Shure KSM353 User Manual

KSM353

ROSWELLITE™

RIBBON MICROPHONE

USER GUIDE

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

N108

The KSM353 is a premium bidirectional ribbon microphone crafted
for pristine audio in studio and concert hall applications. Proprietary
Roswellite™ ribbon technology provides revolutionary ribbon
resilience and durability under extreme conditions.

These microphones are hand assembled in the U.S.A. from state­of-the art transducers, transformers and metals as the pinnacle of
Shure quality for prestigious vocal and acoustic performances.

Revolutionary Roswellite ribbon material replaces traditional foil
ribbons with high tensile strength, toughness and shape memory
that provides superior resilience at extreme SPLs.

FEATURES

Legendary Shure quality and superior construction from •
hand-assembly of machined steel, silver, gold and aluminum
components
Revolutionary Roswellite™ ribbon material replaces traditional foil •
ribbons with high tensile strength, toughness and shape memory
that provides superior resilience at extreme SPLs
30 – 15,000 Hz frequency response ideal for capturing fast •
transients in vocals, acoustic instruments and concert halls
Uniform bidirectional polar patter throughout the frequency range•
Custom ribbon motor assembly provides full low and mid ranges •
with superior upper presence from a rising response
Custom-wound double-shielded full-size transformer minimizes •
signal loss and maximizes ouput while reducing RF interference,
positioned perpendicular to ribbon for best magnetic flux rejection
Protective mahogany case included for storage•
Spring-loaded shock mount for flexible, fully-isolated stand •
mounting

©2009 Shure, Inc.
27A13256

Printed in U.S.A.

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

The KSM353, like all ribbon microphones, performs optimally with
the least amount of loading on the ribbon element as practical.
The higher the impedance input on the microphone, the better the
low-end and mid-range frequencies are represented in the output
signal. We recommend using preamps with impedance settings of
1000 Ohms or more.

The KSM353 is a low noise microphone. The combination of
its efficient transducer, robust shielding, and custom full-sized
transformer give the microphone a low noise floor and output level
equal to moving coil microphones. Certain ribbon designs have
weaker magnets and less shielding, and require additional gain for
optimum performance. This is not the case with the KSM353. Most
professional level preamplifiers with normal gain and high input
impedance are well suited for this microphone.

The KSM353 is quite natural sounding and does not require color­ation at the preamp stage for optimal performance. Preamps that
provide simple, transparent gain usually provide the best results.
However, you may prefer a more colored sound, and we encourage
you to experiment to find the right combination that suits your taste.

When addressing the rear side of the KSM353 please remember to
invert the signal polarity.*

*Shure’s A15PRS accessory is an in-line, balanced, polarity reversing switch
capable of this operation and is available online at: store.shure.com

PROXIMITY EFFECT

With directional microphones, bass response increases as the mic
is moved closer (within two feet) to the sound source.

This phenomenon, known as proximity effect, can be used to
create a warmer, more powerful sound. To prevent explosive low
frequency sound during close-up use, the KSM353 bass response
gradually rolls off. This provides greater control and helps the user
take advantage of proximity effect.

CARE AND HANDLING

To protect your microphone, keep a few simple precautions in mind
to ensure long term performance:

1. Store your microphone in its protective case when it is not in
use. Leaving the microphone lying around will expose the ribbon
element to dust and other airborne particles that can adhere to the
inner assembly and decrease performance. This advice stands for
all high quality studio microphones!

2. When setting up the KSM353, maintain a reasonable distance
from fluorescent lights, power transformers, and other strong
electromagnetic sources to avoid hum.

3. This is a full-sized microphone. Use a secure mount and stand
and a good quality balanced, shielded XLR connecting cable.

4. Phantom power is not necessary and should not be supplied
when connecting or disconnecting the microphone. However,
properly supplied phantom power will not harm the microphone.

SPECIFICATIONS

Transducer Type Roswellite™ Ribbon

Frequency Response 30Hz – 15,000Hz

Polar Pattern Bidirectional

Output Impedance Transformer,balanced,actual270Ω

Polarity Positive pressure on front side of ribbon

Sensitivity

(at 1 kHz, open circuit
voltage)

Dimensions & Weight Diameter: 4.83 cm (1.9 in)

produces positive voltage on pin 2

relative to pin 3, pin 1 ground

-53.5 dBV/Pa (2.11 mV/Pa)

Height: 15.75 cm (6.2 in)

Weight: 833g (1.84 lbs) w/shock mount

Weight: 633g (1.4 lbs)

Max SPL 146 dB

Connector Three pin professional

audio (XLR) male

SHOCK MOUNT FOR KSM353

KSM 353 Frequency Response

500 Hz

1000 Hz

4 kHz

8 kHz

2 kHz

KSM 353 Polar Pattern

Accessories and Parts

Furnished

Shock Mount A353M

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 residential (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: [e-mail]

Service

If you have any questions not answered in this booklet, please
contact Shure Applications Engineering at 847-600-8440,
Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 4:30 pm, CST. In
Europe, call 49-7131-72140.
Our web address is www.shure.com.

TRADEMARKS

Trademark Notices: Roswellite is a trademark and the circular S
logo, the stylized Shure logo, and the word, “Shure” are registered
trademarks of Shure Incorporated in the United States. These
marks may be registered in other jurisdictions.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Shure Incorporated (“Shure”) hereby warrants that this product will
be free in normal use of any defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of two years from the date of purchase. At its option
Shure will repair or replace the defective product and promptly
return it to you, or refund the purchase price. You should retain
proof of purchase to validate the purchase date and return it with
any warranty claim.

If you believe this product is defective within the warranty period,
carefully repack the unit, insure it and return it postage prepaid to
Shure Incorporated, Attention: Service Department, at the address
below.

Outside of the United States, return the product to your dealer
or Authorized Service Center.

This warranty does not apply in cases of abuse or misuse of the
product, use contrary to Shure’s instruction, ordinary wear and
tear, an act of God or unauthorized repair. All implied WARRAN­TIES OF MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE are hereby disclaimed and Shure hereby disclaims
liability for incidental, special, or consequential damages resulting
from the use or unavailability of this product.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied war­ranty lasts, or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequen­tial damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This

warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may have other

rights which vary from state to state.
This warranty does not restrict the rights of the consumer mandated
under applicable laws.

THIS WARRANTY SUPERSEDES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES THAT
ARE ASSOCIATED OR INCLUDED WITH THIS PRODUCT.

Shure Incorporated
Attention: Service Department
5800 W. Touhy Avenue
Niles, IL 60714-4608 U.S.A

www.shure.com

United States:

Shure Incorporated
5800 West Touhy Avenue
Niles, IL 60714-4608 USA

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

©2009 Shure Incorporated

Europe, Middle East, Africa:

Shure Europe GmbH
Wannenäckestr. 28,
74078 Heilbronn, Germany

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Asia, Pacific:

Shure Asia Limited
Unit 301, 3rd Floor
Citicorp Centre
18, Whitfield Road
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Canada, Latin America,
Caribbean:

Shure Incorporated
5800 West Touhy Avenue
Niles, IL 60714-4608 USA

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]