Shure KSM44A User manual

KSM44A
Printed in U.S.A.
www.shure.com
© 2016 Shure Incorporated
27A32158 (Rev. 1)
User Guide
Le Guide de l’Utilisateur
Guia del Usuario
Guida dell’Utente
Bedienungsanleitung
Руководство
пользователя
取扱説明書
사용자 안내서
用户指南
Manual do Usuário

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MULTIPLE POLAR PATTERN
CONDENSER MICROPHONE
Thank you for selecting the KSM series from Shure.
Over 85 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.
SHURE INCORPORATED

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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.

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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)
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 background 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
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 treatments, and polar pattern to achieve the best overall sound for each application.

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Use the supplied ShureLock® rubber suspension mount to secure the microphone to a floor or boom
stand.
Important: Thread the knurled locking ring securely to the base of the microphone. Do not overtighten.
Suspension Mount
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 response pattern. This chang-
es 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 om-
nidirectional polar pattern exhibits no proximity effect.
Bidirectional. Picks up equally from the front and back of the microphone while reject-
ing 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 loudspeak-
ers. Turn down any loudspeakers or mute the microphone at the mixing console before using the switch.
Operation

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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-fre-
quency room noise from heating and air conditioning sys-
tems. 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 roll-
off filter at 115 Hz. Use this to compensate for proximity ef-
fect or to reduce low frequencies that could make an instru-
ment sound dull or muddy.
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 microphone. 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.
Integral Pop Filter
The microphone grille consists of 3 separate mesh layers that
act as an integral 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.
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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
Cardioid Omnidirectional Bidirectional
–31 dBV/Pa[1] (29.8 mV) –37 dBV/Pa[1] (14.8 mV) –36 dBV/Pa[1] (16.8 mV)
Maximum SPL
1 kHz at 1% THD[2]
Cardioid Omnidirectional Bidirectional
PAD OFF 2500 Ω load 134 dB150 dB 140 dB152 dB 139 dB151 dB
1000 Ω load 131 dB147 dB 137 dB149 dB 136 dB148 dB
PAD ON 2500 Ω load 134 dB150 dB 140 dB152 dB 139 dB151 dB
1000 Ω load 131 dB147 dB 137 dB149 dB 136 dB148 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio[3]
Cardioid Omnidirectional Bidirectional
90 dB 88 dB 86.5 dB
Dynamic Range
@ 1 kHz
Cardioid Omnidirectional Bidirectional
2500 Ω load 130 dB 134 dB 131 dB
1000 Ω load 127 dB 131 dB 128 dB
Clipping Level
20 Hz to 20 kHz, 1% THD
2500 Ω load 9 dBV
1000 Ω load 6 dBV
Self Noise
equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical
Cardioid Omnidirectional Bidirectional
4 dB SPL-A 6 dB SPL-A 7.5 dB SPL-A

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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.)
[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL
[2]THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal level is equivalent to cartridge output at specified SPL
[3]S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self noise, A-weighted
[4]All specifications measured with a 48 Vdc phantom power supply. The microphone operates at lower voltages, but with
slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity.
ACCESSORIES AND PARTS
Furnished Accessories
ShureLock®Cristal Elastic Shock Mount A44ASM
ShureLock®Cristal Swivel Adapter A44AM
Carrying Case AK44C
Protective Velveteen Pouch A44AVB
Suspension Shock Mount Elastic Cord, Cristal
(contains two)
RK383
Optional Accessories
Windscreen A32WS
Padded, Zippered Carrying Bag A32ZB
Popper StopperTM PS-6
Popper StopperTM Magnetic Pop Filter
ShureLock®Rubber Suspension Shock Mount
A42PF
A42SM
Certifications
This product meets the Essential Requirements of
all relevant European directives and is eligible for
CE marking.
The CE Declaration of Conformity can be ob-
tained 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]

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61 cm (2 ft.)
61 cm (2 ft.)
61 cm (2 ft.)
55.9 mm
(2.20 IN.)
187 mm
(7.37 IN.)

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