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Shure KSM42 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm, Side-address Cardioid Condenser Microphone
7 Write review Item ID: KSM42
$849.00

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Shure KSM42 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
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Shure Wired Mic Buying Guide

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Ultra-transparent Vocal Mic!

If you're looking for a killer microphone that will record vocals without changing the way they sound, then it's time to pick up a Shure KSM42/SG. The Shure KSM42/SG is a complete package that includes a Shure KSM42 large-diaphragm side-address cardioid condenser microphone as well as a full set of accessories. The super-quiet and highly transparent Prethos Advanced Preamplifier Technology onboard the KSM42 brings out the clarity in your vocals without adding color or noticeable distortion. Both an internal and an included external pop filter keep breath noise at bay, and the KSM42's consistent cardioid pattern as well as its proximity-effect-negating diaphragm design give it an enormous sweet spot. Top it off with a full set of mounting hardware, an aluminum carrying case, and a velveteen storage pouch, and there's no denying that the Shure KSM42/SG package is an amazing deal!

Related Videos: KSM42 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Shure KSM42/SG Large-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone Package Features at a Glance:
  • Consistent cardioid polar pattern creates a broad "sweet spot" and natural off-axis response
  • Dual-diaphragm design with an active-front ultra-thin (2.5-micron) 24-karat-gold low-mass 1" Mylar diaphragm
  • Extended frequency response and dynamic range
  • Passive back diaphragm reduces low-frequency proximity effect
  • Integrated 3-stage mesh grille guards against wind and breath noise
  • Open-cage ShureLock rubber suspension shockmount with low-profile Popper Stopper magnetic pop filter
  • Ultra-transparent Prethos Advanced Preamplifier Technology
  • Premium electronic components and gold-plated connectors
  • Durable zinc die-cast housing and hardened low-carbon steel grille
  • Internal shockmount reduces unwanted handling and stand noise
  • Includes ShureLock shockmount, Popper Stopper magnetic pop filter, aluminum carrying case, and velveteen pouch
  • Net weight: 17.4 oz.
  • Requires +48V phantom power
The Shure KSM42 large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone package is a great deal on an excellent vocal microphone and more!

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Studio Microphone Buying Guide

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Condenser
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Diaphragm Size: 1" (25.4mm)
  • Frequency Response: 60Hz-20kHz
  • Max SPL: 139dB
  • Output Impedance: 147 ohms
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 86dB
  • Self Noise: 8.5dB (A weighted)
  • Connector: XLR
  • Color: Grey
  • Weight: 1.1 lbs.
  • Included Accessories: Shock Mount, Pop Filter, Carry Case, Mic Pouch
  • Manufacturer Part Number: KSM42/SG

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Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5

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Two Reasons....

There is only a few reasons this mic is never talked about, and only has a few reviews.

1. It's not marketed as strongly as other mics from companies that you get annoying Emails about every day.

2. The people who actually use this mic are quite happy they have something special that not many others even know about.

This thing is made for vocals. It sounds SO detailed, yet so smooth on any genre, any vocalist (male or female), that you put through it.

Theres really not much to say. Spend your $$ elsewhere on a "clone" of some sort, or take a chance on an original design made to sound unbelievable for vocals.

Btw... It's not like you can't use it on anything else. My Taylor acoustics have never sounded better. But the vocals? Heaven.
I personally dont have great mic techniques, and the proximity effect is almost non existent. Extra wide sweet spot, too. Im all over the place, yet im always able to get excellent useable tracks. I know many people prefer having a room full of mics for vocals. I mean, it looks cool i guess, but with this guy, and a decent preamp (i use a A-Designs Pacifica), and/or a nice channel strip (analog or plugin), im not sure why some feel the need for 20k+ in microphones. It's a new era in recording if you're not aware....
Buy this. Be happy.
by Ben Orlando from Gloucester, MA on

REAL!!!

THIS MIC GIVES YOU EXACTLY WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT!!!NO JOKE NO HYPE! REAL!!!
by UNLIMITED from GA. on

This is a total sleeper mic

I am a voice actor and already had a Sennheisher 416 and its great for commercials and promos but sometimes its not an "in your face read" and the 416 might be a much, not to mention on long form narration I wanted something different. Considered the TLM103 but was on the fence. As usual, I contacted my favorite sales engineer, Ntish and he guided me in this direction. Boy was he right! This mic doesnt add anything or take anything away from your voice that shouldn't be there and several engineers have commented that my audio sits nicely in the mix.

This is a great mic, don't sleep on this one of you are a voice actor.
by April Watts Voice Over from St. Louis on
Music background: Voice Over Artist

Satisfaction!

I was always impressed with Shure SM58's & 57's for live applications, so I had confidence with Shure products already. I've been using the Beta 87A for recording vocal in my little studio and it does pretty good for me but the KSM42 is way better vocal recording mic. This mic has a sweet clarity and a flat EQ response that sets really well in my mixes. I used to tweak vocals for hours but not with this mic. I've only used it for vocals so far, but my bet is that it will work just as well for instruments. I now understand what a good vocal recording mic will do for me.
by Kevin from Republic of Texas on
Music background: 30+ years

Special

When one of the world's top microphone manufacturers makes a premium mic that is purpose built for tracking vocals, the world should take notice. I have no idea how this mic seems to be such a well kept secret, but as you might expect, it is an incredible sounding mic. It was also designed with a very wide sweet spot and a minimized proximity effect that just makes the job of recording easy. I have even done voice over work with it, and it just sounds like velvet. As with all Shure products, the build quality is outstanding. There are a lot of cheaper mics out there, but when you're ready to step up your game, this one is worth every penny.
by Jerry M from Anaheim CA on
Music background: Songwriter, Producer, Multi-Instrumentalist.

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Nick Church

With a very sweet clean mid-range, controlled presence-lift, and an almost non-existant low frequency proximity effect, the Shure KSM42 mic should be given very serious consideration as a perfect all-round vocal mic in any studio's mic locker. Try it, you will not be disappointed.
See also: Condenser Mics, Shure, Shure Condenser Microphones
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