Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$2,771.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (4)
$2,799.00
Amazon
5.0 (2)
Used
Reverb
$2,971.86 New
$1,750.00 Used
B&H
$3,079.00
Vintage King
5.0 (1)
$3,079.00

Average Price: $2,746

High-end/Boutique

$499

$1500+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Shure KSM353". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Shure KSM353 is a standout in the world of ribbon microphones, offering the rich, warm sound ribbon enthusiasts love, without the fragility typical of traditional ribbon materials. At the heart of the KSM353 is the Roswellite ribbon element, a proprietary technology that can withstand high sound pressure levels (up to 146 dB SPL). This means you can confidently mic loud sources like guitar amps, drums, or brass instruments without compromising the ribbon's integrity. The bi-directional polar pattern ensures symmetrical audio capture and superior off-axis rejection, making it ideal for both studio and live environments.

Hand-assembled in the USA, the KSM353 is crafted with precision and attention to detail. Its custom ribbon motor assembly is designed to tailor bass response, offering full low and mid ranges while maintaining a superior upper range presence. Encased in durable stainless steel, it features a double-shielded transformer to minimize signal loss and RF interference. This microphone is as much a work of art as it is a tool, including a robust wire rope shock mount and an elegant wooden storage case.

Whether capturing the subtle nuances of a delicate vocal or the thunderous punch of a kick drum, the Shure KSM353 delivers classic ribbon mic character with modern resilience and clarity.

Key Features:

  • Bi-directional polar pattern for symmetrical audio capture
  • Proprietary Roswellite ribbon material for high SPL resilience
  • Custom ribbon motor assembly for tailored bass response
  • Double-shielded transformer for minimized signal loss
  • Frequency response of 30Hz-15kHz, handling up to 146 dB SPL
  • Hand-assembled with high-quality materials including stainless steel, silver, gold, and aluminum
  • Includes wire rope shock mount, wooden storage case, and additional accessories

Product specs

Brand Shure
Model KSM353 / ED
Finish Black
Year 2009 - 2025
Made In China
Categories Microphones
Electronics Analog, Solid State
Microphone Type Ribbon
Polar Pattern Bidirectional
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What is the polar pattern of the Shure KSM353?

The Shure KSM353 features a bidirectional polar pattern, offering symmetrical audio capture with excellent off-axis rejection, ideal for studio recording and live sound applications.

How does the Roswellite ribbon technology benefit the Shure KSM353?

The Roswellite ribbon technology in the Shure KSM353 provides high tensile strength and shape memory, allowing the microphone to withstand extreme sound pressure levels without damage, making it durable and reliable for capturing dynamic audio sources.

Is the Shure KSM353 suitable for recording vocals and acoustic instruments?

Yes, the Shure KSM353 is designed to capture fast transients and deliver a full range of frequencies, making it ideal for recording vocals and acoustic instruments with clarity and detail.

What is the frequency response of the Shure KSM353?

The Shure KSM353 offers a frequency response range of 30 Hz to 15,000 Hz, ensuring it captures a wide spectrum of audio from deep lows to clear highs.

How is the Shure KSM353 constructed for durability?

The Shure KSM353 is hand-assembled using machined steel, silver, gold, and aluminum materials, housed in a pure stainless steel casing, ensuring legendary Shure quality and durability.

Markertek – America's Broadcast Supply House

Markertek – America's Broadcast Supply House

Shure Pro Audio KSM313 & KSM353 Ribbon Mics at AES 2009

Video thumbnail for Shure Pro Audio KSM313 & KSM353 Ribbon Mics at AES 2009 by Markertek – America's Broadcast Supply House

Shure Pro Audio KSM313 & KSM353 Ribbon Mics at AES 2009

Markertek – America's Broadcast Supply House

Markertek – America's Broadcast Supply House

Video thumbnail for AES 2009 Shure KSM313 & KSM353 Ribbon Mics First Look by SamAshdotcom

AES 2009 Shure KSM313 & KSM353 Ribbon Mics First Look

SamAshdotcom

SamAshdotcom

Video thumbnail for Anders Meinhardt testing out the SHURE KSM353 Ribbon mic by Anders Meinhardt

Anders Meinhardt testing out the SHURE KSM353 Ribbon mic

Anders Meinhardt

Anders Meinhardt

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers authentic, uncolored sound true to the original source

  • Excels in close miking of kick drums, bass, and guitar amps

  • Durable and nearly indestructible design

  • Versatile for live strings, horns, and light drums

  • Reduces mouth noise effectively, ideal for voice applications

  • Enhances recordings without the need for heavy EQ adjustments

  • Matches well with a variety of preamps for optimal sound

CONS

  • Not a preferred choice for vocals in some settings

  • Requires a Cloudlifter or similar device due to being a passive ribbon mic

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure KSM353.

Build quality

  • Shure KSM353 uses a patented Roswellite material for a stronger ribbon, ideal for robust applications like placing in front of a kick drum.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Shure KSM353 is compared favorably against Royers for durability, with users noting less frequent ribbon breakage.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Shure KSM353 excels on guitar amps, earning high praise for its performance in this application.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Shure KSM353 is noted as a "god-tier mic" specifically for guitar amp recording, highlighting its niche strength.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Shure: KSM353 ribbon mic | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Shure KSM353 is a testament to Shure's commitment to quality, delivering a robust, detailed sound reminiscent of high-end condenser mics but with the resilience of a ribbon. Praised for its clarity and ability to handle transients, it excels across various instruments, offering a smooth, midrange-rich output. The review highlights its impressive build and sound quality, likening it to a Royer R-121 but with a more extended bottom end. However, the shockmount's reliability and a reduced warranty compared to its predecessor are noted drawbacks. Despite these minor issues, the KSM353 is lauded for its beautiful sound and durability, making it a standout choice for serious recording professionals.

positive

Review: Shure KSM313 & KSM353 — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

Shure's KSM313 and KSM353 ribbon mics impress with their durable, high-SPL 'Roswellite' ribbons and excellent sound quality. The KSM313 offers dual-voice versatility, while the KSM353 delivers a polished sonic essence. Build quality is top-notch, although the KSM313's 'monocle' mount can be fiddly. Both mics have low output levels, necessitating high-gain preamps. Despite their high price, these mics offer unique capabilities that set them apart, making them worthy contenders for those seeking robust and versatile ribbon mics.

positive

Shure KSM313, KSM353 Ribbon Mics Review

mixonline.com

The Shure KSM353 is a robust, versatile ribbon microphone praised for its warm and clean sound, making it a great alternative to standard studio and live stage mics. Its design and construction, including the innovative Roswellite™ ribbon material, ensure durability and reliability, even during high-SPL recordings. The KSM353 delivers smooth high frequencies and a substantial low-end, excelling in both studio and concert hall settings. However, its included shock mount is criticized for lacking security, potentially risking damage to the mic. Despite this flaw, the review reflects an overall positive sentiment towards the KSM353's performance and build quality.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ray Toro uses Shure KSM353

Ray Toro

Guitarist, Singer

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Twitter

In this photo, Toro shows his Shure KSM353 ribbon microphone.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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