Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $653
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
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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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
In the attached video, Geoff is sharing about how to sing low from his home studio set up, and included appears to be the KSM32 (which he uses to record the video throughout).
According to Shure's artist page, Blues Traveler's Brendan Hill uses Shure's KSM32 to mic his overheads.
Used on the Mind Over Matter Tour, as mentioned in this March 1, 2014 Mix Online article.
Drummer Francois Comtois’ kit has a Shure Beta 91A and Beta 52 on kick, Beta 57 and SM57 on snare, KSM 137 on hi-hat, and Beta 98AMP on toms, according to drum tech Colin “Gravy” Strahm. Cymbals are KSM 32s, and his vocal mic is a Beta 56.
Shure endorsed Nickelback uses Shure's KSM32 to mic their overheads, according to Shure's artist page.
According to Shure's artist page, Barenaked Ladies' drummer, Tyler Stewart, uses Shure's KSM32 Microphone to mic his overheads.
In a 2016 article archived on the Wayback Machine, the Shure KSM32 microphone is mentioned as part of Patrick Dahlheimer's gear, although it is mistakenly referred to as a cabinet.
According to Shure's artist page, Cheap Trick uses Shure's KSM32 microphone for their overheads.
Shure endorsed Nickelback uses Shure's KSM32 to mic their overheads, according to Shure's artist page.
In this article and interview with Tony Huerta detailing his process of recording and mixing a cappella, he shares, "To capture the rest of the sound coming off the artist, I use two DIFFERENT high-quality overhead condenser microphones... I use a Shure KSM 32 on one side and a Rode NT5 on the other."
Griffin Goldsmith of Dawes is listed on Shure's artist page as using the Shure KSM32 condenser microphone.
Used for the piano on Connick's 2004 tour, as mentioned by sound engineer Gregg Rubin in this July 1, 2004 Mix Online article.
Mics include Neumann KK105 wireless (with Sennheiser SKM5000 N RF system) and Neumann KMS105 wired units for vocals; Shure KSM32s and Schertler pickups for piano; Neumann KM185s and Electro-Voice RE-20s for bass; Neumann KM184s and Shure Beta 52s, Beta 98s and SM57s for drums; Neumann TLM193s for saxes; Neumann TLM127s for trombones; Royer R-122s for trumpets; and Sennheiser MKE-4, Audio Technica ATM-35s and Shure Beta 98HC for instrument RFs.
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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