Shure KSM42
Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The KSM42 is a new large-diaphragm FET condenser microphone, intended for studio vocal usage.
The capsule is an edge-terminated design, with dual one-inch membranes made of 2.5-micron Mylar. The same basic capsule design can be found in the KSM44, KSM44A, KSM27, SM27, and Beta 27.
Like the KSM44A, the KSM42 uses Shure’s “Prethos” amplifier circuit design. These circuits are described as Class A, transformerless, and low-noise. The KSM42 has a self-noise level of 8.5dBA. (The self-noise measurement was verified with the capsule attached to the amplifier circuit, in a test facility capable of measuring 4dBA.)
Unlike the KSM44A, the KSM42 is optimized for vocal applications:
- A non-switchable EQ circuit rolls off low-frequency information below 100Hz.
- The mic includes an external pop filter.
- Proximity effect is minimized.
The KSM42 uses a dual-diaphragm capsule, but the rear diaphragm is not wired into the circuit. According to Shure, the dummy membrane in the KSM42 capsule helps reduce proximity effect by “[creating] an acoustic phase shift at the rear of the microphone [capsule].”
The mic ships with a ShureLock® rubber shockmount (Shure p/n A42SM), spare elastics (p/n A42OR), an external “PopperStopper™” pop filter (p/n A42PF), a velveteen storage pouch (p/n A42VB), and an aluminum flight case (p/n A42SC).
A foam windscreen (p/n A32WS) and stand mount (p/n A32M) are available separately.
The included shockmount has a 5.3'' diameter, and attaches magnetically to the front of the shockmount. The same shockmount/popfilter assembly can be used with the KSM32, KSM44, and KSM44A, but the filter will not attach to any shockmount other than the A42SM.
Permalink: Shure KSM42
The mic was released in 2010.
Specifications
Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare! |
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Pickup Patterns | Pads & Filters |
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Cardioid
(14.1 mV/Pa; 60 - 20,000 Hz) |
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Capsule Dimensions | Impedance | SPL/Noise |
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Diaphragm diameter: 25mm Diaphragm gauge: 2.5 microns |
147 Ohms (Low) | Max SPL: 139 dB Self-noise: 8.5 dB(A) |
Weight | Length | Max Diameter | Interface(s) |
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494g (17.43oz) | 185mm (7.28'') | 56mm (2.20'') |
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Power Specifications |
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