Publications User Guides KSM353 (English)
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    Thank you for selecting the KSM series from Shure.

    Over 90 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 49-7262-92490. In Asia, call 852-2893-4290. Our web address is www.shure.com.

    General Description

    The KSM353 is a premium bidirectional ribbon microphone crafted for pristine audio in studio and concert hall applications. It is hand-assembled from state-of-the art transducers, transformers and metals as the pinnacle of Shure quality for prestigious vocal and acoustic performances.

    Proprietary Roswellite® ribbon technology provides revolutionary ribbon resilience and durability under extreme conditions. The Roswellite ribbon material replaces traditional foil ribbons with high tensile strength, toughness, and shape memory that provides superior resilience at extreme sound pressure levels (SPLs).

    Features

    • Legendary Shure quality and superior construction from hand-assembly of machined steel, silver, gold and aluminum components
    • Revolutionary Roswellite ribbon material replaces traditional foil ribbons with high tensile strength, toughness and shape-memory that provides superior resilience at extreme SPLs
    • Patented, custom ribbon motor assembly provides full low and mid ranges with superior upper presence from a rising response
    • 30 – 15,000 Hz frequency response ideal for capturing fast transients in vocals, acoustic instruments and concert halls
    • Uniform bidirectional polar pattern throughout the frequency range
    • Custom-wound, double-shielded, full-size transformer minimizes signal loss and maximizes output while reducing RF interference, positioned perpendicular to ribbon for best magnetic flux rejection
    • Military-grade, wire rope suspension mount surpasses traditional rubber and elastic cord mounts in resilience and shock absorption

    Performance Characteristics

    Ribbon microphones perform optimally with the least amount of loading on the ribbon element as practical. The higher the impedance input on the microphone, the better the low-end and mid-range frequencies are represented in the output signal. Shure recommends using preamps with impedance settings of 1000 Ohms or more, although different load impedances may be used for a desired sound quality.

    This is a low-noise microphone. The combination of its efficient transducer, robust shielding, and custom transformer produces a low noise floor and output level equal to moving coil microphones.

    Shure ribbon microphones have an exceptionally smooth, natural response and perform best with preamps that provide simple, transparent gain. However, Shure encourages experimentation to find the desired combination of color and transparency.

    Applications

    The KSM353 is a premium microphone, capturing superior audio quality in a wide range of environments. The following are some suggested applications:

    • Studio vocals
    • Orchestra ensembles
    • Acoustic instruments
    • Ambient or room pickup
    • Voice-over for film or broadcast

    Stereo Techniques

    • Blumlein: Use a pair of KSM353 microphones for natural stereo representation. Excellent for grand piano, orchestras, or large ensembles.
    • Mid-side (M-S): Use a KSM353 with a cardioid microphone, such as the KSM137 or KSM32, to produce a variable-controlled stereo image without moving the microphone.

    Positioning

    Position the front of the microphone, with the "SHURE" logo, towards the desired sound source. Position the sides, the null points of a bidirectional microphone, towards any unwanted sound sources.

    Note: When addressing the back side of a bidirectional microphone, please remember to invert the signal polarity. Shure’s A15PRS accessory is an in-line, balanced, polarity-reversing switch capable of this operation and is available online at: store.shure.com

    Mounting the Microphone

    The supplied suspension mount is designed with military-grade, wire rope technology, providing superior resilience and shock absorption. Thread the mount onto a floor or boom stand and insert the microphone.

    For discreet placement or when space is limited, use a hard stand mount. Visit www.shure.com for more information.

    Suspension Mount (furnished)

    Stand Mount (optional accessory)

    Proximity Effect

    Directional microphones progressively boost bass frequencies as the microphone is placed in closer proximity to the source. This phenomenon, known as proximity effect, can be used to create a warmer, more powerful sound.

    Care and Handling

    To protect your microphone, keep a few simple precautions in mind to ensure long-term performance:

    1. Store your microphone in its protective case when it is not in use.
    2. Maintain a reasonable distance from fluorescent lights, power transformers, and other strong electromagnetic sources to avoid hum.
    3. Use a secure mount and stand and a quality balanced, shielded XLR connecting cable. For additional mounting accessories, visit our website: www.shure.com
    4. Phantom power is not necessary and should not be supplied when connecting or disconnecting the microphone. However, properly supplied phantom power will not harm the microphone.

    Specifications 

    Transducer Type

    Roswellite® Ribbon

    Polar Pattern

    Bidirectional

    Frequency Response

    30 to 15,000 Hz

    Output Impedance

    330 Ω

    Sensitivity

    open circuit voltage, @ 1 kHz, typical

    -53.5 dBV/Pa[1] (2.11 mV)

    Maximum SPL

    146 dB SPL

    Polarity

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

    Housing

    Machined stainless steel

    Weight

    Microphone: 633 g (1.4 lbs)

    with shockmount: 950 g (2.1 lbs)

    Accessories

    Furnished Accessories

    Carrying Case

    AK353C
    ShureLock® Wire Rope Shock Mount. Works with KSM353/ED.

    A300SM

    Protective Velveteen Pouch. Works with KSM353/ED.

    A353VB

    Shure "Circle S" Polishing Cloth

    A300PC

    Optional Accessories

    Elastic suspension shock mount. Works with all KSM313 versions

    A313SM

    Switchable Polarity Reverser

    A15PRS
    Popper Stopper® Pop Filter with Metal Gooseneck and Microphone Stand Clamp

    PS-6

    25 foot (7.5m) Triple-Flex® Microphone XLR Cable with Switchcraft connectors

    C25E

    Certifications

    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

    Note: Information in this guide is subject to change without notice. For additional information about this product, please visit www.shure.com.

    Trademark Notices: “Roswellite”, “Shurelock”, the circular S logo, the stylized Shure logo, and the word “Shure” are registered trademarks of Shure Incorporated in the United States. These marks may be registered in other jurisdictions. “Popper Stopper” is a trademark of Shure Incorporated in the United States.

    U.S. Patent 7,894,619. Patent applied for in other jurisdictions.