KSM Microphones

Premium microphones with refined and sophisticated components that capture the world's most accomplished studio and live performances.

Discontinued
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User Guide (English)
Brochure
Cardioid Polar Pattern
Picks up the most sound in front of the microphone and some from the sides. Less susceptible to feedback in high volume environments.
Bidirectional Polar Pattern
Picks up sound equally from the front and back of the microphone.
OmniDirectional Polar Pattern
Equally sensitive to sound from all directions, but cannot be "aimed" to isolate one area.
Tailored Frequency Response
Smooth, extended response. Tuned to accentuate specific types of instruments, or voices.

KSM44Large Dual-Diaphragm Microphone

Shure
Condenser
Lightweight, sensitive diaphragm. Precisely and smoothly captures sound nuances. Powered by battery or phantom power supply.
Recommended Uses
Side-Address
Studio Vocals
Studio Ensemble
Orchestra/Strings
Woodwinds
Brass/Saxophone
Acoustic Guitar
Acoustic Bass
Guitar Amp
Piano/Organ
Cymbals
Percussion
Podcast/Voiceover

Note: KSM44 has been discontinued. Please see KSM44A.

The KSM44/SL is a multiple pattern (cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional), externally biased, dual large diaphragm condenser microphone with extremely low self-noise (7dB). Developed to meet the needs of studio recording musicians, the warm, rich sound of the KSM44 delivers exceptional performance, tailored to deliver vivid reproduction of voice for the most critical recordings. The KSM44 also offers great flexibility in a variety of recording applications, working well on acoustic and amplified instruments, as its capacity for managing high SPLs accommodates loud sound sources such as drums and guitar amplifiers.

 

  • Dual 1-inch, externally biased, ultra-thin, 2.5 micron, 24-karat gold-layered, low mass, Mylar® diaphragms provide superior transient response
  • Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast transient response, no crossover distortion; minimizes harmonic and intermodulation distortions
  • Full-range frequency response (20 Hz - 20 KHz) for an extremely accurate reproduction of voice and instruments
  • Extremely low self noise (7 dBA) for critical studio vocal recording
  • Premium electronic components and gold-plated internal and external connectors
  • Subsonic filter eliminates rumble from mechanical vibration below 17 Hz
  • 15 dB attenuation switch for handling high input SPL sound sources
  • 3-position switchable low-frequency filter virtually eliminates unwanted background noise
  • Durable zinc die-cast housing and hardened low carbon steel grille to protect cartridge from accidental drops
  • Uniform polar response provides natural off-axis response for critical recording
  • Integrated three-stage pop protection grille to guard against wind and breath noise
  • Internal shock mount to reduce unwanted handling and stand noise
  • Replacement cartridge: RPM130
  • Extended frequency response
  • Very low self-noise
  • Exceptional low-frequency reproduction
  • High output level
  • High input SPL capability
  • No cross-over distortion
  • Extremely uniform polar response
  • Superior common mode rejection and suppression of radio frequency interference 


Applications
 

The KSM44/SL is designed as a premium vocal microphone for studio recording. Microphone use, however, is a matter of personal taste. Here is a non-exhaustive list of common applications: 

  • Vocals -- solo, background, voice-over
  • 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 ambiance pick-up -- guitar amplifier or drums 


Both the acoustic environment and microphone placement have significant effects on the sound obtained when miking any sound source. We encourage users to experiment with these variables to achieve the best overall sound.

Cartridge Type
Externally biased condenser
Frequency Response
20 to 20,000 Hz
Response Curve Image Small KSM44 View Larger
Output Impedance
150 ohms (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 (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 PatternsCardioidOmnidirectionalBidirectional
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 dB10 dB10 dB
Maximum SPL @ 1000 Hz 
2500 ohm load (Attenuator on)132 (149) dB138 (151) dB137 (150) dB
1000 ohm load (Attenuator on)127 (144) dB132 (145) dB131 (144) dB
Output Clipping Level* 
2500 ohm load7 dBV7 dBV7 dBV
1000 ohm load1 dBV1 dBV1 dBV
Dynamic Range 
2500 .ohm load125 dB128 dB127 dB
1000 ohm load120 dB122 dB121 dB
Signal to Noise ratio**87 dB84 dB84 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.
**S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise A-weighted.
Name Availability

A32WS Microphone Windscreen

Reduces unwanted breath and wind noise. For use with Shure KSM27, KSM32 and KSM44 microphones. Available in black.

Available Online

A44SM Elastic-Suspension Shock Mount

Elastic suspension shock mount for use with Shure KSM44 microphones.

Available Online

RPM130 Cartridge for KSM44

Cartridge for KSM44 Microphone.

Where To Buy

A44VB Velveteen Pouch

Velveteen Pouch for KSM44 Microphone.

Where To Buy

PS-6 Popper Stopper Windscreen

Attenuates unwanted breath noise and plosives and can be clamped onto most stands.

Available Online

A44M Swivel Microphone Mount

Securely mounts Shure side-address, large diaphragm microphones to standard microphone stands. For use with Shure KSM44 microphones. Available in champagne.

Available Online

A32ZB Zippered Microphone Carrying Bag

Padded zippered carrying bag for Shure KSM32 or KSM44 microphones.

Available Online

A44SC Aluminum Carrying Case

Aluminum Carrying Case for KSM44 Microphone.

Where To Buy
User Guides Language File Size
KSM44 User Guide English 713 (kb)
KSM44 User Guide French 718 (kb)
KSM44 User Guide German 698 (kb)
KSM44 User Guide Italian 712 (kb)
KSM44 User Guide Japanese 989 (kb)