But the Shures smaller dual diaphragm design may give it the edge when it comes to a natural, clear and authentic sound. Achieving the sound quality demanded by elite performers and venues no longer requires sacrificing the rugged reliability of a dynamic microphone. Price $699. Follow Marcus Scott on social media You are using an out of date browser. I cant hide my enthusiasm about the Shure KSM9 its a great live mic. email Sign up for our Newsletter; Shure Incorporated, 5800 West Touhy Avenue Niles, IL 60714 . https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlczpwSXEOyatBLoJPWeG2U8OUFx9AFC0, https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/KSM8Nshure-ksm8-dualdyne-nickel/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=kVto8BKab0o, https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/KSM9CGshure-ksm9-handheld-condenser-microphone-charcoal-gray/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=kVto8BKab0o, https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/general-gear-used-to-make-sweetwater-videos/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=kVto8BKab0o, https://www.Sweetwater.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=kVto8BKab0o. Condensers offer a higher output level than dynamic mics, but theyre a lot more sensitive to loud noises, handling noise, and tend to break more easily. Shure QLXD2/KSM9. The user should not attempt to remove or replace this lining. The Shure KSM8 Dualdyne Microphone is the worlds first handheld dual-diaphragm dynamic microphone, designed for professional vocal applications in live sound and studio environments. Comparing to other Shures, itis a great step up from their Beta 87A and miles ahead ofBeta 58A. On the surface this mic looks very similar, with the same sleek design. The dent-resistant mesh grille is constructed from a hardened carbon-steel wire and permanently lined with a hydrophobic fabric. Not much help for the marginal types, though. It may also be purchased as part of a Shure wireless system, or as an upgrade to an existing wireless handheld transmitter. Given the absence, until now, of dual-diaphragm technology in moving-coil mics, it wont surprise anyone to learn that constructing such a design is extremely difficult, not least because of the need to squeeze the magnetic assembly between the two diaphragms, the spacing of which is restricted by the requirements of the internal acoustic structure. As a condenser designed for gigging and live use, the KSM9 is perfect for anyone looking to bring a high quality studio sound to the stage. At the bottom of the KSM8s capsule is a second passive diaphragm, which is there to seal the rear chamber and its internal acoustic labyrinth. It has a 40 to 16000 Hz frequency response, a 300 output impedance, and a sensitivity of -51.5 dBV/Pa (1.85 mV) at 1 kHz, open circuit. The Sennheiser has some unique features: a low-cut filter switch, for singers who need to remove low frequency noise from the room. This improved design had even less proximity effect, achieved through the use of considerably more entry slots designed to provide an almost continuous variation of phase shift with frequency, instead of a small number of fixed discrete shifts. However many singers and sound engineers find themselves needing to upgrade to something a bit more hi-fi. Beta 87A on UHF-R Wireless. Where you hold the microphone in relation to your mouth can make a big difference in sound. SM7b is unique though, so dont expect you can get the exact same performance from another handheld. The KSM8 has many unique design quirks to reduce plosives and the proximity effect, and enable a smooth natural sound. . Off-axis frequency response is very smooth. As mics go, Shures SM series are about as reliable and predictable as it gets, and so we were expecting a similar sound and behaviour from the KSM8. A85WS Black foam windscreen for KSM8, SM58, SM86, SM87A, Beta 87A and Beta 87C A25E Black, Soft-flex Swivel Adapter for KSM8 and KSM9 RPM266 Black replacement grille for KSM8 wired and wireless RPM268 Brushed Nickel replacement grille for KSM8 wired and wireless. With a decent sound system, the KSM9 is startlingly clear and detailed. The Neumann KMS 105 is a great choice for studio vocals. Aside from its precious, gold layered, low mass diaphragm, KSM9 uses first class electric components for its preamplifier circuit. I'm somewhat unfamiliar with the Sennheiser line of microphones. It may likely suffer from cosmetic defects, such as grille deformation and less likely scratches. Less spiky in the high mids, which means it sounds a lot better soloed, but doesn't sound as up front with a band. So having the benefits of that technology available on stage for the live-sound market is very appealing. Shure KSM9 Cardioid and Supercardioid Condenser Mic. The outer grille has been tempered to provide years of dent resistance. Crucially for a live condenser, theres also a suspension shock mount. Comparison of Shure KSM9 and Shure SM58 based on specifications, reviews and ratings. You can easily make one of these out of stockings, or buy one here. Patent Notice: Patent Des. Dynamic mics are particularly suited to live and stage use. An interesting side-note here is that Ben Bauer, working at Shure in the mid-1930s, developed a broadly similar acoustic labyrinth concept based on Braunmhl-Webers work for a single-capsule moving-coil cardioid mic. The exterior of the grille can be cleaned by gently using warm soap and water with a soft toothbrush. Interesting Essay On Sampling Rights and Reforms. However, there is a small amount of sensitivity at the rear of the mic (called a rear lobe). The diaphragm at the top of the capsule is a conventional active diaphragm with an attached coil of wire suspended behind it and sitting within a strong magnetic field. More about the KSM8 here. In terms of frequency response, the sound ofKSM9 is very well tailored, and it doessound much better than a typical flat-response condenser. KOHN MUSIC STORE. Their design used a complex arrangement of perforations drilled into separate brass plates which, when sandwiched together to form the microphone backplate, created an acoustic labyrinth behind the front diaphragm. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). The dual-diaphragm microphone delivers a smoother response throughout the vocal range and is less susceptible to improper microphone handling, requiring less corrective signal processing and resulting in a more natural sound. KSM9 picks up too much stage wash. AE5400, KSM9, VX10, and PR22 do as well. If you want your live vocals to be closer to your refined studio sound, then this is where a good handheld condenser comes in. The new technology allows for cleaner, more natural, and more prevalent vocals, especially when on stage with other instruments. Giving just enough brightnessto put you in line or slightly ahead of the instruments, I find it working great for all types of voices too. At the rear of the diaphragm the acoustic combination of these separate signals with altered phases and amplitudes results in an accurate cardioid polar pattern with a greatly reduced proximity effect. Win a TB-03 and TR-06 from Roland. But with good noise-handling and clever engineering, the KSM9 brings all of these qualities to the stage. Thats a tough one. It is also a great option for those who are looking for a microphone that is durable and easy to use. The capsule technology inside the KSM8 has been christened Dualdyne, in keeping with their familiar Unidyne product range terminology and in obvious reference to the use of two diaphragms. Exceptional consistency across all frequencies, providing more gain before Dual gold layered, low-mass Mylar diaphragm design, Switchable polar patterns (supercardioid and cardioid). The Neumann KMS 105 has a more natural sound and is more durable than the Shure KSM9. For a condenser, different polar patterns are achieved by changing the backplate voltage, shifting the capacitance, etc., - these manipulations are essentially . Also, what's your use case, as this will probably help us guide you towards to best choice! The amount of rear rejection degrades slightly around 6-8 kHz, but not enough to cause any significant issues. I work for a medium sized provider in the UK, we have 16 channels of UHF-R (a mix of UR4D and UR4D+). Shure Audio Institute. Thank you for your request. Theyre reliable, and lots of them sound great. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Enter the KSM9, a new handheld condenser microphone developed for high end live sound usage. . The legendary Dan Erlewine, luthier Gene Imbody and Berklees Tomo Fujita have shot a 6-point lesson video to help, Deadmau5 delivers his verdict on AI music production: Its scary in the sense of how stupid music already is anyway, It looks like Gibson is going to start selling vintage guitars including a '59 Les Paul Burst, Damon Albarn reveals that the beat from one of Gorillaz best-loved songs was an Omnichord loop preset, Jacob Collier offers Steve Vai guitar playing direction and watches as Willow screams down a microphone, "We are changing vintage guitar collecting forever": Gibson officially launches Certified Vintage program, Producer Mura Masa says that PinkPantheresss Boys A Liar was made in a couple of hours, and that he didnt know about the Ice Spice 'Pt 2' remix until he saw the video. The Shure KSM9 is a great choice as a live mic. Good Luck! As does the KSM9, the HS employs a dual-diaphragm, prepolarized, 3/4-inch capsule . The Sennheiser also has a slightly larger diaphragm than the Shure. Enter the Shure KSM9 a condenser mic for the live stage. Why you can trust MusicRadar Condenser mics are generally considered as sensitive to handling vibrations; however, in case with KSM9 the difference is tremendous. 965 more sensitive than the KSM, for me uses about 1/3rd less gain. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Instagram: @marcusdscott, After you watch, check out Sweetwater.com today for all your music instrument and pro audio needs! But with solid construction, the mic feels nice and sturdy to hold, without feeling overly large. The kit includes a regular mic clip and a stiffened soft carry pouch, and theres a choice of finishes - black or brushed nickel. As a premium vocal microphone, the KSM9 captures vocal subtlety with extraordinary detail to deliver clear articulation, functional flexibility and precise vocal reproduction for . What's the problem with your 58? Inside, the microphone features a Class A, transformerless preamplifier circuit. Learn More. The Shure KSM9 is a fairly standard size and weight for a handheld stage mic. If the vocalist presses their lips against the grille there is a small but noticeable increase in the bass end, but it really is very moderate in comparison to most stage mics. The higher range gets some gentle boost, resulting in more transparency andhelping to cut through more easily. JavaScript is disabled. A premium-range handheld condenser vocal mic with a clear and authentic sound. Usefully, and for related reasons, the mics susceptibility to plosive popping is also dramatically reduced as an added bonus! A very similar mic to the KSM9. Picking the mic up reveals that it is pleasantly weighty, at 330g, and it feels well balanced in the hand. When comparing the sound of the KSM9 vs KSM8s, I found them both to have a great sound. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Both the SM57 and SM58 are favoured for their workhorse-like reliability and durability. The Shure KSM9 microphone is a high-end vocal microphone that has been designed for use in live and studio settings. Shure KSM9 has a fantastic quality and it gives a very natural sound. From a practical perspective, with virtually no proximity effect the on-axis sound character doesnt change with source distance, so the performer enjoys a much larger and more consistent sweet spot. A supercardioid pattern is a little tighter around the mic, picking up sound around 57 degrees each side of the mic. KSM8. The KSM9 microphone typically runs around $700 in a wired configuration. But guess you are looking more into a dynamic type of mic. Have a question or request? There are many great microphones on the market, but two of the most popular are the Neumann KMS 105 and Shure KSM9. It offers a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz and a maximum SPL of 150dB. . When you have other instruments in close proximity and you just want the sound of the voice, its best to sing or speak directly into the mic. Brand New. For example, as a lead singer you will naturally lean towards a more balanced sound ofcardioid. The KSM8 Dualdyne features a patented cartridge design with two ultra-thin diaphragms and groundbreaking reverse airflow technology. All in all, the KSM9 offers a very happy medium. As a condenser mic, the Shure KSM9 requires phantom power. And of these, the SM57 and SM58 are industry-standard around the world. In Asia, call 852-2893-4290. Find out more about how we test. These are the vibrations in the sub bass range that youll feel more than hear. I am pretty familiar with the 87c, I like it a lot and it seems to be smooth and consistant. The electronic circuit is maybe complex but it doesnt utilize any vulnerable components (such as triodes, crystal oscillators, etc.) The best way I can describe the sound of the KSM9 is that it provides an authentic reproduction of the sound source. The polar response also behaves differently with both frequency and source distance. The Neumann KMS 105 is a condenser microphone that is designed for studio use. All in all the KSM9 has a durable, carefully considered design. KSM8/N: Superior dual-diaphragm dynamic microphone with a brushed-nickel finish. A Sweetwater Sales Engineer will get back to you shortly. This is wider than most handheld dynamic mics, and is one of the main perks of using a condenser mic. 3.7 out of 5. The "C" version is the best of the 87 lot for female vocals in my experience and I think the KSM9 is a huge improvement over it. The mic has a dual-diaphragm 19.8mm OD electret condenser capsule, with diaphragms mounted 3.7mm apart. A crossover at 500Hz combines the two capsule outputs to produce the final signal, much like a two-way speaker working in reverse! But for the money, youll get a classy, crystal-clear sound with heaps of dynamic detail. This makes them very different types of mic, each with their own internal circuitry. This item: Shure RPW174 KSM8 Dualdyne Wireless Capsule for Shure Transmitters. Boston, If your audio interface or mixer doesnt provide phantom power, there is a solution: You can connect your mic to an external 48 volt phantom supply. It is made from high-quality components, which ensures that it delivers excellent sound quality. Strategically positioning and bringing to life new brands. With over 28,000 articles and counting, inSync is your FREE resource for breaking news, reviews, demos, interviews, and more. Its unique capsule gives the KSM8 a cardioid polar pattern that is unusually uniform across the frequency spectrum.As polar patterns go the KSM8 boasts a remarkably consistent cardioid response, with an excellent rear null across most of the frequency range, and Shure claim it to be the purest cardioid polar pattern the company have developed to date. As mics go, Shures SM series are about as reliable and predictable as it gets, and so we were expecting a similar sound and behaviour from the KSM8. The "C" version is the best of the 87 lot for female vocals in my experience and I think the KSM9 is a huge improvement over it. Forums for Audio Professionals, Run by Audio Professionals. To learn more about our cookie policy, please visit our Privacy Policy. More videos like Shure KSM8 vs. KSM9 | Whats the Difference? There are no user-serviceable parts inside. The idea is that sounds from the rear take the same amount of time to reach the rear of the diaphragm through the labyrinth as they do to pass around the outside of the microphone and impact on the front of the diaphragm. On the other hand, condenser mics are less sonically limited than dynamics, and can deliver a lot of detail and clarity. 965 seriously cuts through the muddiness very crisp high end. We have both b87c and b87a capsules for our handhelds too, but these don't see anywhere near as much use. I've heard from several FOH pals that the KSM9 and KMS104/105 are sonically very much in the same ballpark. Its priced for pro users, but the KSM8 is a beauty of a mic that ditches the all-rounder status in favour of vocal live performance and reinforcement duties. Therell be less of the proximity effect, and the mic will pick up more sounds from other instruments, and the acoustics of the room. Essential is part of Consider helping Sound Forums keep the lights on. The Shure KSM9 is a higher-end microphone that is known for its clear sound quality. I think the champagne looks very chic! Like most professional microphones, the KSM9 has a low impedance of 150 ohms. The KSM8 is a dynamic microphone; the KSM9 is a condenser microphone. Theres still a noticeable proximity when youre right on the grille, and here plosives still creep in, but nevertheless, for terms of ease of use, youre getting a much more predictable, consistent sound in a variety of positions. I have heard good things about this capsule. There is a widespread popular belief that the microphone is a mature technology that hasnt seen any significant development since the studio heydays of the 1950s/60s/70s (delete according to your favourite musical decade!). This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Shure Product Manager, John Born, was one of the small development team that worked on the KSM8 project. But this mic is well constructed, and perfect for live performances which require that superior condenser sound. The casing has an integrated three-state pop protection grille, which acts like a pop-shield and reduces plosives, breath and wind noise. MA 02210. The Shure KSM9 is also a great choice for studio vocals. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. In fact there are only a couple of small (less than 3dB) ripples in the response (around 3 and 5 kHz), with a fairly steep roll-off above 12kHz. The triple grille pop-shield handles plosives well, whereas the dual diaphragm design is very effective at reducing the proximity effect. The downside is that the KSM9 seems to pick up everything on stage.. FYI there is a new version of the KSM9 that now offers a switchable polar pattern. This pattern is fairly forgiving of mic position and technique, whilst capturing detail. Just make sure to point it where you want to and it will do the rest. the Telefunken M80). Enter the KSM8. Some sound engineers also favour the increased directionality of a supercardioid when recording drums or other instruments. Reviewed by: Paul NarangReview date: October 2022Current price: Around $500. Our web address is www.shure.com. The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from: www.shure.com/europe/compliance, Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa. One big difference is that the Neumann doesnt have a switchable polar pattern its a fixed supercardioid. A dynamic microphone process sound waves mechanically whereas a condenser microphone does so electronically. Internal shock mount and capsule stabilization mean minimal handling noise. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlczpwSXEOyatBLoJPWeG2U8OUFx9AFC0, Shop Shure KSM8 Dualdyne Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone at Sweetwater https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/KSM8Nshure-ksm8-dualdyne-nickel/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=kVto8BKab0o, Shop Shure KSM9 Dual-Pattern Condenser Handheld Vocal Microphone at Sweetwater https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/KSM9CGshure-ksm9-handheld-condenser-microphone-charcoal-gray/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=kVto8BKab0o, If youre wondering what video gear we use, check it out https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/general-gear-used-to-make-sweetwater-videos/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=kVto8BKab0o. Beginning with a simple and sturdy design (and in a handsome matte black), the KSM8 Dualdyne is the world's first dual diaphragm dynamic vocal microphone, a design that eliminates the emcee mic-cupping . Technical features include two ultrathin diaphragms, a neodymium magnet, a dent-resistant carbon steel grille, a new internal pneumatic shock mount and diaphragm stabilization system, and integrated hydrophobic wind protection. A25E. The passive diaphragm obviously moves in response to sound waves, and thus transmits sound waves into the rear chamber, but it affects low and high frequencies differently. Its similar in design to the classic Shure SM58, but with a squarer grille at the head of the microphone. The capsules that see most demand are beta58s and KSM9s. Theyre probably best-known for their affordable handheld dynamic stage microphones. However, the KSM9 has this covered. The active and passive diaphragms differ in that the active (top) one has a coil attached.Although the rear diaphragm isnt used as part of the electrical circuit in a fixed-cardioid capsule, it was subsequently discovered that it does play an important role in modifying the capsules proximity effect, which Ill come back to in a moment. In fact, for close sources, as the signal frequency reduces, the dual-diaphragm capsule behaves less and less like a directional pressure-gradient device, and more and more like an omnidirectional pressure-operated device. Gone is the quite substantial midrange and high-mid boost, replaced by a much smoother and dare we say it more natural response, and although this seems lacking at first, whats missing is the borderline sibilance that an SM can easily exhibit. This provides a clean and transparent sound, while generating a little more heat than other designs. Well, at 429, this mic doesnt come cheap. Web site designed & maintained by PB Associates & SOS. KSM8 Dualdyne Dynamic Handheld Vocal Microphone from Shure is a dual-diaphragm dynamic microphone crafted for vocal reproduction and sound-reinforcement in live performances and top-tier professional venues. For a more natural, balanced sound, hold the mic between 5 and 10 cm away from your mouth. We develop services as multi-channel brand experiences that empower people in meaningful ways and deliver value for both the user and company.