Shure KSM32 worth the $500?

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JonathanRay

JonathanRay

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I need a pair for overhead drum miking. I'll probably use them for saxophone, acoustic guitar, and vocal. Would it be worth the $1000, or would two KSM27s be a better buy? Thanks!
 
Unless you are determined to buy new, $500 is way too much to be paying for those. They go for @$300 used. On E-bay they frequently go on BIN for that amount. They are good mics, but I'd personally rather get a couple of AT-4050s if you are going to spend that kind of money (and even those ought to be cheaper than that used - say about $350). The KSMs do have better shock mounts than the AT-4050. The AT-4050 is a multipattern mic though and the KSM-32 is not. I've used the AT-4050s as overheads and they work well. Haven't used the KSM-27 but I've seen good reviews. They are all good mics.
 
Having owned KSM32's, 27's, 44's, and AT4050's.... I would say the KSM 32 is the most solid all around performer in that bunch. To me it just has a more focused, tighter, and clearer sound than the others. Basically, if it doesn't sound pretty good with a KSM32, than its not the mic that needs some extra attention. However, sometimes that kind of natural and accurate sound can be a little less than exciting. Sometimes one of the other mics might add a little of its own sound in a way that makes what you are recording sound "better" to your ears. In my opinion, the KSM32's would sound better on drum overheads, acoustic guitars, and any decent sounding electric guitar cabs than the other mics I mentioned. There are always exceptions, but I would say 7 out of 10 times on those things the KSM's would have an excellent, but still natural sound. On vocals however, I would normally gravitate towards the 4050 (for a fairly natural, but dark sound) or towards the KSM44 for a bigger more extended airy type sound. There is a good chance I would use the 4050 or the KSM44 instead of the KSM32 on plain sounding or dull sounding acoustics too. In the end, I find the KSM 32 to be the most versatile of the mics as far as being able to just throw it up and hit record goes, but the 4050 and the KSM 44 make up for things by adding the ability to switch patterns.

If you really want an AT4050 however, drop me a line. Mine is up for sale:)
 
I just got a single '32 (for $250). The intent was to try it primarily as an up-grade for my cymbal mics (the kit' is on QTC-1's from the rear), and in general 'typically SD-neutral' rolls. My plan to borrow a second 32' didn't pan out for the full kit session, but so far just on a percussion and acoustic guitar sessions, it's a keeper.

Wayne
 
Stay away from the KSM27. It's crap. The KSM32 is an excellent microphone and is extremely accurate sounding. I still prefer the KSM44 myself though.

Cheers,
Zach
 
chessrock said:
Is this coming from experience, or what you heard? If from experience, then do tell what you like / don't like about it.
Click to expand...

Yes, do tell.
 
chessrock said:
Is this coming from experience, or what you heard? If from experience, then do tell what you like / don't like about it.
Click to expand...

Interesting. Never used one. I have a friend who made a few muddy sounding vocals with one, but I think it was operator error. Generally, I've heard nothing but good things about this mic.
 
I got a KSM44 of ebay for 500 dollars about 1 year ago. I only have a V67 to compare it to and, well...They're just different...for different things

BTW if you look on ebay I saw one just today 16. November 10:26 Norwegian time for 225 "by it now"...

Anyway I was new to recording and splashed out 500 on a mic, and in many ways I regret it (apart from that I can get more stuff now)
 
Okay, this is what I'm thinking. How about just one KSM32 as an overhead, to pick up all my cymbals. Each tom would be miked with an SM57. Yes? No? Possible? Thanks for any feedback.
 
JonathanRay said:
Okay, this is what I'm thinking. How about just one KSM32 as an overhead, to pick up all my cymbals. Each tom would be miked with an SM57. Yes? No? Possible? Thanks for any feedback.
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This will work, but you will lose your stereo image of the cymbals, and the toms will be pushed towards the center. I have done this a few times due to track limitations and it did sound good. Just not as good as using two overheads.

As for the KSM27, I just don't think that it sounds as good as many other mics in it's price range. The funny thing though, the KSM44 is basically two KSM27 capsules back to back. While I love the KSM44, I still wouldn't buy the KSM27. I think some of it has to do with quality control and quality of parts.

Cheers,
Zach
 
Something you could do if you're unsure about whether or not you want to spend on two mics is buy one and see if you can get by with it. If it doesn't, buy the other. I don't think they come as matched pairs anyway.

Something I might suggest when using one LDC on a kit is try positioning it lower on the kit. Like in front of the kick drum about three feet out facing up towards the toms. If you are losing the back of the kit, just move the mic back a bit until the back of the kit is more on the same level as the front.

If your micing a drummer who really slams on the kick drum you should move the mic back some. Basically you want to keep it away from the puff of wind generated by the beater hitting kick drum.
 
I got left a negative feedback on this thread myself. I didn't bash anyone else, why does someone find it necessary to leave me bad feedback. Not cool.

Cheers,
Zach
 
usekgb said:
... The funny thing though, the KSM44 is basically two KSM27 capsules back to back. While I love the KSM44, I still wouldn't buy the KSM27. I think some of it has to do with quality control and quality of parts.

Cheers,
Zach
Click to expand...
Hey, I missed this part before, but there is (or at least used to be) a neat section for us tech/geakie' types that got into the how's and why a single vs dual-dia. doing card' respond and sound different.

Seasons Peaces. :)
Wayne

Here we go.
http://www.shure.com/booklets/default.asp (about five' from the bottom.
Man, i forgot how much good stuff they have in there.
 
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