Shure KSM9/CG User Manual

OVERVIEW

KSM9

The Shure KSM9 is a dual-pattern (cardioid and supercardioid)
handheld condenser microphone. Designed expressly for live
vocal performance applications, the KSM9 removes the boundary
between the studio and stage, offering the finest and clearest
performance on modern high-end touring systems. The large dual
diaphragm provides consistent polar response across the entire
frequency range, for higher gain-before-feedback and minimal
proximity effect for clear vocal reproduction.

FEATURES

• Dual 3/4” gold layered, low mass Mylar® diaphragms provide su­perior frequency response.

• Dual polar patterns (cardioid and supercardioid) for maximum
flexibility in a wide variety of performance applications.

• Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier provides transpar­ent, extremely fast transient response with no crossover distor­tion and minimal harmonic and intermodulation distortion.

• Advanced suspension shock mount system that isolates car­tridge from handling and stand noise.

• Premium electronic components, including gold-plated internal
and external connectors.

• Three-stage grille reduces “pop” and breath noise

Model KSM9™ Condenser Microphone

Specification Sheet

MODEL VARIATIONS

Wired Models Description

KSM9/SL Dual-Pattern (Cardioid/Supercardioid)

KSM9/CG Dual-Pattern (Cardioid/Supercardioid)

SPECIFICATIONS

Cartridge Type Condenser (Electret Biased)

Frequency Response 50 to 20,000 Hz

Output Impedance 150 Ω (actual)

Phantom Power

Current Drain 5.2 mA typical at 48 Vdc

Common Mode Rejection >60 dB, 50 Hz to 20 kHz

Polarity Positive pressure on front diaphragm

Directional Polar Patterns Cardioid

Sensitivity

(typical; at 1000 Hz;

1 Pa = 94 dB SPL)

Self-noise

(typical, equivalent SPL;

A-weighted, IEC 651)

Maximum SPL @ 1000 Hz

2500 Ω load
1000 Ω load

Output Clipping Level*

2500 Ω load
1000 Ω load

Dynamic Range

2500 Ω load
1000 Ω load

Signal to Noise ratio** 72 dB

Dimensions and Weight

*100 Hz to 20 kHz;THD < 1%.
**S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise

A-weighted.

Handheld Vocal Microphone, Champagne

Handheld Vocal Microphone, Charcoal Gray

(See Figures 1, 3)

48 Vdc ± 4 Vdc (IEC-268-15/DIN 45

596), positive pins 2 and 3

produces positive voltage on output pin

(See Figure 2)

49 mm (1 15/16 in.) maximum body

diameter, 191 mm (7.5 in.) long; 300

2 relative to pin 3

Supercardioid

(See Figure 4)

-51 dBV/Pa

22 dB

152 dB
152 dB

6.7 dBV

6.0 dBV

130 dB
130 dB

grams (10.6 oz). See Figure 6.

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

• Smooth, pronounced high end response

• Upper mid-range sounds accurate and articulate without
sounding harsh

• Reduced proximity effect

• Focused low end response

©2006, Shure Incorporated

TL1068 (Rev. 1)

Printed in U.S.A.

CARDIOID RESPONSE GRAPHS

KSM9

KSM9 POLAR PATTERN SWITCH

FIGURE 5

FIGURE 1

TYPICAL CARDIOID FREQUENCY RESPONSE

180°

150°

120°

90°

60°

30°

–20 dB

–15 dB

–10 dB

–5 dB

150°

120°

120°

90°

90°

60°

30°

0

250 Hz

500 Hz

1000 Hz

180°

150°

–20 dB

–15 dB

60°

–10 dB

–5 dB

30°

0

2500 Hz

6400 Hz

10000 Hz

FIGURE 2

TYPICAL CARDIOID POLAR PATTERN

SUPERCARDIOID RESPONSE GRAPHS

Cardioid. Is most sensitive to sounds directly in front of the

microphone and is least sensitive to those in back. Cardioid is the
most commonly used pattern in live sound applications. Its slightly
wider pick-up pattern is more forgiving at picking up off-axis sound.
See Figure 2.

150°

120°

90°

60°

30°

Supercardioid. The narrower pattern provides greater rejec­tion of off-axis sound and maximun gain before feedback. The su­percardioid pattern is ideal for use in loud environments or
applications in which sound sources are very close to each other.
See Figure 4.

Phantom Power

The KSM9 requires phantom power and performs optimally with
a 48 Vdc supply (IEC-268-15/DIN 45 596). However, it will operate
with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity with power sup­plies as low as 11 Vdc.

Connector

Three-pin (XLR) professional audio

Case

Aluminum die cast construction with painted champagne or cha-

coal finish, and hardened steel mesh grille with painted finish.

Dimensions

1.918 in.
49 mm

7.5 in.
191 mm

OVERALL DIMENSIONS

FIGURE 6

CERTIFICATION

FIGURE 3

TYPICAL SUPERCARDIOID FREQUENCY RESPONSE

180°

180°

150°

150°

120°

120°

90°

90°

60°

60°

30°

30°

–20 dB

–20 dB

–15 dB

–15 dB

–10 dB

–10 dB

–5 dB

–5 dB

150°

150°

120°

120°

120°

120°

90°

90°

90°

90°

60°

60°

30°

30°

0

0

250 Hz

250 Hz

500 Hz

500 Hz

1000 Hz

1000 Hz

180°

180°

150°

150°

60°

60°

30°

30°

–20 dB

–20 dB

–15 dB

–15 dB

–10 dB

–10 dB

–5 dB

–5 dB

150°

150°

120°

120°

90°

90°

60°

60°

30°

30°

0

0

2500 Hz

2500 Hz

6400 Hz

6400 Hz

10000 Hz

10000 Hz

FIGURE 4

TYPICAL SUPERCARDIOID POLAR PATTERN

Eligible to bear CE Marking; Conforms to European EMC directive
89/336/EEC. Meets applicable tests and performance criteria
found in European Professional Audio Products EMC Standard EN
55103 (1996); Part 1 (emissions) and part 2 (immunity). The KSM9
is intended for use in environments E1 (residential) and E2 (Light
Industrial) as defined in European standard EN 55103. EMC con­formance is based on the use of shielded interconnecting cable.

2

FURNISHED ACCESSORIES

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

Aluminum Carrying Case for KSM9 .................................. A9SC

Stand Adapter ....................................................................A25E

REPLACEMENT PARTS

KSM9 Grille, Champagne ............................................RPM260

KSM9 Grille, Charcoal...................................................RPM262

Cartridge for KSM9 .......................................................RPM160

KSM9 Switch Circuit Board Assembly ..........................RPM462

KSM9 Preamp Circuit Board Assembly ........................RPM460

Foam Windscreen .......................................................... A85WS

SERVICE

For additional microphone service or parts information, please
contact the Shure Service Department at 1-800-516-2525.
Outside the United States, please contact your Authorized
ShureService Center.

ARCHITECT’S SPECIFICATIONS:

The microphone shall be a condenser (Electrect Biased) type with a frequency response of 50 to 20,000 Hz. The unit shall have a
switchable cardioid and supercardioid polar characteristics.
The cancellation at the sides of the cardioid pattern shall be approximately 6 dB and the cancellation at 180° (null) should be approximately
18 dB. The cancellation at the sides of the supercardioid pattern shall be approximately 9 dB. The cancellation at 125° (null) shall be
approximately 12 dB.
The microphone shall be low impedance with a rated impedance of 150 ohms for connection to microphone inputs rated at 19 to 300
ohms. The microphone input shall be –51 dB where 0 dB = 1 milliwat per Pascal.
The microphone shall be equipped with a stand adapter, suitable for mounting on a stand with a 5/8 in–27 thread.
The overall dimensions shall be 191 mm (7.5 in.) in height, and 49 mm (1 15/16 in.) Diameter. The weight of the microphone shall be
300 g (10.6 oz.).
The microphone shall be the Shure Model KSM9 or equivalent.

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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]
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Shure Europe GmbH, Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
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Shure Asia Limited, Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]