« Very even sound. »

The Shure KSM32 is a cardioid electret large diaphragm condenser microphone that Shure advertises as being perfect for vocals. However, the microphone has been known to fill in a very complete workhorse role. This is because of its very respectable specifications. The KSM32 has the typical condenser frequency response range from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, and Shure makes it abundantly clear that there is a slight presence peak at 7,000 Hz in the high midrange and at 10,000 Hz at the low high end. The KSM32 has a 15 dB pad on it that allows it to handle a maximum SPL of 154 dB, and it also includes a three position bass roll off switch. The Shure KSM32 has a low self noise at 13 dB, and a high sensitivity, making this a relatively quiet microphone. Those stats are not stellar, however, since more impressively numbered offerings have made their way into the market. However, a musician should not split hairs over a number, and the Shure KSM32 sounds good. That is where it counts.

The package of the microphone is very nice; it comes in a very sturdy case and has a very soft pouch, along with a shockmount and the microphone itself.

OVERALL OPINION

The Shure KSM32 in practice is an incredible workhorse in the studio. The fact that it is supposedly tailored doesn't prevent this microphone from fulfilling a great number of roles. If one uses a KSM32 on everything, be it overheads, guitar cabs, lead vocals, backing vocals, a number of other instruments, the one thing that everyone is afraid of is already absent from the mix. There is a very significant lack of frequency bloating.

If you could only have one microphone, this is a very useful one to have. It is certainly a contender for a desert island condenser.