Shure KSM44 user reviews ( 9/10) - 6 user reviews

• 09/30/11

  Anonymous 's review

  Characteristics

  The Shure KSM44 is Shure's highest offering in the condenser microphone territory. It has been and always will be compared to its cheaper cousin, the KSM32, but keep in mind. The Shure KSM32 and the Shure KSM44 are not the same microphone. It may appear to be that way with the KSM44 looking exactly like the KSM32 and coming in exactly the same package, with the only difference being the switchable polar patterns on the front of the microphone, but do not be fooled: they are very different microphone.
  
  
  
  The KSM44 has a typical frequency response from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, and Shure is very, very eager to talk about how little the microphone distorts. It is a very flat microphone. The frequency plot is a proverbial pancake. The microphone also has a very different self noise figure than the KSM32; while the single pattern KSM32 has a self noise of 13 dB, the KSM44's self noise is a whoppingly tiny 4 dB. This may have something to do with how much more sensitive the KSM44 is compared to the KSM32. The 32 can handle SPLs up to 154, but this microphone, the 44, can only reach 131.
  
  
  
  Granted, the microphone comes in the same package as the 32, although this one's case is a tad bit nicer. It includes a shockmount and a pouch, as well as the case and the microphone itself.

  Overall Opinion

  The Shure KSM44 is a very uncolored microphone. It faithfully reproduces whatever you put in front of it, but keep in mind, this is not always the most desirable thing in a recording. It will function well as a workhorse microphone, especially with its patterns and its versatility. However, it is certainly not as sweet or flattering as the 32. This wasn't the goal of Shure when they were designing the 44, and in respect to their original goal, they succeeded. Just don't buy a 44 thinking you have a multi-pattern 32.
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• 05/24/10

  moosers's review

  Characteristics

  The Shure KSM44 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that is designed for use in the recording studio. This is probably the highest end condenser microphone that Shure currently has to offer, as of course they are best known for their dynamic mics. The KSM44 will certainly draw comparisons to the cheaper KSM32, as they are definitely similar mics. The KSM44 has three pick up patterns to choose from, including for cardioid, omni-directional, and figure eight. It picks up the full range of human heard frequencies, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

  Overall Opinion

  The Shure KSM44 is simply an all around great microphone. It's suitable for almost any application that you'd like to use it for, including for vocals, room mics, and anything else that you can think of where you'd want a good amount of clarity from a large diaphragm condenser mic. I've also used it for recording the bottom of a snare drum, and it excelled tremendously in this situation as it picked up all the details of the snares beautifully. When compared to the Shure KSM32, the KSM44 has more options and a slightly cleaner sound, although both mics do sound great. It would be hard to say if it would be worth it to go with the KSM44 over the KSM32, as it really just depends on your situation and what you want to use the mic for. I'd recommend both microphones, and it should be easy enough to try out both of them since they are quite readily available. I don't know if it's worth the extra couple hundred bucks if you are a home studio owner looking for an all around condenser mic, but again it's hard to say as everyone's situations will be different. All in all, the Shure KSM44 is a very high quality condenser microphone that comes at a reasonable price considering the flexibility and overall tone quality of the mic...
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• 03/16/10

  MGR/AlexV's review "Shure KSM44"

  Characteristics

  Overall Opinion

  The Shure KSM44 is a large-diaphragm dual-capsule multi-swith condenser microphone. I am a student, musician, writer, and pretty good line dancer residing in beautiful Nashville, TN. I've been a drummer and guitar player on and off for the past 10 years of my life and have began engineering and producing in the past 4. I currently play drums for the band Brookline and you can see me rockin' an Orange County Drum and Percussion or Mapex kit decked out with Zildjian K Hybrids.
  
  
  
  Our studio bought a pair of these about 3 years ago for right around $800.00 a piece from Sweetwater. They were bought to add to our mic catalog for a studio in a Recording Arts college in Nashville, TN.
  
  
  
  <a href="http://www.sweetwater.com">http://www.sweetwater.com</a>
  
  
  
  These mics have a very low self noise and great clarity making them the perfect mic for softer signals and crisp clear vocals. I also love the ability to switch between the three polar patterns; cardiod, omni, and figure-8. The shock mount included is just as secure and effective as the one that comes with the U87.
  
  
  
  I have no complaints about this unit thus far. It works great in so many applications.
  
  
  
  This mic is tough! It has a durable zinc die-cast housing and can take quite the beating.
  
  
  
  Bottom Line? This mic sounds simply incredible and you get set so much for the price. Whether you\'re starting a new studio on a budget or looking to expand your mic catalog, this dual-capsule condenser is a great value.
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 09/28/08

  afterglow479's review

  Characteristics

  The KSM44 is a large diaphragm condenser mic from Shure. This one represents the height of Shure's entrance into the studio vocal mic market. It has a couple of bells and whistles included with the package, such as a nice shock mount and an aluminum flight case that looks very nice. They also give you a normal hard mic clip if the shock mount is getting in the way, and a fancy velvet sleeve for the mic as well. Very nice! As for the mic's features, there is a switchable polar pattern, a switchable pad, and a switchable low frequency roll-off. All of these features contribute to mic this mic potentially very versatile in the studio with the ability to cover a lot of roles, so this mic might be good for someone just starting off their mic collection.

  Overall Opinion

  I have had one of these in my studio for about 2 years. The versatility of this mic is great, and its ability to capture high frequency content and transients rivals small diaphragm mics that usually are the winners in that category. However, I think that fact makes a bit less suited for lead vocals, which is ironic since that was their purpose in design. I think vocals tend to sound a little sterile and brittle through this mic, where is other large diaphragm condensers will tend to warm up or smooth over the vocal, making for a more pleasant sound. This mic does sound very good on most acoustic instruments though. I use it frequently for string instruments like violin and cello, and also acoustic guitars and hand percussion. You can get these for only around 700 dollars, so the value there is pretty great. I wouldn't get this mic again for vocal purposes, but I do use it a lot for acoustic instruments, so I would get it again for that purpose.
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• 07/30/12

  muzak's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Misunderstood and underestimated"

  Characteristics

  Condenser this microphone for universal use. Three directional patterns: omni, cardio, fig.8.
  
  While seemingly a little Drab it &nbsp;hides excellent electronics and a capsule of high quality. Made in the USA. The suspension is solid and efficient. I think this mic is evolving in the shadow of the great classics like the Shure SM57-58, Beta52, SM81 and SM7 another.

  Overall Opinion

  I have had this microphone for over 12 years and believe its been used more than 2000 hours. No problems since &nbsp;the purchase. This mic seems to be halfway between a Neumann TLM 127 and an Audio-Technica 4050. Warmer and less clinical than 414XLS. Many people are unaware of this mic: a serious mistake because it works well in many areas. The sound is really professional and the price remains reasonable. When you compare this with the standard U87 mic, one senses immediately that the Shure KSM44 is a great value. If the pedigree and the image of a mic hooks you, go for the Neumann. But if you are pragmatic and sensible- &nbsp;buy microphones like the Shure KSM44 ...
  
  
  
  Nothing irritates me about this microphone. It is surprising that Shure does not grow its KSM series. Perhaps a greater visual audacity would make it a more popular mic.
  
  
  
  Try it on strings, vocals, drums and percussion room; acoustic guitar and finally a lot of other things ... Realism and presence are assured. Not as silky as a U87, but equally adorable ..
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• 09/09/07

  didier.vetillard's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Large diaphragm condenser microphone power supply 48v phantom

  Overall Opinion

  I have this microphone for 6 months and it is one of my favorites.
  
  Its has great quality is smooth it's almost like he did not tape the acidity of some
  
  capacitors.
  
  There is detail, finesse, the heat lgeret: everything you love.
  
  I use it a lot for saxophone and clarinet.
  
  I use it for men's voices: Beware the proximity which adds lots of bass it will take equalizer! Micro IDAL to withdraw agressivit fminine one vote.
  
  I have used one on a &nbsp;a jazz drummer who voullait sound of cymbals and soft trs
  
  it works!
  
  Report Quality at a great price!
  
  A year later ...
  
  he really has a lot of color and clean prsence. charley on such a gives a very hot.
  
  This microphone has a strong emphasis amricain ...

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