User Guide

E 2003, Shure Incorporated

27B3156 (Rev. 1)

Printed in U.S.A.

SHURE INCORPORATED

KSM141 DUAL POLAR PATTERN CONDENSER MICROPHONE

R

Thank you for selecting the KSM141

Over 75 years of audio experience has contributed to making the KSM141

one of the finest microphones available.

If you have any questions not answered in this booklet, please contact Shure

Applications Engineering at 847-866-2525, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to

4:30 pm, CST. In Europe, call 49-7131-72140. Our web address is www.shure.com.

Rotating

Polar Pattern Switch

0/15/25 dB

Attenuation Switch

Low Frequency

Response Switch

FIGURE 1. KSM141

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Shure

R

KSM141 is an end-addressed condenser microphone with mechanically switching dual polar patterns (cardioid and omnidirectional).

Designed for studio use, yet rugged enough for live applications, the KSM141 can withstand extremely high sound pressure levels (SPL). Its low self-noise and extended frequency response make it ideal for recording musical instruments.

FEATURES

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A mechanical polar pattern switch for highly consistent cardioid and true omnidirectional polar patterns. Provides flexibility in a wide variety of recording applications.

S

Ultra-thin, 2.5

µ

m, 24 karat gold-layered, low mass Mylar

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superior transient response

diaphragm for

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Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast transient response, no crossover distortion, and minimal harmonic and intermodulation distortion

S

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

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Subsonic filter eliminates low frequency rumble (less than 17 Hz) caused by mechanical vibration

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Three-position switchable pad (0 dB, 15 dB, and 25 dB) for handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPLs)

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Three-position switchable low-frequency filter to reduce background noise and counteract proximity effect

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

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Extended frequency response

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Low self-noise

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Exceptional reproduction of low-frequency sounds

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Can withstand high sound pressure levels (SPL)

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High output level

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No crossover distortion

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Uniform polar response

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

MODEL VARIATIONS

KSM141/SL KSM141/SL ST PAIR

One KSM141 Condenser Microphone Two KSM141 Condenser Microphones

One A141C Carrying Case

One A100WS Windscreen

One A141SPC Carrying Case

Two A100WS Windscreens

One A57F Stand Mount

One European-threaded adapter that mates the A57F to European-threaded microphone stands

Two A57F Stand Mounts

Two European-threaded adapters that mate the A57F to European-threaded microphone stands

APPLICATIONS

The KSM141 produces superior results in any application requiring a high quality microphone. Typical applications include:

S

Close miking of acoustic instruments such as piano, guitar, violins, drums, and percussion

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Overhead miking of drums and percussion instruments

S

Electric guitar amplifiers

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Brass and woodwind instruments

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Room ambience pick-up (guitar amplifier or drums)

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Orchestras, choirs, wind ensembles

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Low-frequency instruments such as double bass and kick drum

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 various room treatments.

USING THE KSM141

Mounting the Microphone

To secure the KSM141 to a floor stand or boom, thread the mount onto the microphone stand and insert the microphone into the microphone clip.

Power Requirements

This microphone requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 Vdc supply

(IEC-268-15/DIN 45 596). It can operate on voltages as low as 11 Vdc, but headroom and sensitivity will be decreased slightly.

NOTE:

Most modern mixers provide phantom power.

Cable Connections

Use a cable with XLR connectors at each end.

Load Impedance

Shure recommends a load impedance of at least 1000

Ω

. When used with modern microphone preamplifiers rated at about 2500

Ω

, the KSM141 provides higher maximum SPL capability and output clipping level. When the attenuation switch is set to the –25 dB position, it can handle up to 164 dB SPL, and can output +15 dBV into a load of 5000

Ω

or greater.

Selecting a Polar Pattern

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 KSM141 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. See

Figure 4.

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. See Figure 4.

WARNING:

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.

Setting Low-Frequency Response

A three-position switch on the microphone lets you adjust low frequency response.

The low frequency filters can be used to reduce wind noise, room noise, and proximity effect. Refer to Figure 2.

Flat response.

This setting provides the most natural sound reproduction in most applicatons.

Low-frequency cutoff.

This setting provides an 18 dB-per-octave cutoff at 80 Hz. It helps eliminate floor rumble and low-frequency noise produced by 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.

+5

Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Ñ Ñ Ñ

0

Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Ñ Ñ Ñ

–10

Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Ñ Ñ Ñ

Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Ñ

20 50 100

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ

1000

Hz

Flat Response

Low-Frequency Cutoff

Low-Frequency Rolloff

Figure 2. Low Frequency Responses

Low-frequency rolloff.

This setting provides a 6 dB-per-octave rolloff at 115 Hz.

Use this setting to compensate for proximity effect or to reduce low frequencies that could make an instrument sound dull or muddy.

Setting Attenuation

The attenuation switch lets you reduce the signal level by up to 25 dB without altering frequency response. This can prevent extremely loud sounds from overloading the microphone. Set the switch to the desired attenuation levels as follows:

0 dB

– Move the switch to this position for “quiet” to “normal” sound levels.

-

15 dB

– Move the switch to this position when the microphone is approximately 0.75 meters (2 feet) from sound sources such as a kick drum, snare drum, or electric guitar cabinet.

-

25 dB

– Move the switch to this position when the microphone is 4 inches

(10 cm) or less from extremely loud sound sources such as kick drum, snare drum, or guitar cabinets.

SPECIFICATIONS

Cartridge Type

Frequency Response

Directional Polar Pattern

Output Impedance

Attenuation Switch

Low Frequency Response Switch

Phantom Power

Current Drain

Common Mode Rejection

Polarity

Dimensions and Weight

Permanently Biased Condenser

20–20,000 Hz (see Figures 3 and 5)

Cardioid/Omnidirectional (see Figures 4 and 6)

150

Ω

(actual)

0 dB,15 dB, or 25 dB attenuation

Flat; –6 db/octave below 115 Hz;

–18 dB/octave below 80 Hz

48 Vdc

±

4 Vdc (IEC–268–15/DIN 45 596), positive pins 2 and 3

4.65 mA typical at 48 Vdc

≥

50 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on output pin 2 relative to pin 3

20 mm (0.8 in.) diameter, 146 mm (5.75 in.) long;

156 grams (5.5 oz.) (see Figure 7)

Sensitivity (typical, at 1000 Hz;

1 Pa = 94 dB SPL)

Self–noise (typical, equivalent SPL;

A-weighted, IEC 651)

Maximum SPL

5000

Ω

load (Attenuator on)

2500

Ω

load (Attenuator on)

1000

Ω

load (Attenuator on)

Output Clipping Level*

5000

Ω

load

2500

Ω

load

1000

Ω

load

Dynamic Range

5000

Ω

load

2500

Ω

load

1000

Ω

load

Signal to Noise Ratio**

–37 dBV/Pa

14 dB

145 (160, 170) dB

139 (154, 164) dB

134 (149, 159) dB

15 dBV

9 dBV

3 dBV

131 dB

125 dB

120 dB

80 dB

*20 Hz to 20 kHz; THD < 1%. THD of the microphone preamplifier when applied input signal is equivalent to the cartridge output at specified SPL.

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

CARDIOID RESPONSE GRAPHS

60 cm

FIGURE 3. TYPICAL CARDIOID FREQUENCY RESPONSE

250 Hz

500 Hz

1000 Hz

2500 Hz

6400 Hz

10000 Hz

FIGURE 4. TYPICAL CARDIOID POLAR PATTERNS

OMNIDIRECTIONAL RESPONSE GRAPHS

60 cm

FIGURE 5. TYPICAL OMNIDIRECTIONAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE

250

500

1K

2500

6400

10K

FIGURE 6. TYPICAL OMNIDIRECTIONAL POLAR PATTERNS

20 mm

(0.8 IN)

146 mm

(5.75 IN)

FIGURE 7. DIMENSIONS

CERTIFICATION

Eligible to bear CE Marking; Conforms to European EMC directive 89/336/EEC.

Meets applicable tests and performance criteria found in European Professional

Audio Products EMC Standard EN 55103 (1996); Part 1 (Emissions) and Part 2

(Immunity). The KSM141 is intended for use in environments E1 (residential) and

E2 (Light Industrial) as defined in European standard EN 55103. EMC conformance is based on the use of shielded interconnecting cable.

FURNISHED ACCESSORIES

Case (Stereo Pair) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A141SPC

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Microphone Clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A57F

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

SHOCKSTOPPER t Shock Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A53M

SERVICE

For additional microphone service or parts information, please contact the Shure

Service Department at 1-800-516-2525. Outside the United States, please contact your Authorized Shure Service Center.

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:

U.S. Patent Des. 478068.