Shure KSM137 & KSM141

The Shure KSM141 dual-pattern capacitor microphone.

While large-diaphragm mics get all the glamourous press, there are roles better suited to small-diaphragm models, such as the recording of many types of acoustic instrument. There are already numerous excellent mics of this type from the familiar big names in the microphone business, as well as a number of capable budget models using capsules from Russia and the Far East, but Shure have pitched their two new models at the serious end of the market and they are priced accordingly. The simpler of the two models is the KSM137, a fixed cardioid-pattern, 'end address' (which simply means you point the end at the instrument, not the side) back-electret capacitor microphone intended for both live and studio applications. Recommended applications include the close-miking of acoustic and electric instruments, drum overheads, brass/woodwind, ensembles, and even bass instruments such as double bass and kick drum. The KSM141 is similar in most respects, but is switchable between omni and cardioid polar patterns.

The KSM137 features an extremely thin, low-mass gold-sputtered diaphragm (a mere 2.5 microns thick), which helps achieve a good transient response, and this is teamed with a low-noise, low-distortion Class-A transformerless preamp. Quality components have been chosen for the onboard circuitry, and all connectors, both internal and external, are gold plated to maintain low contact resistance.

Shure KSM137/KSM141 £382/£505 pros Smooth, even tonality. Good bass extension and SPL handling. cons Relatively expensive. summary These two new models from Shure are both extremely nice microphones, but they face a lot of strong competition.

The rotating collar of the KSM141 allows you to switch between omni and cardioid polar patterns.

Both mics sound predictably similar in cardioid mode and have a very neutral character with a smooth top end. The high degree of bass extension means that if you were to try to record vocals through them, you'd have to use a proper pop shield, but, although they work perfectly well with vocals, they're more likely to be used for instrument work. I checked the mics on a number of sources, including using a matched pair of KSM141s as drum overheads — a task they managed with no problems. In some situations, a mic with a more hyped top end may be appropriate, but if you need smoothness and honesty, then both models fit the bill nicely.

The Shure KSM137 fixed-cardioid capacitor microphone.

It's quite difficult to review this type of mic, as it has no obvious sound to describe, but there's no denying that both models are high-quality products, both in terms of construction and performance. The extended bass end is useful when working with bass instruments, while the smooth high end makes easy work of avoiding harshness or shrillness. The design offers a good balance of low noise, good sensitivity and high SPL handling, but these are fairly expensive mics that have to compete in the UK with established models from companies who are more closely associated with capacitor mic manufacture. Although Shure have been making high-quality capacitor mics for a long time, there's a tendency for people to think of them only as the guys who make SM57s and SM58s! Still, marketing the mics isn't my problem, and I can tell you these are both good general-purpose microphones for those jobs best suited to a smaller-diaphragm model. They have no really outstanding characteristics, but then that may be their outstanding characteristic!

information

KSM137, £381.88; KSM141 £505.25; KSM137 matched pair, £752; KSM141 matched pair, £987. Prices include VAT. HW International +44 (0)20 8808 2222. +44 (0)20 8808 5599. Click here to email www.hwinternational.co.uk www.shure.com