recordinghacks

CardioidShure KSM27

MSRP: $575 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Shure KSM27

Description

The Shure KSM27 is a side-address condenser microphone with a fixed cardioid polar pattern. It has a single 1-inch diaphragm made of 24 karat gold-sputtered 2.5 micron-thick 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 storage pouch made of “Velveteen.” (Rabbit not included.)

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) and has 1dB less self-noise, but a similar capsule design (2.5 micron Mylar, single sided, gold sputtered, cardioid) and identical HPF and pad options. The primary differences are the circuit design, the frequency response, and the cost:

  • The KSM32 uses a permanently-biased capsule, whereas the KSM27 uses an externally-biased capsule.
  • 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.

Reviewers cite mixed preferences, so ultimately it’s a matter of personal taste and/or budget.

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

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
  • Cardioid (20 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Pad: -15dB (Via Switch)
  • Filter: HPF: -6dB @ 115 Hz (Via Switch)
  • Filter: HPF: -18dB @ 80 Hz (Via Switch)
Diaphragm size Impedance Max SPL
25mm (0.98'') 140 Ohms (Low (50-1000 Ohms)) 152 dB
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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