Shure KSM141 Dual Pattern Condenser Microphone

The Shure KSM141 (KSM141/SL) is an end-address condenser instrument microphone with a rotating collar that switches mechanically between cardioid and true omnidirectional patterns, for studio and live recording of acoustic instruments, drum overheads, amps and ensembles. It covers 20 Hz to 20 kHz, has 14 dB self-noise, and handles up to 145 dB SPL with the pad off or 170 dB SPL with the pad on (both into a 5000 ohm load). It is offered as a single microphone or as the KSM141/SL Stereo pair.

Inside is an ultra-thin 2.5 micron, 24 karat gold-layered Mylar diaphragm and a Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier, with gold-plated internal and external connectors. A subsonic filter removes rumble below 17 Hz from mechanical vibration, a three-position pad (0, 15 and 25 dB) handles loud sources, and a three-position low-frequency filter cuts stand noise and proximity effect.

KSM141 specifications

Type	Electret condenser, end address
Polar pattern	Cardioid or omnidirectional, selected with a rotating collar
Frequency response	20 Hz to 20 kHz
Sensitivity	-37 dBV/Pa (14.1 mV) at 1 kHz
Output impedance	150 ohms
Maximum SPL, pad off	145 dB (5000 ohm load), 139 dB (2500 ohm), 134 dB (1000 ohm)
Maximum SPL, pad on	170 dB (5000 ohm load), 164 dB (2500 ohm), 159 dB (1000 ohm)
Self-noise	14 dB SPL, A-weighted
Signal-to-noise ratio	80 dB
Dynamic range	131 dB (5000 ohm load), 125 dB (2500 ohm), 120 dB (1000 ohm)
Common mode rejection	50 dB or more
Attenuation pad	0, -15 or -25 dB
Low-frequency filter	Flat, -6 dB/octave below 115 Hz, or -18 dB/octave below 80 Hz
Connector	3-pin XLR male, balanced
Power	Phantom power, 11 to 52 V DC, 4.7 mA maximum (performs best at 48 V)
Weight	5.5 oz (156 g)
Furnished accessories	A100C carrying case, A100WS foam windscreen, A57F microphone clip; the stereo pair adds the A27M stereo microphone adapter

How do I switch between cardioid and omni?

Rotate the knurled collar until it clicks into a detent with the pattern you want above the notch. Mute the channel first, because turning the collar makes mechanical noise, and never leave it between detents.

Does the KSM141 need phantom power?

Yes. It performs best on 48 V phantom power and still works, with slightly less headroom and sensitivity, on supplies as low as 11 V.

Which pad setting should I use on drums?

Use -15 dB for loud sources such as drums, horns or loud guitar cabinets, and -25 dB when the mic is closer than 10 cm (about 4 in) to an extremely loud source.

Can I use two KSM141s as a stereo pair?

Yes. The KSM141/SL Stereo option includes the A27M stereo adapter, which mounts two microphones on one stand for coincident and closely spaced stereo setups.

KSM141 or KSM137?

Both share the 2.5 micron gold-layered diaphragm, Class A transformerless preamp, subsonic filter and three-position pad. The KSM137 has a single cardioid pattern, while the KSM141 adds a true omnidirectional pattern on its rotating collar, which makes it the better pick for room ambience, ensembles and choirs. Accessories include the A100C case and A100WS windscreen.