Pricing and availability
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $653
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Shure KSM32". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Shure KSM32, a versatile addition to your studio setup. This large diaphragm studio microphone is known for its exceptional performance and reliability, making it a go-to for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Its cardioid polar pattern is designed to reduce the pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of the desired sound source. With a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, it's capable of capturing every nuance of sound, from the lowest bass notes to the highest treble. The Shure KSM32's impressive max SPL of 154 dB means it can handle the loudest instruments or vocal performances without distortion. Its champagne color adds a touch of elegance to your studio, while the included stand mount and plastic case ensure you're ready to record straight away.
Key Features:
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Output impedance: 150 Ohm
- Max. SPL: 154 dB SPL
- Voltage supply: 48 ± 4 V
- Includes stand mount and plastic case
- Colour: Champagne
Product specs
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Diaphragm Size | 0.75" (19mm) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 133dB (148dB w/Pad) |
| Output Impedance | 150 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 81dB |
| Self Noise | 13dB (A weighted) |
| Low Cut Filter | 80Hz (-18dB/octave), 115Hz (-6dB/octave) |
| Pads | -15dB |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 1.08 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Shock Mount, Stand Mount, Aluminum Carry Case |
FAQs
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What is the primary application of the Shure KSM32 microphone?
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The Shure KSM32 is designed for critical studio recording and live sound productions, offering transparent sound reproduction with its flat frequency response.
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What is the polar pattern of the Shure KSM32 and how does it affect recording?
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The Shure KSM32 features a cardioid polar pattern, which effectively isolates the desired sound source while minimizing background noise and feedback.
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How does the Shure KSM32 handle high sound pressure levels?
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The Shure KSM32 can handle up to 148dB SPL with the built-in pad engaged, making it suitable for recording loud sound sources without distortion.
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Is the Shure KSM32 suitable for vocal recording?
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Yes, the Shure KSM32's flat frequency response and low self-noise make it an excellent choice for capturing clear and natural vocal recordings.
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What accessories are included with the Shure KSM32?
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The Shure KSM32 comes with a shock mount, stand mount, and aluminum carry case, providing essential tools for secure setup and transport.
Videos
Booth Junkie
MIC Shootout: Shure KSM32 vs Neumann TLM103
MIC Shootout: Shure KSM32 vs Neumann TLM103
Booth Junkie
Shure KSM32 Mic Review / Test (Compared to AT2020, NT1, OC818, TLM103, U87)
Podcastage
KSM 32: If You Only Had One Mic To Record Your Entire Band!
Recording Studio Loser
Shure Large-Diaphragm Condenser Mics Compared: KSM32 vs. KSM42 vs. KSM44A
Sweetwater
KSM32/SL Project-Studio Vocal Kit
B&H Photo Video Pro Audio
Shure KSM 32 Review
Media Sawdust
My experience with the Shure KSM32 (LDC condenser mic)
JeffreySchmidtMusic
Neumann TLM 103 vs Shure KSM 32 | A Practical Review for Voiceover
Jay Myers Voiceover
Shure KSM 32 vs Neumann TLM 103 - Condenser Mics Shootout on Guitar - Want 2 Check
Want 2 Check
3 Top Microphones Under $1k for VO | (Earthworks Ethos, Shure KSM 32, Neumann TLM 102)
Jay Myers Voiceover
Shure KSM 32 - Inside and Out
Benno Kaiser
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile, excels with a variety of instruments and vocals
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Transparent sound without being sterile
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Sturdy construction, built like a tank
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Offers detailed lows and crisp, clean sound
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Neutral sound, suitable for different voice types
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Provides great value compared to more expensive mics
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Performs well in both studio and home recording setups
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Ideal for capturing dynamic range and nuances in music
CONS
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Some find the mids lacking in detail, affecting vocal clarity
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Inconsistent frequency response in models post-2018
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Manufactured in Mexico, which may affect quality perception for some
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure KSM32.
Use cases and applications
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The KSM32 excels in capturing bass amp cabinets and floor toms, often performing alongside more expensive mics with ease.
Source -
KSM32 is noted for durability and effectiveness in live settings on guitar, fiddle, and steel cabinets.
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The KSM32 is being compared to the Earthworks SR314 for accuracy and vocal clarity, indicating its appeal in settings requiring precise sound reproduction.
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Owners find the KSM32 effective for both vocals and acoustic guitar, providing detailed sound capture for singer-songwriter setups.
Source
Comparisons
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Some users find the KSM32 to be a "more spectacular" version of the SM57 for certain applications, though sometimes less is more with its detail.
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The KSM32 has been favorably compared to the Neumann U87 Ai, with some users preferring its sound depending on the voice being recorded.
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It’s often considered alongside the Lauten LS-208, Warm Audio WA87 R2, and SE 4100 or 4400, showcasing its competitiveness in its price range.
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The KSM32 offers more off-axis rejection than the SM7B, enhancing focus on the desired sound source in untreated rooms.
Source
Features and functionality
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The KSM32 has a wide 2-3 dB peak around 7-8 kHz, which can be EQ'd out for a flatter response.
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Its transformerless design can benefit from pairing with equipment that adds warmth or smoothness.
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It’s technically an electret condenser, relying on a permanently charged back plate rather than phantom power for diaphragm operation.
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Owners appreciate the convenience of having a handheld mic like the KSM32, highlighting its versatility for both studio and live applications.
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The KSM32's condenser design requires phantom power and is more sensitive to room noise, necessitating a controlled environment for optimal performance.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings
1186
Awesome on acoustic, bad on voice
This is a mic that generally sounds good on anything. Tons of clips on YT. Was shockingly bad on voice though, more of an instrument mic. Very smooth and full. It's awesome for instruments. Scored one for $225 on FM.
1168
smooth voice
just sounds good on everything everywhere. I use it mostly on the bridge position for AB stereo fingerstyle recordings. its awesome
Artist usage
Add artist
Shure endorsed Erykah Badu's team, uses Shure's KSM32 to mic the guitar and overheads, according to Shure's artist page.
In a user-uploaded photo, Nas is seen using a Shure condenser microphone, which appears to be either the KSM32 or KSM44.
According to Shure's artist page, Chris Tomlin's drummer uses Shure's KSM32 for the overheads.
Used on the Mind Over Matter Tour, as mentioned in this March 1, 2014 Mix Online article.
All guitarists use Bad Cat amps miked with a combination of Shure SM57s and KSM 32s, according to guitar tech Josh Schreibeis.
Used on the Mind Over Matter Tour, as mentioned in this March 1, 2014 Mix Online article.
All guitarists use Bad Cat amps miked with a combination of Shure SM57s and KSM 32s, according to guitar tech Josh Schreibeis.
Used as an ambient mic on Straight to Hell, as stated in this May 1, 2006 Mix Online interview.
The room where the vocals, guitars and bass were recorded for disc one was a relatively large one, with 15-foot ceilings. While there was no official baffling, Hank III reports that they recorded the vocals and acoustic guitars tucked in a corner. In keeping with the minimalist approach, few microphones were used during those tracking dates and just three kinds: Shure SM7, SM57 and KSM32. Hank III sang into the SM7, used the 57 on his acoustic guitar and kept a KSM32 going at all times to capture room vocal and guitar tracks that were later blended in.
Getting tones from the stand-up bass was a bit of an issue, Hank III says, because there was no controlling the room ambience. That was solved, in part, with Hank III twisting a knob on the D1600, checking the sound as it played on his home stereo system, which includes a Paradigm subwoofer, and then returning to finish the track. “We were trying to keep some of the click of the stand-up bass and trying for it to not sound too scary on the woofy end,” he says. A 57 was placed just above the bridge of the bass, one just below, and then one KSM32 slightly off to one side and another down a hall about 15 feet.
Any other type of instrument — dobro, fiddle, pedal steel — was miked with a 57 and run straight into the D1600. Indeed, other than the mic pre’s that are present in the D1600, no other outboard gear was used on the project.
(...) The album is light on effects. “All of the reverb that you hear on the vocals is natural,” Lightman reports. “There is not a drop of digital reverb. There are delays that are very obviously delays, but all that room ambience is the KSM32 that was across the room. That was very carefully blended in. There were three or four tracks on every vocal take, which had to be treated as one take. We locked the tracks together, and all the edits were done together.”
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Shure endorsed Nickelback uses Shure's KSM32 to mic their overheads, according to Shure's artist page.
Shure endorsed band, Anti-Flag's guitarist, Chris Head, uses Shure's KSM32, according to Shure's artist page.
According to Shure's artist page, Cage the Elephant uses Shure's KSM32 microphone for their overheads.
According to Shure's artist page, Cheap Trick uses Shure's KSM32 microphone for their overheads.
As mentioned on Shure's official website.
Album Usage
The Shure KSM32 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 KSM32, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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