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CardioidShure SM27

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The SM27 is a large-diaphragm FET condenser with a fixed cardioid pickup pattern.

It is a revision and upgrade of the KSM27, and shares the same edge-terminated single-diaphragm capsule. The capsule membrane measures 25mm in diameter and is made of 2.5-micron, gold-plated Mylar. A dual-diaphragm version of this capsule can be found in the KSM44, KSM44A, and KSM42.

The mic has a 3-position high-pass filter:

  • Flat
  • -6dB/octave at 115Hz (rolloff)
  • -18dB/octave at 80Hz (cutoff)

A second switch enables a -15dB pad.

The amplifier circuit is a Class A, discrete, transformerless design. It incorporates a non-switchable subsonic filter to remove audio noise below 17Hz.

How does the SM27 differ from the KSM27?

  • The SM27 is a different color (charcoal grey, rather than champagne).
  • The SM27 has 5.5dB greater dynamic range, due to improvements in the amplifier circuit.
  • The SM27 has lower self-noise: 9.5dBA vs. 14dBA.

The mics’ capsules, 3-layer grilles, and most other specifications are otherwise identical. The mics’ frequency-response charts are identical.

The SM27 ships in two configurations:

  • SM27-LC (Live Configuration) - includes ShureLock™ mic clip (Shure p/n A32M) and a padded, zippered storage pouch (p/n A32ZB)
  • SM27-SC (Studio Configuration) - includes ShureLock™ rubber shockmount (p/n A27SM) and a black velveteen pouch

The shockmount, a foam windscreen (p/n A32WS), and a PopperStopper™ pop filter (p/n PS6) are available as accessories.

Electronic Musician, 2009

The SM27 offers an exceptionally quiet and transparent solution… Its generally flat response and low self-noise make it a great choice for acoustic instruments or vocals. Through placement and proximity, though, it also lets you add some flattering color…

Premier Guitar, 2010

The SM27 has a wide vocabulary. It is truly versatile and has a distinct character for every situation. Learning to use that to your advantage… is much more involved than slapping a trustworthy handheld dynamic in that familiar spot on the grill. So, I can’t say this mic is for just anyone. But, depending on your experience and willingness to experiment, this could be the ultimate microphone for a one-mic kind of person with a $300 budget, or a great third mic for someone looking to evolve a beyond the [SM57] and the [SM58]…

The Shure SM27 is also known as: SM27-LC, SM27-SC.

The mic was released in 2010.

Specifications

Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!
SM27 Cardioid Frequency Response Chart
Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Cardioid (14.1 mV/Pa; 40 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Pad: -15dB (Via Switch)
  • Filter: HPF: -6dB/octave @ 115Hz (Via Switch)
  • Filter: HPF: -18dB/octave @ 80Hz (Via Switch)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 25mm
Diaphragm gauge: 2.5 microns
140 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 148 dB
Self-noise: 9.5 dB(A)
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: 48v

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