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Many of Shure's products have become industry/studio standards throughout the years because they just work, and work well. Their mics seem to "get the job done" without frills. Their products remind me of 'military grade'; constructed to be functional and to last. I've read somewhere that they actually do test and torture their products way beyond other manufacturers. I have no affiliation with the company. This is my honest review. I recently purchased the KSM44a. I have owned about 10 different mid-range mics; most I consider good, but never what I really wanted, so I ended up selling them. I record vocals as and acoustic guitar. The best subjective way I can describe the sound of the KSM44a (in cardioid) is somewhat of a slight color. Of the 3 polar patterns, the cardioid is the hottest (+6db). The upper-mids are accentuated, giving the vocalist a very present 'up-front' sound; a mid-lift without any harsh high end. I have come to hate mics with any kind of harshness to them. The sound of this mic is really pleasing to my ears..more than any other mic I have owned.. Other mid-priced mics I've owned (the ksm44a happens higher priced, but you can get god deals on them) seem to try to shape their sound to be appealing; this one seems to give you back what you put into it; but in a more mid-forward and flattering way. This isn't a 'WOW' mic, but more of an 'A-HA' mic….gives me back what I've imagined I am supposed to sound like, only slightly better. Seems its main purpose is as a STUDIO mic that can be used in the home studio as well. You'll know the difference if you've used many other lesser mics. The other polar patterns add to the functionality as they have different frequency responses (and are not as 'hot' as the cardioid mode)'. SUMMARY--there is NO one mic that fits everyone/everything, but this is a very, very good honest mic that seems especially well tailored (and flattering) for vocals. I give it 5 stars and I ain't sellin' this one. Shure really did their homework here. For thick 'tooby' color, or 'Wow" factor look elsewhere.Read full review
The engineer at the studio where I recorded my first 5 CD's began using the KSM 44 on my third project, and I love the sound he got. He used it for my vocal (solo) and for my male background vocalist (tenor/baritone). I think he was using an A/T mic for my female BGV. He ran both mics through an Avalon AD2022 preamp and recorded on a ProTools rig. Last year the studio was sold, and I had to go looking for another studio for my current project. The studio I found was using a Lawson 251 mic through a hand built solid state preamp and, after one session, I really missed the Shure, so I bought one (used) on ebay. For the next session, I took my KSM44 to the studio and ran it through the same preamp as before. I re-recorded all but one of the tracks, because I was so much more pleased with the sound. For reference purposes, I am a "crooner" with a limited baritone range and this mic really shines, at least for my voice. The lows are clear - definitely strong, but not boomy, and the highs are open but not over sibilant. I don't have a studio to record in, but I'm keeping this mic just to take for recording my vocals in whatever studio I use. If I could have afforded a new mic, I would LOVE to have the new version (KSM-44A) which uses the same capsule, but has an improved preamp with even wider dynamic range and lower self noise than the original (which is only 7dB). From my experience with this mic, I have no trouble believing other reviews and test reports which place this mic favorably alongside Neumann's and other much more expensive mics. It is reportedly excellent not just for vocals, but especially for acoustical guitars, woodwinds, and other instruments.Read full review
If you're looking for a deal get this microphone. The new model costs 2x as much. New pre-amp that reduces self noise by 3db. I would challenge anyone to distinguish between this one and the new one. Same capsule and outstanding sound quality. Blows the TLM103 out of the water in my opinion. In a studio I wouldn't settle for any microphone under this. Captures everything. Nice and clear with my voice. Double layered capsule keeps my voice consistent close or far. My acoustic guitar sounds exceptional. I have a K2 that sounds warm but not as realistic as this one. And this one isn't a brick with an external box required to power it. It's a keeper.
I bought my first KSM44 about 5 years ago. I used it mainly for a vocal mic. Whar a rich, smooth, natural sound! It has some coloration, but maybe that's why I like it. It picks up the subtle nuances in the voice or instrument that would not be captured with a lesser mic. I recently bought 3 more. I love them to pieces. It has proved to be a fantastic "all-around" mic. My advice? Buy one. Whether you are recording vocals, guitar, classical strings, drums, etc., you won't be disappointed.
Ms professional here!! This was an awesome find. I will be honest...I'm afraid to use it it's so pretty and nice. :) I know my last show I did I should of had it with me. Sure could have showed out that night with it. LOL well worth every penny. It was sent to me from Heaven. Nice case it comes in. Makes you think you need to go to the bank and deposit a few million. :) Enjoy, I am.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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