Shure KSM44A/SL Multi-Pattern, Large Diagphragm, Side-Address Condenser Studio Microphone (Cristal) is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Product Overview
The Shure KSM44A/SL is a multi-pattern, large-diaphragm, side-address condenser studio microphone for engineers who need flexible pickup and exceptionally quiet operation. Selectable cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional patterns plus Prethos Advanced Preamplifier Technology make it a versatile studio condenser microphone for vocals, acoustic instruments, and ensemble capture. As a large-diaphragm condenser for commercial recording, it delivers a wide dynamic range with industry-leading low self-noise.
Product Description
The KSM44A/SL is built around externally biased dual 1-inch diaphragms that enable three selectable polar patterns: cardioid for focused single-source capture, omnidirectional for natural room pickup, and bidirectional figure-8 for stereo and dual-source techniques. Prethos Advanced Preamplifier Technology achieves a groundbreaking 4 dB of self-noise and a 127 dB dynamic range, so the microphone captures quiet detail and loud transients cleanly up to a 131 dB maximum SPL. Extensive internal pop filtering reduces breath and plosive noise without an external screen. The microphone requires phantom power and performs best on a 48V DC supply per IEC-61938, while still operating with reduced headroom on supplies as low as 11V. It integrates into any commercial-grade preamp or interface through a standard XLR, suiting broadcast studio, house of worship, and auditorium recording. 
Key Features
- Three Selectable Polar Patterns — Cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional patterns adapt the microphone to single sources, room capture, and stereo techniques.
- Dual 1-Inch Externally Biased Diaphragms — The large dual-diaphragm capsule delivers detailed, full-bodied reproduction across sources.
- 4 dB Self-Noise — Prethos Advanced Preamplifier Technology reaches a groundbreaking 4 dB self-noise for clean capture of quiet passages.
- 127 dB Dynamic Range — A wide dynamic range with a 131 dB maximum SPL handles both subtle detail and loud transients.
- Extensive Internal Pop Filtering — Built-in pop filtering reduces plosives and breath noise without an external screen.
- Flexible Phantom Power — Optimized for 48V DC (IEC-61938), it still operates with reduced headroom on supplies as low as 11V.
Typical Applications
- Broadcast studio
- House of worship
- Auditorium
Technical Specifications
| Transducer Type | Condenser, externally biased dual 1-inch diaphragms |
| Polar Patterns | Cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional (selectable) |
| Self-Noise | 4 dB |
| Maximum SPL | 131 dB |
| Dynamic Range | 127 dB |
| Preamplifier | Prethos Advanced Preamplifier Technology |
| Connector | 3-pin XLR |
| Power | 48V DC phantom recommended (IEC-61938); operates down to 11V with reduced headroom |
Competitor Comparison
| Criteria | Shure KSM44A/SL | AKG C414 XLII | Neumann U87 Ai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polar patterns | Three: cardioid, omni, bidirectional | Nine selectable patterns | Three: cardioid, omni, bidirectional |
| Self-noise | 4 dB, among the lowest in its class | Low self-noise, slightly higher than KSM44A | Low self-noise, higher than KSM44A |
| Capsule | Externally biased dual 1-inch diaphragms | Dual large-diaphragm capsule | Dual large-diaphragm capsule |
| Onboard pop filtering | Extensive internal pop filtering | Internal filtering; external screen often used | Internal filtering; external screen often used |
| Best fit | Ultra-quiet multi-pattern capture at a mid-tier price | Maximum pattern flexibility | Classic broadcast and vocal color |
Frequently Asked Questions
What polar patterns does the KSM44A/SL offer?
Three selectable patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional, chosen on the microphone body.
How quiet is it?
It reaches 4 dB of self-noise, among the lowest available, making it well suited to quiet sources and high-resolution recording.
What phantom power does it need?
It performs best on a 48V DC supply per IEC-61938 and will still operate on supplies as low as 11V with reduced headroom and sensitivity.
Is it suitable for installed AV and worship recording?
Yes. Its selectable patterns and low self-noise make it flexible for vocals, instruments, and room capture in installed systems.
What warranty and support apply?
The microphone carries Shure's manufacturer warranty. Creation Networks provides procurement and integration support for commercial AV projects.
At Creartion Networks, we do everything we can to create an excellent customer experience. This includes fast shipping and easy returns.
- Most in-stock orders placed Monday-Friday ship within 24-48 hours. General restrictions apply; please see our full shipping policy here.
- We offer a 30-day return policy from the delivery date on many products. Product restrictions apply. Restocking fees for the return of open-box items. Please see our full return policy here for more information.
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