Shure KSM141/SL Dual-Pattern (Cardioid/Omnidirectional) Studio Condenser Microphone (Champagne), Foam Windscreen and Carrying Case

Product Overview

The Shure KSM141/SL is a dual-pattern small-diaphragm condenser microphone with a rotating collar that switches between a consistent cardioid and a true omnidirectional polar pattern. This flexibility makes it a single-microphone solution for instrument recording, ensemble capture, and room ambience in commercial studios, broadcast facilities, and houses of worship. Its low self-noise and transparent capture suit critical recording and live sound applications.

Product Description

The KSM141/SL uses a mechanical polar-pattern switch to move between cardioid and true omnidirectional response without changing capsules, giving AV system designers and engineers two microphone characters in one unit. An ultra-thin 2.5-micron, 24-karat gold-layered Mylar diaphragm and a Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier deliver transparent capture with fast transient response and minimal distortion. A three-position attenuation switch (0/15/25 dB) handles extremely high SPLs, while a three-position low-frequency filter manages proximity effect and rumble. In cardioid mode the microphone isolates a single source for close-miking; in omnidirectional mode it captures room ambience or an ensemble with no proximity effect. For a broadcast studio, auditorium, or house of worship, this dual-pattern condenser microphone reduces inventory by covering both close and ambient duties. It ships with a carrying case, foam windscreen, and stand adapter.

Key Features

• Switchable Polar Patterns — A mechanical rotating collar selects between consistent cardioid and true omnidirectional response for recording and performance flexibility.
• Gold-Layered Mylar Diaphragm — The 2.5-micron, 24-karat gold-layered low-mass diaphragm delivers superior transient response on instruments and ensembles.
• Class A Transformerless Preamplifier — The discrete, transformerless circuit captures transparent sound with no crossover distortion and minimal harmonic and intermodulation distortion.
• Three-Position Attenuation Switch — Selectable 0/15/25 dB pads let the microphone handle extremely high SPLs from drums, horns, and amplifiers.
• Three-Position Low-Frequency Filter — Flat, 80 Hz, or 115 Hz settings counteract proximity effect and remove low-frequency rumble.
• Low Self-Noise — At 14 dB SPL-A, the microphone supports quiet, detailed recordings where the noise floor matters.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio
• House of worship
• Auditorium
• Multi-purpose room

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I switch polar patterns? Rotate the knurled collar until it clicks into a detent with the desired pattern icon above the notch. Mute the channel first, since rotating the switch produces mechanical noise that could damage loudspeakers if amplified.

Does the KSM141 require phantom power? Yes. It performs best with 48 V DC phantom power and operates from 11 to 52 V DC, drawing up to 4.7 mA, over a balanced XLR-to-XLR or XLR-to-TRS connection.

When should I use omnidirectional mode? Use omni for room ambience or to capture an ensemble or multiple sources at once; it exhibits no proximity effect. Use cardioid for isolated close-miking in multi-mic setups.

Can it be used as a stereo pair? Yes. A matched KSM141/SL STEREO package is available and includes the A27M stereo adapter for one-stand coincident and spaced techniques.

What warranty and support are available? The microphone is backed by Shure's manufacturer warranty and tech support. Contact our team through creationnetworks.net for procurement and integration assistance.