Shure KSM44A/SL User's Guide

User Guide

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KSM44A

www.shure.com
© 2010 Shure Incorporated
27A14307 (Rev. 2)

N108

用户指南

Printed in U.S.A.

SHURE INCORPORATED

KSM44A

Multiple Polar Pattern Condenser Microphone

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.

3

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.

4

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

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)

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 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.

5

Operation

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.

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-to­XLR 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 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.

6

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 low­frequency room noise from heating and air condition-

+5

0

dB

–10

ing 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

Flat Response
Low Frequency Cutoff
Low Frequency Rolloff

Hz

98765432

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.

7

SPECIFICATIONS

Cartridge Type

Polar Pattern

Frequency Response

Output Impedance

Attenuator Switch

Low-Frequency Filter Switch

Power Requirements

Common Mode Rejection (10 to 100,000 Hz)

Polarity

Net Weight

Connector

Dual-Diaphragm, Externally-Biased Condenser

Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional

20 to 20,000 Hz

50Ω

15 dB

Flat, –6 dB/octave below 115 Hz, or –18 dB/octave below 80 Hz

11–52 V DC phantom power (IEC 61938)

5.8 mA, maximum

>50 dB

Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with
respect to pin 3

492 g (17.4 oz.)

Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male, balanced

Cardioid Omnidirectional Bidirectional

Sensitivity (open circuit
voltage, @ 1 kHz, typical)

Self Noise (equivalent SPL,
A-weighted, typical)

Preamplifier Distortion (at 1
kHz, 94 dB SPL)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio**

Clipping
Level (20 Hz
to 20 kHz, 1%
THD)

Dynamic Range
(@ 1 kHz)

Maximum SPL (1 kHz at
1% THD)*

*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

2500Ω

load

1000Ω

load

2500Ω

load

1000Ω

load

2500Ω

load

1000Ω

load

–31 dBV/Pa† (29.8 mV) –37 dBV/Pa† (14.8 mV) –36 dBV/Pa† (16.8 mV)

4 dB SPL-A 6 dB SPL-A 7.5 dB SPL-A

<0.001%*

90 dB 88 dB 86.5 dB

9 dBV

6 dBV

130 dB 134 dB 131 dB

127 dB 131 dB 128 dB

PAD OFF PAD ON PAD OFF PAD ON PAD OFF PAD ON

134 dB SPL 150 dB SPL 140 dB SPL 152 dB SPL 139 dB SPL 151 dB SPL

131 dB SPL 147 dB SPL 137 dB SPL 149 dB SPL 136 dB SPL 148 dB SPL

8

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

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 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]

A42PF

A42SM

9

20

15

10

5

0

-5

dB

-10

-15

-20

-25

-30
20 100 1k 10k 20k

20

15

10

5

0

-5

dB

-10

-15

-20

-25

-30
20 100 1k 10k 20k

20

15

10

5

0

-5

dB

-10

-15

-20

-25

-30
20 100 1k 10k 20k

TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE

COURBE DE REPONSE TYPIQUE

TYPISCHES FREQUENZVERHALTEN

RESPUESTA DE FRECUENCIA TIPICA

TIPICA RISPOSTA IN FREQUENZA

周波数特性

Hz

61 cm (2 ft.)

Hz

61 cm (2 ft.)

Hz

61 cm (2 ft.)

180°

150°

120°

90°

60°

150°

120°

90°

60°

30°

120°

90°

60°

PATRONES DE CAPTACION POLAR TIPICOS

150°

120°

–20 dB
–15 dB

–10 dB

–5 dB

30°

+5 dB

250 Hz
500 Hz

1000 Hz 100 00 Hz

180°

90°

60°

30°

150°

120°

–20 dB
–15 dB

–10 dB

–5 dB

+5 dB

250 Hz
500 Hz

1000 Hz 100 00 Hz

150°

–20 dB
–15 dB

–10 dB

30°

250 Hz
500 Hz

1000 Hz 10000 H z

COURBE DE DIRECTIVITE TYPIQUES

TYPISCHE POLARCHARAKTERISTIK

90°

60°

30°

180°

150°

120°

90°

60°

–5 dB

30°

+5 dB

TYPICAL POLAR PATTERNS

TIPICI DIAGRAMMI POLARI

指向特性

150°

120°

90°

60°

30°

2500 Hz
6400 Hz

150°

120°

90°

60°

30°

2500 Hz
6400 Hz

150°

120°

90°

60°

30°

2500 Hz
6400 Hz

–20 dB
–15 dB

–10 dB

+5 dB

180°

–20 dB
–15 dB

–10 dB

–5 dB

+5 dB

–20 dB
–15 dB

–10 dB

+5 dB

180°

–5 dB

180°

–5 dB

150°

120°

90°

60°

30°

150°

120°

90°

60°

30°

150°

120°

90°

60°

30°

OVERALL DIMENSIONS – DIMENSIONS

GESAMTABMESSUNGEN – DIMENSIONES

TOTALES–DIMENSIONITOTALI–寸法

HORS TOUT

10

187 mm

(7.37 IN.)

55.9 mm

(2.20 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

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]