Shure is a microphone brand that is primarily known for their dynamic microphones. The Shure SM7B, SM58, and SM57 are some of the most popular microphones ever built, and have been used on countless tours, stages, and in many recording studios. However, Shure also has many models of condenser microphones that you may not have heard of!
What is a condenser mic?
If you don’t know what a condenser microphone is, it is a microphone that uses a phantom power to provide power to the microphone’s capsule. Unlike a dynamic microphone, which you can just plug in and start singing, a condenser microphone requires an electric signal (typically provided by your interface or mixer). The powered diaphragm means the microphone will be more sensitive, capturing more detailed recordings.
You can learn more about condenser mics here!
Contents
Shure Condenser Mics – Which one should you choose?
While there are several Shure condenser microphone models with obscure uses, like lavaliere mics that clip on to your shirt, and headset mics for giving speeches, we will be focusing only on large and small diaphragm condensers that are meant to capture voices and instruments.
Let’s take a look at Shure’s condenser mic lineup, and see which one is right for you!
Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
These mics are Shure’s large diaphragm (or LDC) mics. These are great choices for recording studios looking to record acoustic instruments like guitars, as well as vocalists and voice actors. These are the traditional “studio mic” that you’d find in a professional recording studio!
Shure KSM44A
This is Shure’s most expensive condenser microphone, at just around $1,000, and it’s a great sounding mic for vocals, acoustic instruments, and drum overheads. The KSM44a features dual gold mylar diaphragm.
The KSM44A is a premium microphone with a crisp, clear sound, and it’s a solid pick for recording studios and singer songwriters looking to improve their vocal sound! The KSM44a has detailed mid-range, which is great for recording vocals that will really cut through in a mix without sounding harsh.
The KSM44a has three polar pattern options (cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional), making it a solid choice for a room mic or for recording an ensemble.
- A great mic for capturing detailed studio recordings
- Extremely low-noise circuitry for amazingly clean recordings
- Includes shurelock suspension shock mount, shurelock stand mount, carrying case, and velveteen pouch
All in all, this is a solid microphone for anyone who wants to record a variety of instruments and voices with high sound quality.
Shure KSM42
The KSM42 is the Shure condenser microphone that is designed specifically for recording vocals. This mic is similar in construction to the KSM44a, but it only has one polar pattern (cardioid). The cardioid polar pattern is ideal for recording vocals, since it only captures what is right in front of the microphone.
While this microphone has fewer features than the KSM44a, it also comes in at a few dollars cheaper. If you are looking for a micrphone that is primarily for recording singing, voiceovers, or rappers, this is the mic for you.
- Similar to the KSM44a, but designed for recording vocals
- Delivering a level of clarity, control, and durability that is simply unprecedented; KSM microphones represent the pinnacle of Shure audio innovation-defining new standards in audio performance
- Includes shock mount and metal case
Shure KSM32
The more affordable of the large diaphragm Shure condenser mics, the KSM32 differs from the 44 and 42 in that it has a single mylar diaphragm. While the KSM32 still sounds great, it has a slightly higher noise circuit than the 44 and 42.
The KSM32 features a cardioid polar pattern, just like the KSM 42, so it’s still a solid microphone for recording vocals or individual instruments. It’s also great for any engineer on a budget, as it is a fair bit cheaper than the 44 and 42 models.
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Utilizes an embossed, ultra-thin, high-compliance Mylar diaphragm
- Shure-quality construction and pop protection
Check out this video from Sweetwater comparing the three Shure condenser microphones in the KSM line:
Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
These are smaller, more directional microphones that are typically used to record louder sound sources like cymbals, or used in a stereo pair due to their small size (ie: recording stereo acoustic guitar or acoustic piano). Sometimes called pencil condensers, these mics are a must have for any live venue or recording studio.
Shure SM81
These are one of my favorite mics for recording drum overheads, but they’re a popular choice for many stereo applications. You’ll find that most people who own one Shure SM81 also own a second one, since they’re such a popular stereo mic.
- Great for live and studio applications due to rugged construction and low feedback levels
- Small and easy to position in a stereo pair
- Great sound for drum overheads and acoustic instruments
I personally use these all the time for both recording and live applications! If you’re looking to build a mic locker for a studio, a pair of SM81s is a great pick as your go-to drum overhead/piano/acoustic guitar mic pair.
Shure SM137
If you’re in need of a pair of more affordable pencil condensers, these are a great choice. An amazing pick for a music venue that needs to mic up drums, the Shure SM137 is a versatile mic that you can toss in your gig bag and go.
- A solid pencil condenser that's great for live venues
- Durable construction and a slick black finish
- Makes a great drum overhead
If you need a set of multi-purpose pencil condensers for various recording sessions (ie: recording a choir, an orchestra, or a live band), a pair of these is a great addition to your mic locker.
Other Shure Condenser Microphones
The KSM and SM line are the mainstays of Shure’s condenser mic offerings, but they have a few other condenser microphones that we will take a look at!
Shure KSM9
The KSM9 is Shure’s premium live microphone. Created to deliver amazing sound in a concert setting, the KSM9 is one of the most expensive handheld mics for singers. If you’re looking to bring your concert sound to the next level, upgrading your vocal mic to a KSM9 is a great way to get your live vocals sounding superb.
- Switchable polar patterns (supercardioid and cardioid)
- Advanced suspension shock mount
- Premium electronic components including Class A transformerless preamplifier circuitry
- Gold-plated internal and external connectors, including XLR Output Durable aluminum housing
Shure BETA27
This is a mic purpose built for recording instruments of all types. If you’re planning on mic-ing up violin, upright bass, banjo, acoustic guitar, woodwinds, etc…this is the mic for you. This is an affordable Shure condenser microphone that has several applications, so it’s a great choice for live sound engineers, recording engineers, and venues.
- Supercardioid polar pattern specifically targets the sound source consistently with greatly minimized bleed from off-axis sound sources
- Flat, neutral frequency response for natural reproduction on stage or in the studio
- 3-position switchable low-frequency filter helps reduce unwanted background noise
- -15 dB switchable attenuator handles extremely high SPLs with ease
Shure PGA 27
If you’re looking for a great budget mic, this Shure condenser microphone is a great option. This is a step up from the ultra-budget mics from brands like MXL, or from USB mics like the Blue Yeti. If you’re looking for an affordable mic to start up your home recording studio, this is a fantastic choice.
- Supercardioid polar pattern specifically targets the sound source consistently with greatly minimized bleed from off-axis sound sources
- Flat, neutral frequency response for natural reproduction on stage or in the studio
- 3-position switchable low-frequency filter helps reduce unwanted background noise
- -15 dB switchable attenuator handles extremely high SPLs with ease
Shure Condenser Microphones – Recap
Shure is a reliable brand with a plethora of microphones to choose from, and these condenser mics are all great picks within their price brackets. Shure condenser mics are great for lots of applications, and they have an extremely versatile list of options. If you’re looking to upgrade your microphone selection, Shure condenser mics are a great pick!
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
| Check Price | |
|
| Check Price | |
|
| Check Price | |
|
| Check Price | |
|
| Check Price | |
|
| Check Price | |
|
| Check Price | |
 |
| Check Price |
If you found this article useful, check out the rest of our reviews and tutorials!
