KSM44 thoughts?

[iCit]

Does anyone here have any strong opinions either way about using a pair of KSM44 mics for a workhorse mic in the studio? Was planning on a pair of 414s but then starting looking into these.

[cookseyeng]

I know that Eddie Kramer had something to do with the design with the ksm for stage use because I think that was the intended use for them was for stage apps. I have seen those a lot at concerts, and even in the MJ "this is it" movie. I would probably go with the 414 because I think they sound better than the ksm,, even though the ksm is cheaper I don't think you could go wrong with the 414. Here is a site with a variety of mic's and how they sound http://www.coutant.org/contents.html . But it all depends on what you think is best and what sound you want.

[Benny Grotto]

I like em OK, but I've found (in my admittedly limited experience with either model) I prefer the (cheaper!!) KSM 32 model.

[bitflipper]

The KSM44 is my primary vocal mic, and has been for nearly 3 years. I like it just fine. For vox, anyway. I wasn't overly impressed with it on acoustic guitar, for instance. But for vocals, it's excellent. I especially like the two-position HPF, which lets you set the knee at 160Hz instead of 80Hz. With that in, I don't have to worry too much about getting close to the mic.

As noted above, the KSM32 is very similar but cardiod-only (and without the 160Hz filter) and quite a bit less expensive. I prefer the 44 because it's the only omnidirectional-capable mic I own, but other than that I'd suggest the 32 as a viable alternative. The KSM32 is popular with the bluegrass crowd for miking acoustical instruments such as mandolins. Being smaller than the KSM44, it's probably easier to position.

I can also attest to the famous sturdiness of Shure mics. Yeh, we expect to be able to hammer nails with an SM57, but I've had mishaps with my KSM44 that would have destroyed some more expensive LCDs.

[ShaneOConnor]

it will do the trick. 414 would be nice, but 44 would be fine.

[iCit]

Here's an a/b between my U195 and a KSM44 on my voice. I'm surprised. The KSM sounds a lot less natural than I thought.

Which one do you like more?

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/681897/U195vox.mp3

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/681897/KSM44vox.mp3

[Battlefrost]

I own a KSM44. Like bitflipper I use it as a primary vocal mic. But man, I would love a pair of 414's for all kinds of reasons. Overheads, room mics, acoustic guitar, anything weird that I might try.