Shure
Shure KSM137 Stereo Pair
Best small-diaphragm condensers for professional acoustic instrument and drum overhead recording.
The Shure KSM137 Stereo Pair offers professional-quality sound capture with outstanding precision and versatility. These small-diaphragm condenser microphones are engineered for clean, detailed audio with minimal coloration, ideal for stereo recording of acoustic instruments, ensembles, and overhead drum miking. This high-performance set ensures the detail and dynamic range necessary for professional results in both studio and live performance settings.
$350.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
193
/ 1735
#193 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-31%
Below average
Type
Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Stereo Pair
/ Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Stereo Pair
Who it's for
- Engineers requiring perfect phase alignment for professional stereo imaging
- Drummers and brass players recording high-volume instruments without distortion
- Acoustic musicians needing precise transient detail and natural sound reproduction
Who should skip it
- Home studio owners operating on a strict budget
- Engineers capturing extremely quiet or distant, delicate sound sources
- Recordists needing versatile polar patterns for advanced stereo techniques
Performance breakdown
Transient Response
Captures fast, percussive attacks with exceptional clarity and speed.
Stereo Imaging
Matched pairs provide a cohesive and wide soundstage for acoustic ensembles.
SPL Handling
Robust pad settings allow for clean recording of loud drum kits.
Audio Transparency
Delivers a neutral, uncolored signal that preserves the source's natural character.
Build Quality
Rugged construction ensures long-term reliability in demanding studio or stage environments.
Low-End Control
Switchable filters effectively manage proximity effect and unwanted stage rumble.
Key Specs
Type
Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Stereo Pair
SKU
KSM137SLSTEREO
Diaphragm
Ultra-thin, gold-layered Mylar
Preamplifier
Transformerless Class A circuitry
Pad Settings
Switchable (0dB, -15dB, -25dB)
High-pass Filter Settings
Switchable (flat, 80Hz, 115Hz)
Connectivity
XLR
Power Source
Phantom Power
Features
- Professional-quality sound with precision
- Accurate stereo imaging
- Excellent isolation and noise reduction
- Superior transient response
- Handles high SPL applications
- Controls low-end rumble
- Transparent audio reproduction
- Matched stereo pair
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Shure KSM137 Stereo Pair for its outstanding audio fidelity, noting its clear, detailed sound reproduction, especially when capturing acoustic instruments or drum overheads. Users frequently highlight the professional grade build quality, emphasizing that these microphones are reliable workhorses built to last in demanding studio environments. The matched stereo pairing offers exceptional consistency, making this set a highly valued investment that delivers professional results without the premium price tag of comparable high end options.
Know before you buy
A matched pair ensures that both microphones have identical frequency response and sensitivity characteristics. This is critical for accurate stereo imaging, as it prevents one side of your recording from sounding louder or tonally different than the other.
Yes, the KSM137 is designed to handle high sound pressure levels. With the switchable -15dB and -25dB pads, you can easily prevent clipping when recording loud instruments like drum overheads or cranked amplifiers.
The high-pass filter allows you to roll off low-end frequencies at 80Hz or 115Hz. This is particularly useful for reducing stage rumble, wind noise, or proximity effect, helping you achieve a cleaner, more focused sound without needing heavy EQ during post-production.
You need an audio interface that provides 48V phantom power via XLR inputs. Because these are condenser microphones, they require this external power to operate the internal circuitry.
The cardioid pattern is highly directional, meaning it captures sound primarily from the front while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. This makes it an excellent choice for isolating specific instruments in a room or minimizing bleed during live performances.
These microphones excel at capturing acoustic instruments that require high detail and fast transient response, such as acoustic guitars, pianos, strings, and percussion. Their transparent, uncolored sound makes them a versatile workhorse for almost any studio or live instrument application.
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