Shure KSM 32 cardioid condenser microphone - User review - Gearslutz.com

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Shure KSM 32 cardioid condenser microphone

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User Review
Sound Quality
80%80%80%
8
Ease of use
100%100%100%
10
Features
70%70%70%
7
Bang for buck
70%70%70%
7
Score: 80%
Shure KSM 32 cardioid condenser microphone
Shure KSM 32 cardioid condenser microphone
Published by edva
19th February 2012
Shure KSM 32 cardioid condenser microphone

The Shure KSM 32 is a single diaphragm, fixed pattern, cardioid condenser microphone intended primarily for studio use, although it has found its way into the live arena as well.
The mic shares the now-familiar Shure LDC body design, and appears to be well constructed. It ships in the usual, very nice, small metal case, with mounts and cloth bag. It is available in either "champagne" or "charcoal" finishes.
The mic has both pad and lo-cut switches provided.
Sonically, the KSM 32 has a clear, bright tone that is noticeably tilted toward the high frequencies. The highs are relatively smooth, but can sizzle a bit with a sibilant or crispy source. I tested the KSM 32 on vocal and other sources through a Midas H3K console, and found myself using EQ to control the highs, as they were not "silky" but instead a bit too present or forward for my personal tastes. I have also used the mic to distant-mic choirs and string sections, and it performs better in those types of situations, where its high frequency capture and reach are a good fit for the task at hand.
The KSM 32 is a quality instrument, but would not be my first call on most things, because it is too hyped in the highs and not quite smooth enough in that area for my tastes. But, for those wanting a well built, bright sounding mic, it is a decent value.
  #1  
By StudioChris37 on 20th February 2012
User review
Sound Quality
70%70%70%
7
Ease of use
80%80%80%
8
Features
60%60%60%
6
Bang for buck
70%70%70%
7
Score: 70%
Awesome on nothing. Really good on almost everything.

This was the first microphone I purchased when I was setting up my studio, 13 years ago. Which doesn't seem like a long time ago on the timeline of Vintage Gibsons or AC30s. But it is for a reasonably priced mic that I didnt know how to use. Given how green I was.

This mic has not only LASTED 13 years of 7 different studios in two states plus regular live use. That resume alone make this mic invaluable to me. Ive used it on vocals, acoustic guitars, Snares, kick drums, room mics, violins, voice overs all which sounded good. Not amazing, not great, but I can always count on my KSM 32s to deliver. No matter what.

These days they see alot of use as drum overheads or as guitar amp distance mics. They've definitively been outshined by a few other Flashier mics but they always deliver.

Chris Short
Alpaca Ranch Recording
  #2  
By trustsound on 17th March 2012
User review
Sound Quality
60%60%60%
6
Ease of use
100%100%100%
10
Features
100%100%100%
10
Bang for buck
60%60%60%
6
Score: 80%
disappointed

I bought one of these and decided to sell it the next day. A review on youtube of a guy who loves this mic made me curious, but the mic didn't deliver as much as some of my favorite mics. 6 out of 10 is the best I can do. Sorry shure.
  #3  
By bhj357 on 18th March 2012
User review
Sound Quality
90%90%90%
9
Ease of use
100%100%100%
10
Features
100%100%100%
10
Bang for buck
100%100%100%
10
Score: 98%
I have used the KSM 32 for voice-over, male & female vocals, solo guitar, upright bass, jumbo ac guitars, dreadnought ac guitars, piccolo snare w/brushes, full rock drumset overheads, harmonica & dobro; it is excellent for a "single-mic" setup, even with a modest mic preamp.
It is accurate & relatively transparent in all of those applications.
A very sturdy cardioid LDC for most "in the field" & studio uses.
Love it, esp for the price.
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