Yantragyan
The legendary microphones manufacturer, Shure again comes up with the all new KSM8 microphone that lines up in the list of its inventions that gains everyone’s attention.
This time Shure unveils the “World’s First Dual-Diaphragm Dynamic” microphone – KSM8 at the Winter NAMM 2016. The performance is very different from other dynamic microphones that we might have used in the past.
Design
KSM8 Dualdyne grille is ‘durability’ redefined- lined with hydrophobic woven fabric for exceptional protection against wind, plosives and water, along with a small quarter-sized foam shield just at the very top.
The body is made from diecast aluminium and it comes in a choice of two colors: a smooth textured black finish and a brushed nickel finish.
Emblazoned on both sides of the grille is the vintage Shure logo.
The capsule assembly is made up of a number of small parts and technologies, each one designed with specific sonic goals in mind. “This dual-diaphragm dynamic microphone is the world’s first new innovation in dynamic microphone technology in decades.” Lets find, why is this important?
Inside Physics
It is very common for a condenser microphone to have dualdyne capsule but it is very unusual on a dynamic microphone. KSM8 is the world’s first dynamic microphone to feature dualdyne capsule. Now, dualdyne means having two diaphragm inside – an active diaphragm and a passive diaphragm. The main purpose for introducing this is to tame/control the proximity effect. In the case of a dualdyne, it is the reverse flow of a dynamic mic. The sound coming from behind the microphone passes through the second diaphragm which partially blocks the lower frequencies from entering and that’s what controls the proximity effect. The sound then travels down the tube system around the back diaphragm into the handle with a pneumatic shock mount.
So, it doesn’t get too muddy if the vocalist is very close to mic and doesn’t even get thin if he moves away.
This makes it behave more likely with omni-directional characteristics but still with some directionality. “This really makes the engineer’s job easier.” It also features a pneumatic shock mount for dynamic stabilisation. This puts together to greatly reduce handling noise.
Specs
KSM8 has a 40 Hz to 16,000 Hz frequency response, a 300? output impedance, and a sensitivity of -51.5 dBV/Pa (1.85 mV) at 1 kHz, open circuit.
Pick-up Pattern
KSM8 has a cardioid pattern. It has got a consistent tone all the way through, whether the vocalist comes closer or recedes but the level will change of-course. But the tone itself doesn’t change and that’s what a marvellous engineering they have been able to come-up with.
In addition, Shure has been able to maintain a very consistent response as we move ON and OFF the axis from the mic. The microphone has a very wide sweet spot as well and this is great if you are performing on stage, you don’t need to be right ‘ON’ the microphone. You can actually be on side or move around but it maintains that consistency of response.
Application
It is mainly designed for vocals, although it works great for other sources as well. Can be used in studios and for live concerts as well. It has a flat response throughout the frequency spectrum.
Yantragyan says
It is not the circuitry, no tricks, its all about physics- ‘manipulating air to do, what you want’. A brand with such a great reputation and engineers with the passion to do something that always sets their product apart, INR 34,000 is worth for Shure KSM8.
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