Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $390
Standard/Professional
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Shure KSM137". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Introducing the Shure KSM137, a small diaphragm condenser microphone that is a true game-changer in the world of music. Designed with an emphasis on quality and versatility, this microphone is optimized for acoustic instruments, making it your go-to choice for everything from overhead, hi-hat, piano, choir, orchestra to acoustic stringed instruments.
The Shure KSM137 delivers a neutral and precise sound for both stage and studio applications. The ultra-thin, 2.5 micron, 24 karat gold-layered, low mass Mylar® diaphragm ensures superior transient response, providing you with a recording experience that is nothing short of exceptional. The gold-plated internal and external contacts add to its reliability and durability.
With a cardioid polar pattern, a frequency response of 20 Hz - 20 kHz, and a sensitivity of -37 dBV / Pa, this microphone offers consistent performance and minimizes background noise, capturing your music in its purest form. The switchable pad and three-stage switchable low cut filter give you complete control over your sound. With a robust housing and a very low self-noise for a small diaphragm condenser microphone, the Shure KSM137 is built to last and deliver top-notch performance every time.
Key Features:
- Optimized for acoustic instruments
- Neutral and precise sound for stage and studio applications
- Ultra-thin, 2.5 micron, 24 karat gold-layered, low mass Mylar® diaphragm for superior transient response
- Gold-plated internal and external contacts
- Polar pattern: cardioid
- Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: -37 dBV / Pa
- Switchable pad: 0 dB, -15 dB, -25 dB
- SPL: 164 dB (with switched -25dB pad)
- Three-stage switchable low cut filter
- 14 db (A) very low self noise for a small diaphragm condenser microphone
- Robust housing
- Includes A137C plastic case, A26M stereo bar, 2x A100WS windshield, and 2x A57F Microphone Mounts
Owner's manual
Shure KSM137 User ManualProduct specs
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 134dB (159dB w/Pad) |
| Output Impedance | 150 ohms |
| Self Noise | 14dB (A weighted) |
| Low Cut Filter | 80Hz (-18dB/octave), 115Hz (-6dB/octave) |
| Pads | -15dB, -25dB |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 0.22 lbs. |
FAQs
-
What instruments is the Shure KSM137 best suited for recording?
-
The Shure KSM137 excels in recording a variety of instruments, including percussion, wind, strings, brass, piano, and guitar, due to its low self-noise and extended frequency response.
-
Does the Shure KSM137 require phantom power?
-
Yes, the Shure KSM137 requires phantom power and performs optimally with a 48 Vdc supply, though it can operate with reduced headroom and sensitivity with supplies as low as 11 Vdc.
-
What is the polar pattern of the Shure KSM137?
-
The Shure KSM137 features a cardioid polar pattern, which effectively isolates the main sound source while minimizing ambient noise, making it ideal for studio recording.
-
What are the low cut filter options on the Shure KSM137?
-
The Shure KSM137 offers low cut filters at 80Hz (-18dB/octave) and 115Hz (-6dB/octave) to reduce unwanted low-frequency noise during recording.
-
What is the maximum sound pressure level (SPL) the Shure KSM137 can handle?
-
The Shure KSM137 can handle a maximum SPL of 134dB, and up to 159dB with the pad engaged, making it suitable for high-volume sound sources.
Videos
Tim Nienhuis
ACOUSTIC GUITAR MIC SHOOTOUT! Neumann KM184 - Shure SM81 - AKG 451 - Shure KSM137 - Rode NT5
Reviews
PROS
-
Exceptional side and rear sound rejection, minimizing bleed from other sounds
-
Clear, true sound quality, especially notable in acoustic guitar recordings
-
Versatile across various instruments, including grand pianos and vocals
-
Compact size makes it convenient and easy to position
-
Offers clean, pure sound for both guitar amps and acoustic guitars
-
Less emphasis on high frequencies compared to similar models, reducing distortion
-
Provides various frequency cut options for tailored sound capture
-
Comparable in performance to higher-end models like the SM81 but more compact
CONS
-
Lacks bass response due to small diaphragm size
-
More prone to feedback than some other microphones
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure KSM137.
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
Value and pricing
-
The SM81s are often chosen over the KSM137 due to being more readily available and slightly less expensive.
Source
Features and functionality
-
KSM137 mics are designed for full 48V phantom power but will work down to 11V; issues arise if preamps provide only 12-15V.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
Ground continuity should be verified when encountering issues with KSM137 mics, as it can affect performance.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings
168
Good
I use this microphone for recording guitar amps as well as recording acoustic guitar. It provides a very clean sound that is very pure. I would definitely recommend.
1168
pretty good
not as clinical and harsh as most SDC's more smooth sounding. i dig it.
Artist usage
Add artist
This mic was used for recording the hi-hat on Eagles of Death Metal's album Death by Sexy, according to Shure's official website.
According to Shure's artist page, Buddy Guy uses Shure's KSM137 to mic his overheads.
According to Shure's artist page, Brad Paisley uses Shure's KSM137 for his hi-hat.
"I use the [Shure] KSM137 a lot for my main drum mic. It sounds really good on drums. It's really crunchy. "
Andy Williams of Casting Crowns uses the Shure KSM137 microphone for hi-hats, as noted on Shure's artist page.
In the video titled "Max Weinberg - Bruce Springsteen - Tour Kit Rundown", at the 38:55 mark, Troy Milner, the band's monitor engineer, mentions that a Shure KSM137 microphone is used underneath Max Weinberg's snare drum.
During her 2017 tour with the Colombian Harp player, Edmar Castaneda, I could found that she was using in the pianos a couple of Shure KSM 137 with shock mount. In the article with the review (is in spanish), you could check it, on the second photo. Also, here's another pic from this tour, but in Japan, with the same mics: http://www.bluenote.co.jp/jp/reports/2017/11/29/hiromiedmar-castaneda-live-in-japan-tour-2017-cotton-club.html
Album Usage
The Shure KSM137 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Shure KSM137, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More Shure Condenser Microphones
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Condenser Microphones
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
jeff_ghGear IQ 1952
-