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Specifications and Reviews
KSM141 Product Description
KSM141 User Guide- Mojo Pie rvw, 2003-09
- Pro Audio Review, 2003-01
- SoundOnSound, 2003-03
- Electronic Musician, 2003-07
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Shure KSM141
MSRP: $770 Multi-Pattern Pencil Condenser Microphone
Description
The Shure KSM141 is an end-addressed condenser microphone with mechanically switching dual polar patterns (cardioid and omnidirectional). It can withstand extremely high sound pressure levels (SPL) and exhbits low self-noise and extended frequency response.
- A mechanical polar pattern switch for highly consistent cardioid and true omnidirectional polar patterns.
- 3/4'' diameter, 2.5 micron, 24 karat gold-layered, low mass Mylar diaphragm
- Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast transient response, no crossover distortion, and minimal harmonic and intermodulation distortion
- Premium electronic components, including gold-plated internal and external connectors
- Subsonic filter eliminates low frequency rumble (less than 17 Hz) caused by mechanical vibration
- Three-position switchable pad (0 dB, 15 dB, and 25 dB) for handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPLs)
- Three-position switchable low-frequency filter to reduce background noise and counteract proximity effect
Performance Characteristics
- Extended frequency response
- Low self noise
- Exceptional reproduction of low-frequency sounds
- Can withstand high sound pressure levels (SPL)
- High output level
- No crossover distortion
- Uniform polar response
- Superior common mode rejection and suppression of radio frequency interference
APPLICATIONS
Some typical applications for the KSM141 are listed below. Microphone use, however, is a matter of personal taste. The KSM141 may be used for a variety of applications other than those listed.
- Acoustic instruments — such as piano, guitar, drums, percussion, strings
- Wind instruments — brass and woodwind
- Low frequency instruments — such as double bass, electric bass, kick drum
- Overhead miking — drums or percussion
- Ensembles — choral or orchestral
- Room ambiance pick-up — guitar amplifier or drums
Electronic Musician, 2003
Sonically, the KSM141 is not exactly transparent, nor is it airy and open sounding. Rather, it tends toward a darker, drier presentation than other small-diaphragm condensers I am familiar with. In fact, the KSM141 made me think of a Shure SM57 on steroids — it’s a bit brighter and faster than that legendary dynamic, but it definitely has a 57 vibe. There’s a kind of hard and flat (one-dimensional) quality in the midrange, and both the highs and lows — especially the lows — sound overly rolled off. In addition, the KSM141 does not exhibit exceptional transient response, at least as compared with similar condensers.
Just the same, the KSM141 did a nice job on a variety of instruments. I loved it on djembe, and its dark quality helped smooth out some harshness on a tambourine. Recordists with particularly bright sound sources ? or overly bright recording spaces ? may find the mic helpful for taming edginess. In general, I liked the KSM141 better in omnidirectional rather than cardioid mode ? the lows are much better represented in omni.
Permalink: Shure KSM141
| Pickup Patterns | Pads & Filters |
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| Diaphragm size | Impedance | Max SPL |
|---|---|---|
| 19mm (0.75'') | 150 Ohms (Low (50-1000 Ohms)) | 159 dB |
| Weight | Length | Max Diameter | Interface(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 156g (5.50oz) | 146mm (5.75'') | 20mm (0.79'') |
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| Power Specifications |
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