Shure KSM40C

The Shure KSM40C is a cardioid wide-diaphragm condenser microphone with a 1-capsule designed to deliver natural and detailed sound pickup of vocals and musical instruments, with a rich and controlled low end. Extended frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz combined with the ability to handle sound pressure up to 153dB SPL with pad engaged makes the Shure KSM40C a targeted choice for professional recordings requiring depth, definition and timbral control.

1 capsule with controlled diaphragm

At the heart of the Shure KSM40C is a 1-condenser capsule designed with a proprietary backplate that controls diaphragm behavior by eliminating unwanted resonances. This solution results in detailed but never aggressive high frequencies and a full, musical low frequency response. In practical use, the KSM40C allows voices and instruments to be captured with body and depth, without introducing harshness that requires invasive corrections in the mix.

Uniform cardioid diagram and proximity control

The Shure KSM40C's uniform cardioid polar pattern focuses the source by reducing ambience and bleed, making placement quick and predictable even in multi-microphone sessions or in less than ideal environments. The soft proximity effect offers direct creative control: moving the microphone closer provides a wider, more present output, while increasing the distance maintains a more neutral, balanced timbre.

Extremely low intrinsic noise

With an equivalent noise of only 7.5 dBA and a signal-to-noise ratio of 86.5dB, the Shure KSM40C is particularly suited for recording the most delicate passages, capable of capturing nuances and best capturing perfomances with a wide dynamic range. These specifications make it possible to apply gain and compression without background noise becoming audible, which is critical in music productions, particularly in handling vocals, acoustics, and high-level broadcast.

Dynamics management and sound pressure

The Shure KSM40C can handle very high sound pressure levels, up to 138dB SPL without pad and up to 153dB SPL with pad inserted. This feature also makes it suitable in the imaging of high sound power sources such as guitar amplifiers, double bass, bass drum, and wind instruments, while maintaining signal integrity and headroom.

Professional construction and equipment

The machined aluminum frame and precision-machined steel grille give the Shure KSM40C strength and light weight, making it easy to place on rods and arms. Equipment includes elastic suspension, magnetic anti-pop filter, rigid stand, dedicated hard case and threaded adapter, offering a complete solution for professional use.