Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (13)
$389.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$389.00
Amazon
4.5 (42)
$389.00
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$340.33 New
$295.64 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (4)
$389.00
B&H
5.0 (7)
$389.00
Thomann
4.8 (24)
$444.00 $441.00 $3.00 · All time low

Average Price: $378

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.

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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 Manual

Product 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.

Tim Nienhuis

Tim Nienhuis

ACOUSTIC GUITAR MIC SHOOTOUT! Neumann KM184 - Shure SM81 - AKG 451 - Shure KSM137 - Rode NT5

Video thumbnail for ACOUSTIC GUITAR MIC SHOOTOUT! Neumann KM184 - Shure SM81 - AKG 451 - Shure KSM137 - Rode NT5 by Tim Nienhuis

ACOUSTIC GUITAR MIC SHOOTOUT! Neumann KM184 - Shure SM81 - AKG 451 - Shure KSM137 - Rode NT5

Tim Nienhuis

Tim Nienhuis

Video thumbnail for Shure KSM137 VS Rode NT5  - RECORDING Acoustic Guitar @LarriveeMedia by Tim Nienhuis

Shure KSM137 VS Rode NT5 - RECORDING Acoustic Guitar @LarriveeMedia

Tim Nienhuis

Tim Nienhuis

Video thumbnail for In The Tech Hatch | ACM vs. Shure - KSM137 by ACM, Academy of Contemporary Music

In The Tech Hatch | ACM vs. Shure - KSM137

ACM, Academy of Contemporary Music

ACM, Academy of Contemporary Music

Video thumbnail for Shure KSM 137 vs Neumann U 87 Ai by Ján Rau

Shure KSM 137 vs Neumann U 87 Ai

Ján Rau

Ján Rau

Video thumbnail for 4 Microphone Types Explained (Feat. Shure KSM8, KSM137, KSM44A & KSM313) by LNA Does Audio Stuff

4 Microphone Types Explained (Feat. Shure KSM8, KSM137, KSM44A & KSM313)

LNA Does Audio Stuff

LNA Does Audio Stuff

Video thumbnail for SHURE KSM137 REVIEW by Aubrey King

SHURE KSM137 REVIEW

Aubrey King

Aubrey King

Video thumbnail for JD Bass Product Review Shure KSM 137 Small Diaphragm Condenser by DJJDBass

JD Bass Product Review Shure KSM 137 Small Diaphragm Condenser

DJJDBass

DJJDBass

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

  • Users note that the Shure KSM137 fits better in a mix as overheads compared to the SM81s, despite the latter's brighter sound.

    Source
  • AKG C414s provide a darker, denser overhead sound compared to both the SM81 and KSM137, making them suitable for different recording needs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Shure KSM137 is preferred by some pianists as overheads due to its ability to blend seamlessly into the mix.

    Source
  • When using the SM81s for overheads without close mics on toms, additional large diaphragm condensers are recommended to capture the full drum kit.

    Source

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

User experience

  • Users have reported that KSM137s may not work with all phantom power supplies, despite other mics functioning properly in the same setup.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
fingerstylist

pretty good

not as clinical and harsh as most SDC's more smooth sounding. i dig it.

silvercult

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.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Homme uses Shure KSM137

Josh Homme

Guitarist

Kyuss

...
Verified via Shure

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.

See how Josh Dun uses Shure KSM137

Josh Dun

Drummer, Composer

Twenty One Pilots

...
Verified via FRONT of HOUSE

Mic used on Josh's drum set

See how Buddy Guy uses Shure KSM137

Buddy Guy

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Shure

According to Shure's artist page, Buddy Guy uses Shure's KSM137 to mic his overheads.

See how Brad Paisley uses Shure KSM137

Brad Paisley

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Shure

According to Shure's artist page, Brad Paisley uses Shure's KSM137 for his hi-hat.

See how Deryck Whibley uses Shure KSM137

Deryck Whibley

Singer, Guitarist

Sum 41

...
Verified via reverb.com

This Shure KSM137 is owned by Deryck Whibley Of Sum 41

See how Ruban Nielson uses Shure KSM137

Ruban Nielson

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Tapeop

"I use the [Shure] KSM137 a lot for my main drum mic. It sounds really good on drums. It's really crunchy. "

See how Andy Williams uses Shure KSM137

Andy Williams

Guitarist

Every Time I Die

...
Verified via Shure

Andy Williams of Casting Crowns uses the Shure KSM137 microphone for hi-hats, as noted on Shure's artist page.

See how Carter Beauford uses Shure KSM137

Carter Beauford

Drummer

Dave Matthews Band

...
Verified via Dave Matthews Band
See how Max Weinberg uses Shure KSM137

Max Weinberg

Drummer

E Street Band

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Hiromi Uehara uses Shure KSM137

Hiromi Uehara

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Tribulaciones

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

See how Troy Wright uses Shure KSM137

Troy Wright

Drummer

Plini

...
Verified via Wrightdrums

Used to mic the hi-hats and rides in his studio.

See how Bun E. Carlos uses Shure KSM137

Bun E. Carlos

Drummer

Cheap Trick

...
Verified via Shure

According to Shure's artist page, Cheap Trick uses Shure's KSM137 microphone for their kick.

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.

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