Shure KSM44A User manual

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 Shure®KSM44A is a premium, large-diaphragm, side-address condenser
microphone with multiple polar pattern options (cardioid, omnidirectional,
bidirectional). The refined and sophisticated design of the KSM44A features
externally biased, dual 1-inch diaphragms, extensive internal pop filtering
and Prethos®advanced preamplifier technology for a ground-breaking
threshold minimum of self-noise. The KSM44A is the premier choice for the
highest level of professional studio and stage performance.
Features
• Multiple polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional and bidirectional) for
maximum flexibility in a wide variety of recording applications
• Dual 1 inch, externally biased, ultra-thin, 2.5 μm, 24 Karat gold-layered,
low mass, Mylar® diaphragms provide superior frequency response
•Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely
fast transient response and no crossover distortion. Minimizes harmonic
and intermodulation distortions
• Premium electronic components and gold-plated internal and external
connectors
• Subsonic filter eliminates rumble from mechanical vibration below 17 Hz
• Switchable 15 dB pad for handling extremely high sound pressure levels
(SPLs)
• 3-position switchable low-frequency filter helps reduce unwanted back-
ground noise or counteract proximity effect
• Integrated three-stage "pop" protection grille reduces plosives and other
breath noise
• Internal shock mount reduces handling and stand noise
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)
Applications
The KSM44A provides superior results in any application requiring a high
quality microphone. Some typical applications are listed below.
• Vocals (studio or live)
• Acoustic instruments such as piano, guitar, drums, percussion, strings
• Brass and woodwind instruments
•Low-frequency instruments such as double bass, electric bass, kick drum
• Overhead miking for drums or percussion
• Choral or orchestral ensembles
• Room ambience or stereo miking
Acoustic environments and microphone placements strongly affect the sound
obtained from miking a source, especially with a high-resolution microphone
like the KSM44A. You may need to experiment with placement, room treat-
ments, and polar pattern to achieve the best overall sound for each applica-
tion.
Operation
1/5©2017 Shure Incorporated
KSM44A
Multi-Pattern Dual Diaphragm Microphone

Suspension Mount
Use the supplied ShureLock®rubber suspension mount to secure the micro-
phone to a floor or boom stand.
Important:Thread the knurled locking ring securely to the base of the micro-
phone. Do not overtighten.
Power Requirements
This microphone requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 V DC
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.
Positioning
Position the front of the microphone, with SHURE®, towards the desired
sound source. Position the rear of the microphone, with the vintage circle S
logo, towards any unwanted sound sources.
Selecting a Polar Pattern
The three position switch on the front of the microphone sets the polar re-
sponse pattern. This changes the microphone's sensitivity to sounds coming
from different angles.
Cardioid. Picks up sound directly in front of the microphone and is least
sensitive to those in back. This is most commonly used in studio recording
and live-sound applications.
Omnidirectional. Picks up sounds from all directions. Best for picking up
room ambience and for miking several sources simultaneously, such as an
ensemble or multiple singers. The omnidirectional polar pattern exhibits no
proximity effect.
Bidirectional. Picks up equally from the front and back of the microphone
while rejecting sounds from the sides. Often used for stereo recording (such
as mid-side and Blumlein techniques).
Note: As with all bidirectional microphones, sounds picked up from the back
will be out of polarity with the source. Those from the front are in polarity with
the source.
CAUTION: The switch produces mechanical noise which, when amplified,
may damage the loudspeakers. Turn down any loudspeakers or mute the
microphone at the mixing console before using the switch.
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.
20 100050 100
98765432
+5
0
–10
Hz
dB
Flat Response
Low Frequency Cuto
Low Frequency Rollo
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.
-15 dB For use with 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 micro-
phone. 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.
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Integral Pop Filter
The microphone grille consists of 3 separate mesh layers that act as an inte-
gral pop filter. This helps reduce wind and breath noise. Depending on the
performer, an external pop-protection screen or windscreen may be necessary
when close-miking vocalists.
Specifications
Cartridge Type
Dual-Diaphragm, Externally-Biased Condenser
Polar Pattern
selectable
Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional
Frequency Response
20 to 20,000 Hz
Output Impedance
50 Ω
Sensitivity
open circuit voltage, @ 1 kHz, typical
BidirectionalOmnidirectionalCardioid
–36 dBV/Pa[1] (16.8 mV)–37 dBV/Pa[1] (14.8 mV)–31 dBV/Pa[1] (29.8 mV)
Maximum SPL
1 kHz at 1% THD[2]
BidirectionalOmnidirectionalCardioid
139 dB151 dB140 dB152 dB134 dB150 dB2500 Ω load
PAD OFF
136 dB148 dB137 dB149 dB131 dB147 dB1000 Ω load
139 dB151 dB140 dB152 dB134 dB150 dB2500 Ω load
PAD ON
136 dB148 dB137 dB149 dB131 dB147 dB1000 Ω load
Signal-to-Noise Ratio[3]
BidirectionalOmnidirectionalCardioid
86.5 dB88 dB90 dB
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Dynamic Range
@ 1 kHz
BidirectionalOmnidirectionalCardioid
131 dB134 dB130 dB2500 Ω load
128 dB131 dB127 dB1000 Ω load
Clipping Level
20 Hz to 20 kHz, 1% THD
9 dBV2500 Ω load
6 dBV1000 Ω load
Self Noise
equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical
BidirectionalOmnidirectionalCardioid
7.5 dB SPL-A6 dB SPL-A4 dB SPL-A
Common Mode Rejection
10 to 100,000 kHz
≥50 dB
Attenuator Switch
-15 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) 5.8 mA, maximum
Net Weight
492 g (17.4 oz.)
0123
0[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL
1[2]THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal level is equivalent to cartridge output at specified SPL
2[3]S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self noise, A-weighted
3[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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ACCESSORIES AND PARTS
Furnished Accessories
A44ASM
ShureLock®Cristal Elastic Shock Mount
A44AM
ShureLock®Cristal Swivel Adapter
AK44CCarrying Case
A44AVBProtective Velveteen Pouch
RK383
Suspension Shock Mount Elastic Cord, Cristal (contains
two)
Optional Accessories
A32WSWindscreen
A32ZBPadded, Zippered Carrying Bag
PS-6
Popper StopperTM
A42PF
A42SM
Popper StopperTM Magnetic Pop Filter
ShureLock®Rubber Suspension Shock Mount
Certifications
This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European di-
rectives 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]
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: Pat. D447,131
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Shure Incorporated 5800 West Touhy Avenue Niles, IL 60714-4608 USA Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]