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OVERVIEW
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.
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CARDIOID RESPONSE GRAPHS
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.
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