Shure KSM9 HS USER GUIDE

User Guide

Le Guide de l’Utilisateur

Bedienungsanleitung

Guia del Usuario

Guida dell’Utente

Manual do Usuário

Руководство пользователя

取扱説明書

사용자 안내서

KSM9HS

© 2016 Shure Incorporated
27A20316 (Rev. 2)

Printed in USA

用户指南

Panduan Pengguna

®

SHURE INCORPORATED

KSM9HS

Thank you for selecting the KSM series from Shure.

Over 85 years of audio experience has contributed to making this one of the finest

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 49-7262-92490.

In Asia, call 852-2893-4290. Our web address is www.shure.com.

microphones available.

1

General Description

Expanding on the success and innovation of the
KSM9, the KSM9HS offers a new set of polar
patterns (hypercardioid and subcardioid) to
provide the flexibility needed to achieve optimal
results in any environment. The hypercardioid
pattern delivers excellent gain before feedback
and a focused low-end frequency response,
while the subcardioid pattern produces an open,
natural sound and further reduces the proxim­ity effect. As a premium vocal microphone, the
KSM9HS captures vocal subtlety with extraor­dinary detail to deliver clear articulation, func­tional flexibility and precise vocal reproduction
for live performance. Transformerless, Class
A preamplifier circuitry and dual, gold-layered
diaphragms capture a transparent sound, re­vealing every nuance and subtlety in a vocal
performance. The KSM9HS uses an advanced
suspension shock mount to virtually eliminate
handling noise, even in the most demanding live
environments.

Performance Characteristics

• Extremely uniform polar response

• Extended frequency response

• Minimal self-noise

• Exceptional low-frequency reproduction

• Able to withstand high SPLs

• High output level

• No crossover distortion

• Superior common-mode rejection and
suppression of radio frequency interference
(RFI)

Model Variations

The KSM9 series consists of two models fea­turing unique, switchable polar patterns and a
variety of finishes.

KSM9HS: Features hypercardioid and subcar­dioid polar patterns with a black finish.

KSM9: Features cardioid and supercardioid
polar patterns with a charcoal-gray or cham­pagne finish.

Features

• Dual 3/4” gold layered, low-mass Mylar®
diaphragms provide superior frequency
response and proximity control

• Dual polar patterns (hypercardioid and
subcardioid) for maximum flexibility in a
wide variety of performance applications

• Class A, discrete, transformerless
preamplifier for transparency, extremely
fast transient response and no crossover
distortion, while minimizing harmonic and
inter-modulation distortion

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

• Subsonic filter eliminates rumble from
mechanical vibration below 17 Hz

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

• Integrated three-stage 'pop' protection grille
reduces plosives, wind, and other breath
noise

Applications

The KSM9HS captures and controls the de­tailed sonic nuances of critical studio perfor­mances, while withstanding the punishment of
professional live sound reinforcement.

The hypercardioid pick-up pattern provides
excellent off-axis rejection and extended gain
before feedback, making it an ideal choice in
loud environments.

The subcardioid pick-up pattern provides a
wide coverage angle with subtle off axis rejec­tion, resulting in a natural sound and minimized
proximity effect. The wide coverage angle
makes this pattern suitable for capturing mul­tiple sources at once.

2

Operation

Proximity Effect

Directional microphones progressively boost bass frequencies as the microphone is placed closer
to the source. This phenomenon, known as proximity effect, can be used to create a warmer, more
powerful sound. However, it usually requires the vocalist to maintain a consistent distance from the
microphone in order to avoid changing the low-frequency response.

The dual-diaphragm design of the KSM9HS helps to control and minimize proximity effect, resulting in
a more uniform low-frequency response. This allows the performer to move closer or further from the
microphone with minimal changes in sound quality.

Selecting a Polar Pattern

Hypercardioid: Use the hypercardioid setting to avoid feedback and

achieve maximum isolation in loud environments. This pickup pattern
is highly directional, with the greatest sensitivity occurring at the front
of the microphone and maximum off-axis rejection occurring at 110
degrees toward each side.

Subcardioid: Use the subcardioid setting to capture more room
characteristics and extract detail in quiet environments. This pickup
pattern is directional, but much wider than the hypercardioid setting.
The greatest sensitivity occurs at the front of the microphone, while
maximum rejection occurs at 180 degrees toward the rear of the
microphone.

Power Requirements

This microphone requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 V DC supply (IEC-61938),
but it can operate with supplies as low as 11 V DC. Most modern mixers provide phantom power and
require the use of a balanced microphone cable: XLR-to-XLR or XLR-to-TRS.

Load Impedance

Maximum SPL capability, output clipping level, and dynamic range vary with the input load imped­ance of the preamplifier to which the microphone is connected. Shure recommends a minimum input
load impedance of 1000 Ohms. 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.

3

Accessories and Parts Certifications

7.5 in.
191 mm

1.918 in.
49 mm

Hz

Meets essential requirements of all applicable

Furnished Accessories

Carrying Case AK9C

Microphone Clip A25E

Optional Accessories

Foam Windscreen A85WS

Replacement Parts

Grille, Black RPM264

KSM9HS Cartridge RPM162

Switch Circuit Board Assembly RPM462

Preamp Circuit Board Assembly RPM460

20

15

10

5

0

-5

dB

-10

-15

-20

20 100 1k 10k 20k

European Directives.

Eligible for CE marking.

The CE Declaration of Conformity can be
obtained from: www.shure.com/europe/
compliance

Authorized European representative:
Shure Europe GmbH
Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa
Department: EMEA Approval
Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12
75031 Eppingen, Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Hz

250 Hz
500 Hz

20

15

10

5

0

-5

dB

-10

-15

-20

20 100 1k 10k 20k

1000 Hz

250 Hz
500 Hz
1000 Hz

4

2500 Hz
6400 Hz
10000 Hz

2500 Hz
6400 Hz
10000 Hz

Specifications

Cartridge Type

Electret Condenser

Polar Pattern

Hypercardioid, Subcardioid (selectable)

Frequency Response

50 to 20,000 Hz

Output Impedance

145Ω

Sensitivity

open circuit voltage, @ 1 kHz, typical

Hypercardioid −50.5dBV/Pa

Subcardioid −53.0dBV/Pa

Maximum SPL

1 kHz at 1% THD

Hypercardioid 150.8 dB SPL 150.9 dB SPL

Subcardioid 153.0 dB SPL 153.1 dB SPL

[2]

2500 Ω load 1000 Ω load

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

Hypercardioid 73.3 dB

Subcardioid 71.3 dB

Dynamic Range

@ 1 kHz

2500 Ω load 1000 Ω load

Hypercardioid 130.8 dB 130.1 dB

Subcardioid 131.3 dB 130.6 dB

[1]

(2.99 mV)

[1]

(2.24 mV)

[3]

Common Mode Rejection

20 to 80,000 Hz

≥60dB

Connector

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

Polarity

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

Power Requirements

11 to 52 V DC

[4]

phantom power (IEC-61938)

5.4 mA, typical

Net Weight

300 g (10.6 oz.)

[1]

1 Pa=94 dB SPL

[2]

THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input
signal level is equivalent to cartridge output at speci­fied SPL

[3]

S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and
equivalent SPL of self noise, A-weighted

[4]

All specifications measured with a 48 Vdc phantom
power supply. The microphone operates at lower
voltages, but with slightly decreased headroom and
sensitivity.

Clipping Level

20 Hz to 20 kHz, 1% THD

2500 Ω load 1000 Ω load

7.0 dBV 6.4 dBV

Self Noise

equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical

Hypercardioid 20.7 dB SPL-A

Subcardioid 22.7 dB SPL-A

5

Trademark Notices: The circular S logo, the stylized Shure logo, and the word, “Shure” are registered trademarks
of Shure Incorporated in the United States. “SHOCKSTOPPER” 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.