Shure KSM44MP Large-Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

The Shure KSM44MP is a large-diaphragm, side-address condenser microphone designed for detailed studio recording. Its selectable cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional polar patterns let one microphone cover close vocals, instruments, room capture, and stereo techniques. It is suited to creators, engineers, musicians, and studios that need flexible capture options without changing microphones between sources.

A 1-inch dual gold-layered Mylar diaphragm design delivers a broad 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response with a flat character and subtle high-frequency emphasis. The microphone is designed to preserve low-level detail while maintaining very low self-noise, which is useful for quiet vocals, acoustic instruments, ambience, and distant miking. Its pattern options also allow the user to tailor pickup and off-axis rejection to the recording environment.

The KSM44MP provides cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional operation from its dual-diaphragm capsule assembly. Cardioid focuses on the source in front of the microphone, omnidirectional captures sound from around it, and bidirectional captures front and rear while rejecting the sides. This makes the microphone practical for solo performances, ensembles, room sound, and stereo configurations such as mid-side or Blumlein setups.

On-microphone controls include a 15 dB attenuation pad and a three-position low-frequency response switch. The pad helps manage loud sources such as drums, horns, and guitar cabinets, while the low-cut and low-rolloff settings can reduce room rumble, mechanical noise, wind noise, or proximity effect. A high maximum SPL capability gives the microphone useful headroom across a wide range of studio sources.

The KSM44MP connects through a balanced 3-pin XLR output and requires phantom power from a compatible microphone preamp, mixer, or audio interface. It includes a shock mount and magnetic pop filter to support cleaner vocal and instrument recording setups. It can serve as a primary studio vocal microphone or as a flexible addition alongside dedicated close, overhead, and room microphones.

Key Features

• Selectable Polar Patterns: Choose cardioid, omnidirectional, or bidirectional pickup for different sources and recording techniques.
• 1-Inch Dual Diaphragms: Dual gold-layered Mylar diaphragms support multi-pattern operation and consistent response.
• Low Self-Noise: Captures quiet sources with low background noise from the microphone itself.
• 15 dB Attenuation Pad: Helps prevent overload when recording high-SPL instruments and amplifiers.
• Three-Position Low-Frequency Filter: Provides flat response, low rolloff, or steep low-cut options.
• Included Recording Accessories: Supplied shock mount, magnetic pop filter, hard mount, case, and replacement bands support setup.

Design & Installation

The KSM44MP uses a machined, anodized aluminum-alloy housing with a lightweight all-metal construction. Its male XLR connector and internal RF shielding support dependable use in professional recording environments. The microphone measures 47.6 x 171.1 mm and weighs 295 g.

Mount the microphone in the included shock mount or supplied swivel hard mount on a compatible boom or floor stand. Connect it with a balanced XLR microphone cable to a preamp, mixer, or interface that provides phantom power; Shure specifies +48 V DC for best performance and a preamp input impedance of at least 1,000 ohms. Attach the magnetic pop filter to the shock mount for close vocal work, and mute the channel or lower monitoring level before changing the polar-pattern switch.