR PATTERNS
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–20 dB
+5 dB
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–20 dB
+5 dB
OMNIDIRECTIONAL RESPONSE GRAPHS
FIGURE 5. TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE
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60 cm.

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FIGURE 6. TYPICAL POLAR PATTERNS
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250 1000
500 2500
5000 10000
15000
30o
60o
90o
150o
120o
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180o
30o
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BIDIRECTIONAL RESPONSE GRAPHS
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20 200001000 1000050 100 98765432 98765432
+10
0
–10
Hz
dB
15 cm.
60 cm.
FIGURE 8. TYPICAL POLAR PATTERNS
125
250 1000
500 2500
5000 10000
15000
150o
120o
150o
120o
180o
30o
60o
90o
30o
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–20 dB
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CERTIFICATION
Tested to comply with FCC standards. For home or office use. This product
complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Shure
Incorporated could void your authority to operate this equipment.
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.

27B3122 (BD)
E2002, Shure Incorporated Printed in U.S.A.
User Guide
Le Guide de l’Utilisateur
Bedienungsanleitung
Guía del Usuario
Guida dell’Utente
Trademark Notices: The circular S logo, the stylized Shure logo, and the word
“Shure” 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 jurisdictions.
Patent Notice: Patent Des. 447,131