recordinghacks

Shure KSM27

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The Shure KSM27 is a side-address condenser microphone with a fixed cardioid polar pattern. It has a 1-inch, edge-terminated capsule whose single diaphragm is made of 2.5 micron Mylar.

The electronics are Class A. The preamp is discrete and transformerless, designed to minimize harmonic and intermodulation distortions. Internal and external connectors are gold plated.

A subsonic filter eliminates rumble from mechanical vibration below 17 Hz. An internal 3-stage pop filter reduces breath and wind noise. An internal shock mount reduces handling noise. In addition, a 15dB pad switch is available on the mic body, as well as a 3-position high pass filter:

• flat
• “Low frequency cutoff:” -18dB per octave at 80Hz
• “Low frequency rolloff:” -6dB per octave at 115Hz

The mic ships with a “ShureLock” shockmount and a soft storage pouch.

MIX

The KSM27 has a slight bump in the 50 to 70Hz area, and a smooth rise starting at about 3.5 kHz up to about 8 kHz. From there, high-frequency response dips very slightly and then continues its rise out to about 15 kHz… I confirmed my preference for the 27 over the KSM32… More like the KSM44 [than the KSM32], I found the 27 to have a sweet and smooth HF lift.

How is the KSM27 different from the KSM44?

The KSM27 and KSM44 offer similar features; the primary difference is that the KSM44 has a dual-diaphragm capsule and offers 3 pickup patterns (omni, bidirectional, and cardioid).

The KSM27 is tuned for a brighter sound, and offers somewhat less protection from plosives than the KSM44. Finally, the proximity effect differs between these mics, due to the dual-diaphragm design of the KSM44^*.

How is the KSM27 different from the KSM32?

• The KSM32 is physically larger (yet 150g lighter).
• The KSM27 produces 1dBA more self-noise.
• The KSM27 uses a 1-inch true-condenser capsule, whereas the KSM32 uses a .75'' electret capsule with an embossed diaphragm.
• The KSM32 has a flatter frequency response, compared to the presence peak above 4000Hz on the KSM27.
• The street price of the KSM32 is nearly twice that of the KSM27.

RadioWorld, 2002

My one major issue with the sound of KSM27 came in handling plosives. The integrated three-stage pop filter was not nearly “pop-proof…”

The A32SWS windscreen that fits the Shure [KSM] 44 and [KSM] 32 mics also works with the KSM27. As it turned out, the third-party foam windscreen from my Electro-Voice RE20 fit fine on the KSM27 [and] made the microphone practically impervious to plosives.

The Shure KSM27 is also known as: KSM-27.

Specifications

Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Cardioid (14.1 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)	Pad: -15dB (Via Switch) Filter: HPF: -6dB @ 115 Hz (Via Switch) Filter: HPF: -18dB @ 80 Hz (Via Switch)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 25mm Diaphragm gauge: 2.5 microns	140 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 152 dB Self-noise: 14.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
642g (22.65oz)	156mm (6.14'')	53mm (2.09'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48 ± 4v

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