Shure Microphone KSM27 User Manual

User Guide  
E2003, Shure Incorporated  
Printed in U.S.A.  
27B3138 (Rev. 2)  
 
SHURE INCORPORATED  
KSM27 CARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE  
Thank you for selecting the KSM27  
Over 75 years of audio experience has contributed to making the KSM27  
one of the finest microphones available.  
If you have any questions that are not answered in this booklet, please contact Shure  
Applications Engineering at 847-866-2525, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to  
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Low-frequency  
response switch  
KSM27 FRONT  
KSM27 BACK  
15 dB  
attenuator  
FIGURE 1. KSM27 FRONT AND BACK  
GENERAL DESCRIPTION  
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The Shure KSM27 is a side-address condenser microphone with a cardioid polar  
pattern. Designed for studio use but rugged enough for live applications, the KSM27  
has an externally biased 1-inch diaphragm, extremely low self-noise, and an  
extended frequency response specially tailored for vocal tracking and instrument  
recording.  
FEATURES  
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Cardioid polar pattern – the most commonly used pattern for both studio and  
live applications  
1 inch, externally biased, ultra-thin, 2.5 µm, 24 Karat gold-layered, low  
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mass, Mylar diaphragm provides superior transient response  
Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast  
transient response and no crossover distortion, while minimizing harmonic and  
intermodulation distortions  
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Premium electronic components and gold-plated internal and external  
connectors  
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Subsonic filter eliminates rumble from mechanical vibration below 17 Hz  
Switchable 15 dB pad for handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPLs)  
3-position switchable low-frequency filter helps reduce unwanted back-  
ground noise or counteract proximity effect  
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Integrated three-stage “pop” protection grille reduces plosives and other  
breath noise  
Internal shock mount reduces handling and stand noise  
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PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS  
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Extended frequency response  
Low self noise  
Exceptional low-frequency reproduction  
High output level  
High input SPL capability  
No crossover distortion  
Extremely uniform polar response  
Superior common mode rejection and suppression of radio frequency  
interference  
APPLICATIONS  
The KSM27 produces superior results in any application requiring a high quality  
microphone. Typical applications include:  
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Voice and vocals  
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Close-miking of acoustic instruments such as piano, guitar, violins, drums,  
and percussion  
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Electric guitar amplifiers  
Brass and woodwind instruments  
Low-frequency instruments such as double bass and kick drum  
Overhead miking for drums or percussion  
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Orchestras, choirs, wind ensembles  
Room ambience pick-up (guitar amplifier or drums)  
NOTE: Sound quality is strongly affected by microphone location and room  
acoustics. To acheive the best overall sound for a particular application, it may be  
necessary to experiment with microphone placement and various room treatments.  
OPERATING THE KSM27  
Mounting  
Use the shock mount to secure the KSM27 to a floor or boom stand by threading the  
shock mount onto the microphone stand and inserting/threading the microphone into  
the shock mount.  
Power  
The KSM27 requires phantom power and performs optimally with a 48 Vdc supply  
(IEC-268-15/DIN45 596). However, it will operate with slightly decreased headroom  
and sensitivity with supplies as low as 11 Vdc. Most modern mixers provide phantom  
power. Phantom power can only be transmitted to the KSM27 through a cable  
terminated with XLR connectors at each end.  
3
 
Positioning the Microphone  
The front of the KSM27 is marked by the  
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logo. See Figure 1. Position this  
side of the microphone toward the sound source to be recorded. The rear of the  
microphoneis marked by the  
attenuation switch.  
logo, the low-frequency filter switch and the 15dB  
Cardioid. Picks up sounds directly in front of the microphone and is least  
sensitive to those in back. Cardioid is the most commonly used polar pattern in studio  
recording and live-sound applications. See Figure 5.  
Selecting Low-Frequency Response  
A three-position switch on the back of the KSM27 lets you adjust the low-frequency  
response of the microphone. The low-frequency filter settings can be used to reduce  
wind noise, room noise or proximity effect. Since the microphone will reproduce  
ultra-low frequencies, the rubber isolated shock mount should be used to reduce  
low-frequency mechanical vibrations transmitted through the microphone stand.  
Flat response. Provides the most natural sound in most applications.  
Low-frequency cutoff. Provides an 18  
+5  
dB-per-octave cutoff at 80 Hz. Helps  
0
eliminate floor rumble and low-frequency  
room noise from heating and air conditioning  
–10  
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.  
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3
4 5 6 789  
1000  
20  
50  
100Hz  
Flat Response  
Low-Frequency Cutoff  
Low-Frequency Rolloff  
Low-Frequency Rolloff. Provides a 6  
dB-per-octave rolloff filter at 115Hz. Use this  
to compensate for proximity effect or to  
reduce low frequencies that could make an  
instrument sound dull or muddy.  
FIGURE 2. LOW FREQUENCY RESPONSES  
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Setting Attenuation  
The attenuation switch on the back of the KSM27 reduces the signal level from the  
cartridge by 15 dB without altering the frequency response. This can prevent  
extremely high SPLs (ie. close miked drums and guitar cabinets) from overloading  
the microphone. To activate attenuation, move the switch to the “-15 dB” position.  
0 dB – Use this switch for “quiet” to “normal” sound levels.  
-15 dB – Use this switch position when in close proximity with extremely loud  
sound sources such as kick drum, snare drum, or loud guitar cabinets.  
Integral Pop Filter  
The KSM27 grille consists of 3 separate mesh layers that act as an integral pop filter  
which helps reduce wind and breath noise. Depending on the performer, an external  
pop-protection screen or windscreen (See Figure 3) may be necessary when  
close-miking vocalists.  
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FIGURE 3. PS–6 POPPER STOPPER POP FILTER  
Load Impedance  
Shure recommends a load impedance of at least 1000 . When used with modern  
microphone preamplifiers (rated at 2500 ), the KSM27 provides higher maximum  
SPL capability and output clipping level. When the attenuation switch is set to the  
–15 dB position, the KSM27 can handle sound pressure levels of up to 152 dB and  
output +15 dBV into a load of 2500 or greater.  
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SPECIFICATIONS  
Cartridge Type  
Frequency Response  
Directional Polar Pattern  
Output Impedance  
Externally Biased Condenser  
20 to 20,000 Hz (see Figure 4)  
Cardioid (see Figure 5)  
EIA Rated at 150 (140 actual)  
0 or 15 dB attenuation  
Attenuation Switch  
Low Frequency response switch  
flat; –6 db/octave below 115 Hz;  
–18 dB/octave below 80 Hz  
Phantom Power  
48 Vdc ±4 Vdc (IEC–268–15/DIN 45 596), positive  
pins 2 and 3  
Current Drain  
Common Mode Rejection  
Polarity  
5.4 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  
Dimensions and Weight  
53.0 mm (2.08 in.) maximum body diameter,  
156.2 mm (6.15 in.) long; 642 grams (22.6 oz.)  
(see Figure 6)  
Sensitivity (typical, at 1000 Hz;  
1Pa = 94 dB SPL)  
–37 dBV/Pa  
14 dB  
Self–noise (typical, equivalent SPL;  
A–weighted, IEC 651)  
Maximum SPL at 1000 Hz  
2500 load (Attenuator on)  
1000 load (Attenuator on)  
137 (152) dB  
132 (147) dB  
Output Clipping Level*  
2500 load  
7 dBV  
1 dBV  
1000 load  
Dynamic Range  
2500 load  
123 dB  
118 dB  
1000 load  
Signal to Noise ratio**  
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.  
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+10  
0
60 cm  
–10  
2
3
4 5 6789  
Hz 1000  
2
3
4 5 6789  
10000 20000  
20  
50  
100  
FIGURE 4. TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE  
FIGURE 5. TYPICAL POLAR PATTERNS  
156,2 mm  
(6.15 IN.)  
50,8 mm  
(2.00 IN.)  
53,0 mm  
(2.08 IN.)  
150,1 mm  
(5.90 IN.)  
FIGURE 6. DIMENSIONS  
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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 KSM27 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.  
N 108  
FURNISHED ACCESSORIES  
ShureLocktRubber Isolated Shock Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A27SM  
Protective Velveteen Pouch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A27VB  
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES  
ShureLocktBlack Swivel Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A32M  
Aluminum Carrying Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A32SC  
Windscreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A32WS  
Popper StoppertPop Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PS–6  
Padded, Zippered Carrying Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A32ZB  
REPLACEMENT PARTS  
Rubber Rings for Shock Mount (contains four) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RPM642  
ReplacementFoam for Carrying Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29A2284  
SERVICE  
For additional microphone service or parts information, please contact the Shure  
Service department. Outside the United States, please contact your Authorized  
Shure Service Center.  
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