The Shure® KSM141 is a premium, end-address, condenser microphone with a unique rotating collar that allows for easy switching between a highly consistent cardioid or true omnidirectional polar pattern. Its class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier captures an extremely transparent sound, and a three-position attenuation switch and low-cut filter allow for handling of extremely high sound pressure levels (SPL) and controlled bass response. An ultra-thin, 24-karat gold-layered diaphragm and superior build quality make the KSM141 ideal for studio use, yet rugged enough for the most demanding live applications.
This microphone can be purchased as a stereo pair (KSM141/SL STEREO). In addition to the standard accessories, the stereo pair includes a stereo stand adapter (A27M) for mounting two microphones on one stand.
Note: Sound quality is strongly affected by microphone location and room acoustics. To achieve the best overall sound for a particular application, it may be necessary to experiment with microphone placement and room treatments.
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-to-XLR.
Use the supplied microphone mount with floor or boom stands. Visit www.shure.com for more mounting options:
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 low-frequency room noise from heating and air conditioning 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.
The attenuation switch lets you reduce the signal level without altering the frequency response. This can prevent extremely loud sounds from overloading the microphone circuitry.
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.
−25 dB For use with in close proximity (less than 10 cm) to extremely loud sound sources such as drums, horns, or loud guitar cabinets.
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.
To select either the cardioid or omnidirectional polar pattern, rotate the knurled ring on the microphone in either direction until you feel a detent. The image of the desired polar pattern should be directly above the notch at the base of the ring.
Note: Operating the microphone in a non-detent position (no polar pattern selected) will produce an unpredictable polar pattern and may adversely affect frequency response.
Cardioid. When this pattern is selected, the microphone picks up sounds directly in front of the microphone and is least sensitive to those in back. This is the most commonly used pattern in studio recording and live-sound applications.
Omnidirectional. Picks up sounds from all directions. This pattern is best for picking up room ambience and for miking several sources, such as an ensemble or multiple singers, simultaneously. The omnidirectional polar pattern exhibits no proximity effect.
Caution: Rotating the polar pattern switch produces mechanical noise which, when amplified, may damage the loudspeakers. Turn down any loudspeakers or mute the microphone at the mixing console before changing the polar pattern.
Stereo microphone techniques give depth and spatial placement to sound sources for broadcasting, recording, or sound reinforcement applications. The Shure A27M allows you to mount two microphones on a single stand with a wide range of angles and vertical separations for a variety of coincident and closely-spaced stereo configurations.
The following table displays the most common stereo techniques. Keep in mind that microphone technique is largely a matter of personal taste; there is no one “correct” microphone position. For more information, search “Stereo Techniques” at www.shure.com (www.shure.com/stereo-tech).
Electret Condenser
Cardioid, Omnidirectional (selectable)
20 to 20,000 Hz
150 Ω
open circuit voltage, @ 1 kHz, typical
–37 dBV/Pa[1] (14.1 mV)
1 kHz at 1% THD[2]
| PAD ON | 5000 Ω load | 170 dB |
| 2500 Ω load | 164 dB | |
| 1000 Ω load | 159 dB | |
| PAD OFF | 5000 Ω load | 145 dB |
| 2500 Ω load | 139 dB | |
| 1000 Ω load | 134 dB |
80 dB
@ 1 kHz
| 5000 Ω load | 131 dB |
| 2500 Ω load | 125 dB |
| 1000 Ω load | 120 dB |
20 Hz to 20 kHz, 1% THD
| 5000 Ω load | 15 dBV |
| 2500 Ω load | 9 dBV |
| 1000 Ω load | 3 dBV |
equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical
14 dB SPL-A
10 to 100,000 kHz
≥50 dB
0 , -15 , -25 dB
Flat, –6 dB/octave below 115 Hz, or –18 dB/octave below 80 Hz
Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male, balanced
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
11–52 V DC[4] phantom power (IEC-61938)
4.7 mA, maximum
156 g (5.5 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.
Overall Dimensions
Cardioid
Omnidirectional
| Carrying Case for two KSM137 or KSM141 microphones and A27M stereo bar | A100C |
| Foam Windscreen for KSM141 and KSM137 | A100WS |
| Microphone Clip for AMS26, BETA181, KSM137, KSM141, MX412, MX418, MX412S, MX418S, MX412SE, MX418SE, SM62, SM63, SM63L, SM63LB, SM81, VP64, VP64A, VP64AL and standard microphone stands | A57F |
| Stereo Microphone Adapter | A27M |
| Isolation Mount/Swivel Adapter for KSM109, KSM137, KSM141, SM63, SM81, SM94 and VP64 | A53M |
| Popper Stopper® Pop Filter with Metal Gooseneck and Microphone Stand Clamp | PS-6 |
Note: KSM141/SL stereo only.
This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is 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: +49-7262-92 49 0
Fax: +49-7262-92 49 11 4
Email: info@shure.de
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.
Patent Notice: Patent Des. 478,068
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