Bandrew Scott

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Shure KSM141 Microphone Review / Test

Today i review the Shure KSM141, a small diaphragm condenser which offers a controlled low end, a neutral mid section, and a slightly bright treble region. This mic offers two very useful polar patterns and useful high pass filters as well as a max SPL of 164dB.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~2:30
Boosted in Post: +2dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid / Omni
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz
Sensitivity: -37dBV
Self Noise: 14dB
Max SPL: 139dB (159dB with -25dB pad)
Impedance: 150 Ohms
High Pass Filter: 6dB/octave at 115hz; -18dB/octave at 80hz
Phantom power: +48V

Buy the Shure KSM141 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon:  https://geni.us/ksm141
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ksm141
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3tG6CLF
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/shure_ksm_141_sl.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon:  https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/42lcWDF
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:30 - What’s in the Box
00:52 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:27 - Specifications
01:40 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:33 - Plosive Test
02:54 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:22 - Background Noise Test 
03:38 - Untreated Room Test
04:03 - Underboom & Overhead Booming Test
04:48 - Shock Rejection Test
05:04 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:19 - High Pass Filter Test
05:59 - Pad Test
06:19 - Windscreen Tone Test
06:54 - Intro to Comparison
07:22 - Behringer C2 Comparison
07:51 - Rode M5 Comparison
08:22 - sE Electronics sE8 Comparison
08:57 - Shure SM81 Comparison
09:38 - Beyerdynamic MC930 Comparison
10:08 - Neumann KM184 Comparison
10:44 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
11:24 - Music Test
12:59 - Pros & Cons
14:16 - Overall Thoughts
15:23 - Recommendation
16:13 - Outro