Shure KSM44A User manual

KSM44A
N108
User Guide
Le Guide de l’Utilisateur
Bedienungsanleitung
Guía del Usuario
Guida dell’Utente
ユーザーガイド
Printed in U.S.A.
www.shure.com
© 2010 Shure Incorporated
27A14307 (Rev. 2)
Руководство
пользователя
取扱説明書
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用户指南

3
Multiple Polar Pattern Condenser Microphone
KSM44A
Thank you for selecting the KSM44A.
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 49-7131-72140.
Our web address is www.shure.com.
SHURE INCORPORATED

4
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 an 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.

5
Performance Characteristics
• Extended frequency response
• Low self-noise
• Exceptional low-frequency reproduction
• Can withstand high sound pressure levels (SPLs)
• High output level
• No crossover distortion
• Uniform polar response
• 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
• Prethos™ Advanced Preamplifier Technology exhibits extremely low self-noise with superior
dynamic range, transient response and ultra-low distortion for transparent recording
• 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.
• Voice-solo, background, voice-over or broadcasting
• Acoustic instruments such as piano, guitar, drums, percussion, strings
• Wind instruments-brass and woodwind
• Low-frequency instruments such as double bass, electric bass, kick drum
• Overhead miking-drums or percussion
• Ensembles-choral or orchestral
• Room ambience pick-up-guitar amplifier or drums
Acoustic environments and microphone placements strongly affect the sound obtained from mik-
ing 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.

6
Suspension Mount
Use the supplied ShureLock®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.
Operation
Power Requirements
This microphone requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 Vdc 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 ,
towards the desired sound source.
Selecting a Polar Pattern
The three position switch on the front of the microphone sets the polar response pattern. This
changes the microphone’s sensitivity to sounds coming from different angles.
Cardioid. Picks up sounds 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 loud-
speakers. Turn down any loudspeakers or mute the microphone at the mixing console before using
the switch.

20 100050 100
98765432
+5
0
–10
Hz
dB
Flat Response
Low Frequency Cutoff
Low Frequency Rolloff
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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-
frequency room noise from heating and air condition-
ing systems. This setting may also be used to com-
pensate for proximity effect or to reduce low frequen-
cies 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.
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.
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.

8
SPECIFICATIONS
Cartridge Type Dual-Diaphragm, Externally-Biased Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional
Frequency Response 20 to 20,000 Hz
Output Impedance 50Ω
Attenuator Switch 15 dB
Low-Frequency Filter Switch Flat, –6 dB/octave below 115 Hz, or –18 dB/octave below 80 Hz
Power Requirements 11–52 V DC phantom power (IEC 61938)
5.8 mA, maximum
Common Mode Rejection (10 to 100,000 Hz) >50 dB
Polarity Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with
respect to pin 3
Net Weight 492 g (17.4 oz.)
Connector Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male, balanced
Cardioid Omnidirectional Bidirectional
Sensitivity (open circuit
voltage, @ 1 kHz, typical) –31 dBV/Pa†(29.8 mV) –37 dBV/Pa†(14.8 mV) –36 dBV/Pa†(16.8 mV)
Self Noise (equivalent SPL,
A-weighted, typical) 4 dB SPL-A 6 dB SPL-A 7.5 dB SPL-A
Preamplifier Distortion (at 1
kHz, 94 dB SPL) <0.001%*
Signal-to-Noise Ratio** 90 dB 88 dB 86.5 dB
Clipping
Level (20 Hz
to 20 kHz, 1%
THD)
2500Ω
load 9 dBV
1000Ω
load 6 dBV
Dynamic Range
(@ 1 kHz)
2500Ω
load 130 dB 134 dB 131 dB
1000Ω
load 127 dB 131 dB 128 dB
Maximum SPL (1 kHz at
1% THD)* PAD OFF PAD ON PAD OFF PAD ON PAD OFF PAD ON
2500Ω
load 134 dB SPL 150 dB SPL 140 dB SPL 152 dB SPL 139 dB SPL 151 dB SPL
1000Ω
load 131 dB SPL 147 dB SPL 137 dB SPL 149 dB SPL 136 dB SPL 148 dB SPL
*THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal level is equivalent to cartridge output at specified SPL
**S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self noise, A-weighted
† 1 Pa=94 dB SPL

9
ACCESSORIES AND PARTS
Furnished Accessories
ShureLock®Cristal Elastic Shock Mount A44ASM
ShureLock®Cristal Swivel Adapter A44AM
Aluminum Carrying Case A44ASC
Protective Velveteen Pouch A44AVB
Suspension Shock Mount Elastic Cord, Cristal (contains two) RK383
Optional Accessories
Windscreen A32WS
Padded, Zippered Carrying Bag A32ZB
Popper Stopper™PS-6
Popper Stopper™Magnetic Pop Filter &
ShureLock®Rubber Suspension Shock Mount
A42PF
A42SM
Replacement Parts
Suspension Shock Mount Elastic Cord, Cristal (contains two) RK383
CERTIFICATION
Eligible to bear CE Marking. Conforms to European EMC Directive 2004/108/EC.
Meets Harmonized Standards EN55103-1:1996 and EN55103-2:1996, for residen-
tial (E1) and light industrial (E2) environments.
The Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from:
Authorized European representative:
Shure Europe GmbH
Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa
Department: EMEA Approval
Wannenacker Str. 28
D-74078 Heilbronn, Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

10
TYPICAL POLAR PATTERNS
COURBE DE DIRECTIVITE TYPIQUES
TYPISCHE POLARCHARAKTERISTIK
PATRONES DE CAPTACION POLAR TIPICOS
TIPICI DIAGRAMMI POLARI
指向特性
TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE
COURBE DE REPONSE TYPIQUE
TYPISCHES FREQUENZVERHALTEN
RESPUESTA DE FRECUENCIA TIPICA
TIPICA RISPOSTA IN FREQUENZA
周波数特性
20
15
10
5
0
-30
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-15
-10
-5
dB
Hz
20 100 1k 10k 20k
Bi-directional
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15
10
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0
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
dB
Hz
20 100 1k 10k 20k
Cardioid
20
15
10
5
0
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
dB
Hz
20 100 1k 10k 20k
Omnidirectional
18 0°
15 0°
12 0°
90 °
60 °
30 °
15 0°
12 0°
90°
60°
30°
–2 0 dB
–1 5 dB
–1 0 dB
–5 dB
+5 dB
18 0°
15 0°
12 0°
90 °
60 °
30 °
15 0°
12 0°
90 °
60 °
30 °
–2 0 dB
–1 5 dB
–1 0 dB
–5 dB
+5 dB
25 0 Hz
50 0 Hz
10 00 H z 10000 H z
64 00 H z
25 00 H z
18 0°
15 0°
12 0°
90 °
60 °
30 °
15 0°
12 0°
90°
60°
30°
–2 0 dB
–1 5 dB
–1 0 dB
–5 dB
+5 dB
18 0°
15 0°
12 0°
90 °
60 °
30 °
15 0°
12 0°
90 °
60 °
30 °
–2 0 dB
–1 5 dB
–1 0 dB
–5 dB
+5 dB
25 0 Hz
50 0 Hz
10 00 H z 10000 H z
64 00 H z
25 00 H z
18 0°
15 0°
12 0°
90 °
60 °
30 °
15 0°
12 0°
90°
60°
30°
–2 0 dB
–1 5 dB
–1 0 dB
–5 dB
+5 dB
18 0°
15 0°
12 0°
90 °
60 °
30 °
15 0°
12 0°
90 °
60 °
30 °
–2 0 dB
–1 5 dB
–1 0 dB
–5 dB
+5 dB
25 0 Hz
50 0 Hz
10 00 H z 10 000 Hz
64 00 H z
25 00 H z
61 cm (2 ft.)
61 cm (2 ft.)
61 cm (2 ft.)
OVERALL DIMENSIONS – DIMENSIONS
HORS TOUT
GESAMTABMESSUNGEN – DIMENSIONES
TOTALES–DIMENSIONITOTALI–寸法
55.9 mm
(2.20 IN.)
187 mm
(7.37 IN.)

SHURE Incorporated http://www.shure.com
United States, Canada, Latin America,
Caribbean:
5800 W. Touhy Avenue, Niles, IL 60714-4608,
U.S.A.
Phone: [phone]
U.S. Fax: [phone]
Intl Fax: [phone]
Europe, Middle East, Africa:
Shure Europe GmbH, Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Asia, Pacific:
Shure Asia Limited, Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
SHURE Incorporated http://www.shure.com
États-Unis, Canada, Amérique latine,
Caraïbes:
5800 W. Touhy Avenue, Niles, IL 60714-4608,
U.S.A.
Téléphone : 847-600-2000
Télécopie aux États-Unis : 847-600-1212
Télécopie internationale : 847-600-6446
Europe, Moyen-Orient, Afrique:
Shure Europe GmbH, Téléphone :
49-7131-72140
Télécopie : 49-7131-721414
Asie, Pacifique:
Shure Asia Limited, Téléphone :
852-2893-4290
Télécopie : 852-2893-4055
SHURE Incorporated http://www.shure.com
Estados Unidos, Canadá, Latinoamérica,
Caribe:
5800 W. Touhy Avenue, Niles, IL 60714-4608,
EE.UU.
Teléfono: 847-600-2000 (dentro de los
EE.UU.)
Fax: [phone]
Fax internacional: 847-600-6446
Europa, Medio Oriente, Africa:
Shure Europe GmbH, teléfono: 49-7131-72140
Fax: [phone]
Asia, Pacífico:
Shure Asia Limited, teléfono: 852-2893-4290
Fax: [phone]
SHURE Incorporated http://www.shure.com
Stati Uniti, Canada, America latina, Caraibi:
5800 W. Touhy Avenue, Niles, IL 60714-4608,
U.S.A.
Numero telefonico: 847-600-2000
Fax U.S.A.: 847-600-1212
Fax internazionale: 847-600-6446
Europa, Medio Oriente, Africa:
Shure Europe GmbH, numero telefonico:
49-7131-72140
Fax: [phone]
Asia, Pacifico:
Shure Asia Limited, numero telefonico:
852-2893-4290
Fax: [phone]
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