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OmnidirectionalCardioidBidirectionalShure KSM44

Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

The KSM44 is a multipattern, dual large-diaphragm condenser microphone with extremely low self-noise (7dB).

The capsule employs two 1-inch, externally biased, 2.5 micron, 24-karat gold-layered, low mass, Mylar diaphragms. The FET preamp uses Class A, discrete, transformerless circuitry designed for transparency and extremely fast transient response without crossover distortion. Internal and external connectors are gold plated.

As on the KSM27, a subsonic filter eliminates rumble from mechanical vibration below 17 Hz. A 3-stage pop/blast 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
  • -18dB per octave at 80Hz (Low frequency “cutoff”)
  • -6dB per octave at 115Hz (Low frequency “rolloff”)

The mic body is die-cast zinc. The grille is hardened low-carbon steel. The protective pouch is velvteen. (It’s smooth. It’s silky. You just want to keep touching it!)

The KSM44 ships with a mic clip, spider-style shockmount, aforementioned velveteen pouch, and an aluminum carrying case.

How is the KSM-44 different from the KSM-27?

The KSM27 is smaller (but heavier) than the KSM44, but the two mics offer similar features, such as the -15dB pad and the 3-way HPF. The primary difference is that the KSM27 has a fixed cardioid pickup pattern, whereas the KSM44 has a dual-diaphragm capsule and offers 3 pickup patterns (omni, bidirectional, and cardioid).

The KSM44 has superior pop protection1 and a less hyped response above 4000Hz.

MIX

The KSM44 has a very solid low end with a much “drier and cleaner” sound than [the KSM27 or KSM32].

SoundOnSound

Because of its bass extension, the KSM44 makes its mark by performing particularly well with bass instruments.

Electronic Musician, 2001

Although the KSM44 has a noticeable yet smooth peak in the 6 kHz region and another bump around 12 kHz, it sounded considerably less colored than the other mics. The low mids and bottom end are quite full and lush — very Neumann-like — and yet the top end was more open and natural sounding than the U 87’s. In fact, compared with the other mics, the KSM44 exhibited the best overall balance of detail, presence, body, and thickness. It also proved the best mic for my voice, sounding clear and full and providing a nice forward nudge without excessive rasp or edge. (Second and third picks for my voice were the 4047 and 4050, respectively.)

The KSM44 was discontinued in 2010 in favor of the KSM44A.

The Shure KSM44 is also known as: KSM-44, KSM44/SL.

Specifications

Frequency Response - OmnidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!
KSM44 Omnidirectional Frequency Response Chart
Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!
KSM44 Cardioid Frequency Response Chart
Frequency Response - BidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!
KSM44 Bidirectional Frequency Response Chart
Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (14.2 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Cardioid (28.2 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Bidirectional (15.8 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Pad: -0 dB (Via Switch)
  • Pad: -15 dB (Via Switch)
  • Filter: -6 dB @ 115 Hz (Via Switch)
  • Filter: -18 dB @ 80 Hz (Via Switch)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 25mm
Diaphragm gauge: 2.5 microns
150 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 150 dB
Self-noise: 7.0 dB(A)
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
491g (17.32oz) 187mm (7.36'') 56mm (2.20'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power
  • Phantom voltage: 48v

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