Shure KSM353/ED Premier Bi-Directional Ribbon Microphone with Roswellite™ Ribbon Technology

Product Overview

The Shure KSM353/ED is a premier bi-directional ribbon microphone engineered for pristine, high-fidelity capture in professional studios and concert halls. Its figure-8 polar pattern, Roswellite ribbon technology, and uniform front-and-back response make it a reference-grade ribbon mic for vocals, acoustic instruments, and orchestral recording. As a flagship studio ribbon microphone, it combines vintage ribbon warmth with the durability and output that demanding commercial sessions require.

Product Description

The KSM353/ED is a top-tier bi-directional ribbon microphone built to reproduce fast transients with accuracy across a 30 to 15,000 Hz range. Its proprietary Roswellite ribbon material replaces conventional aluminum foil, providing revolutionary resilience and durability that withstands sound pressure levels up to 146 dB without the fragility associated with traditional ribbons. The microphone has a uniform, symmetrical frequency response, meaning the front and back of the capsule sound identical, which simplifies placement in stereo and orchestral setups. A double-shielded, matched full-sized transformer minimizes signal loss and maximizes output while reducing magnetic and RF interference. As a passive design it requires no phantom power and connects through a standard XLR, integrating cleanly into commercial-grade preamps for broadcast studio, house of worship, and auditorium recording.

Key Features

• Roswellite Ribbon Technology — Proprietary Roswellite ribbon material delivers exceptional resilience and durability, withstanding extreme sound pressure levels where conventional foil ribbons would fail.
• Bi-Directional Figure-8 Pattern — The symmetrical figure-8 pattern captures sources front and back with identical tonality, ideal for stereo and orchestral techniques.
• 146 dB Maximum SPL — High SPL handling supports close placement on loud sources without ribbon damage.
• Double-Shielded Matched Transformer — A full-sized, matched transformer maximizes output and minimizes signal loss while rejecting magnetic and RF interference.
• Uniform Symmetrical Response — Front and back of the microphone are tuned identically for predictable results in any orientation.
• Passive Design, No Phantom Power — The passive ribbon connects through a standard XLR and needs no phantom power, simplifying integration into existing preamps.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio
• House of worship
• Auditorium

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the KSM353/ED require phantom power?
No. It is a passive ribbon microphone and must not be supplied with phantom power. Use a quality preamp with ample clean gain.

Why does the symmetrical response matter?
Because the front and back are tuned identically, the microphone behaves predictably in stereo and orchestral placements regardless of orientation.

Is it durable enough for touring or installed use?
Yes. Roswellite ribbon material resists the permanent deformation that affects traditional foil ribbons, improving reliability in demanding environments.

Can it integrate into an existing rack-mount preamp chain?
Yes. Its standard XLR output connects to any commercial-grade preamp; no special powering is required.

What warranty and support apply?
The microphone carries Shure's manufacturer warranty. Creation Networks provides procurement and integration support for commercial AV projects.