Let's take a moment to appreciate how well Structured, zero BS Bandrews reviews are. Thanks! Podcastage is pretty much the only channel I go to if I want to know what I can expect from a microphone, pretty much anything else usually is just too much guessing on what's the microphone and what's other factors.
I absolutely LOVE the KSM32! It is one of those fairly rare flat microphones that has become ubiquitous. The awesome people at Shure were so generous to give me two of them for a show when they were new, and I have since added 5 more to the locker. It is a fantastically versatile microphone with almost perfect polar response, no hype whatsoever, seemingly infinite SPL limit. It’s very possible that I have never done a live recording without using at least two of them, and that would be a number in the thousands. Drums, guitars, brass, woodwinds, voices, strings, etc... The true desert island microphone. P.S. Boring=accurate. EQ is your best friend with such a mic.
Dude, I'm just impressed with how thorough and concise that review was. You fully reviewed that mic! Now I'm looking at the organisation of this whole page, and thinking, well done. You are deserving of money for this.
Impressed with how neutral that mic is! I found myself shocked at how my ears had to adjust to the other mics, and looked forward to going back to the KSM.
The only mics that in this shootout that deserved to be mentioned in the same sentence with the KSM32 are the Austrian Audio 818 and the U87. The NT1 is quite nice for the money and far preferable to the TLM102. The TLM103 is nice sounding, but it has a sizzly coloration that infects pretty much everything it captures. The KSM32 is an outstanding bargain that absolutely deserves a rightful place amongst mics costing 6x as much. I think of it as a poor man’s TLM170, so I’m thinking it would sound very comparable to a TLM193. I appreciate all your work in putting these videos together, bravo!
KSM32 is near the top if not the king of $500-and-under mics and has been so for decades, as far as I'm concerned. Other than Roswell miniK67x I haven't heard a condenser as appealing for similar money....or any other FET LDC that is much smoother for _any_ amount of money.
I have a KSM44 that's been sitting in my closet for years and I've just pulled out recently. Isn't as affordable as the 32 or the 27, but adds figure-8 and omni patterns.
Sorry to be a year late on commenting. I just got the Beta 27 and really like it for recording my flute. The KSM32 is out of my price range but if you have experience with them both, I would be very interested in learning of your conclusions. Also, Bandrew said herein that the KSM32 isn't so good in untreated rooms. I have a slightly treated room and compared to other mics I've used, the Beta 27 does a great job of focussing on the music. Thanks for any opinions you can offer.
@@donaldmacgregor2545 I think you made a great choice. Considering how linear the beta 27 is in its response it makes for a great instrument mic! (also, it is mostly advertised as such, but I also like it on voices as you can do so much with it in post compared to others that you might want to EQ out some harshness.
gee thanks for exposing my lameness of weekly music uploads, Bandrew :P Hey it's my mic! I love it and I'm glad you like the smoothness of it. I really like how it sounds on the acoustic guitar for me, as well as spoken voice although in my situation I prefer using the sm58 because my room sound isn't the best. Great review as always!
I've had this Mic for nearly 15 years. I have recorded a huge variety of sounds sources with it, singers as well and I've noticed the warm response of it! Thanks for the review! And what about the KSM 44...?? That's an interesting one!
Thanks for another great review! I think the KSM32 sounds pretty dang nice except, as noted, the noise rejection. In a controlled environment it would surely do fantastic.
Glad you took a look at it. I've had a KSM32 for a few months now, and I just absolutely love it, for the reasons described in this video. I agree that the polar pattern is somewhat unforgiving, it seems fairly roomy sounding compared to other cardioid condenser mics I own (I'm currently living in an untreated room sadfaec), but boy does it sound great on almost anything regardless. A true workhorse, wish there was a multipattern version of it.
@@arindomudiare3898 The KSM32 is actually much more neutral sounding than the 44. I don´t know why they did it but the 44 has a significant treble boost.
a great review that show how great is the sound coming out from this microphone, one of the most balanced out there, a pleasure that I prefer near the sound of the U87, neutral and balanced, I think more flexible for post production, the sibilants stay inside the sound without fatiguing and the overall timbre seems to be warm and honest. I was thinking to buy the NT1 for the flat curve response but this baby tempts me seriously. Thanks for your beautiful channel ;)
Fantastic review thanks. I've been searching for a mic exactly like this one just for vocals in my home studio. Sibilance is the bane of all my vocals using an ancient AKG C3000 and by the sound of it, this Shure mic is about the most sibilant-free mic for the dosh.
Is your AKG the C3000 or C3000B ? I stopped using it for vocals long ago, due to sibilance and brightness, however, it does a great job on hand percussion, and I have also made some beautiful acoustic guitar recordings using the C3000B.
They sound pretty good. Your songs. And this mic is actually pretty good. It's soo good. It really let your voice be in the spotlight during that song section.
Never looked into the Shure condenser series as their dynamic series has always been their flagship series. I am an NT-1 snob as it suits my voice well, yet now I wonder if this mic might be better. Nice review. Might have to buy one.
Odd request. But could you do a side-by-side comparison between the U87 and the TLM 103? I must have seen like a thousand comparisons and they sound so similar. And it kills me because I had each but never at the same time. haha. Would love a comparison because I'm more than convinced that the TLM 103 and its audio quality is very, very, very similar to the Neumann U87 on cardiod. (they have same capsule) Also noticing firsthand that its super easy to EQ a 103 to sound like a U87. ie. I have old recordings of my old U87 and I find that I can EQ my 103 to match it very easily.
This video, in addition to some others, has convinced me to pull the trigger on a KSM32. I like the full smoothness of it, from what I've heard. I always battle sibilance with vocals, and it seems like I should have a better starting point with this mic. Looking forward to finding out.
@@PodcastageYeah man. After initial testing, compared to my AKG C414XLS, I would say they both have smooth sibilance, i.e., not sharp, but the KSM32 seems to provide more body and warmth, overall, for my voice. Thumbs up. Unaware, I had been using a rather sibilant vocal mic for the past 15 years, so, with these, I am much happier now.
I had my eye on this mic for a while for long narration. I wanted a darker mic that dealt with sibilance and would not be fatiguing. I ended up getting a Beta 27 since the frequency response looks even flatter, and since I didn't have the opportunity to sample first. That said, I really liked this KSM32 mic after hearing your test. BTW, was recently struck with a case of GAS and ended up getting the JZ Vintage 11 you just reviewed, and a TLM 193, and am looking forward to doing a shootout between them and another sleeper small diaphragm mic, the Shure SM81. Someone else mentioned the Beta 27 in these comments, so I'm hoping that mic makes it into your reviews someday. If you do review it, maybe you can consider a shootout of the darker sounding mics; the JZ V11, NT1, etc., and throw in a brighter mic like the U87 or TLM103 for comparison. As a final note, I'm really glad you explained that boring mics that are not fatiguing have a place. I listen to audiobooks, and sibilant readings can be a deal breaker. Have become a big fan of your channel.
You should absolutely release an album full of the songs, I’d happily sit a listen to it. But at 180° the microphone really did ask if we wanted more bass.
Great review! The KSM32 been on my radar for a while because Ira Glass mentions these are the mics they use (used?) for tracking This American Life. It was my favorite for the price, I liked your voice on the TLM 103 a *bit* more and a case could be made for the OC818, but not at twice the price. Only negative is the KSM32 looks extremely 90s, I'd definitely choose it if you drive a Saturn. Loved the song this week 8 )
I honestly had no idea it was used for This American Life, but that’s awesome. Does look 90’s but hey...they 90’s weren’t so bad were they? The X-files started in the 90s!
@@Podcastage Fair point! As for TAL: "In the studio we have Shure KSM-32 mics, which are the great $500 knockoffs of the gorgeous $3400 Neumann U87's you hear on the big NPR news shows. Ours were actually donated to us by Mrs. Shure in the early days of our show. Shure Inc. is located in the Chicago suburbs and we suppose she must've been a fan of WBEZ." - from www.thisamericanlife.org/about/make-radio I'm guessing the info is at least 5 years old at this point
Hi Podcastage, have you allready done a comparison between the Shure KSM 32 and the Bleu baby bottle sl? I would love to see and hear it. Keep up the good work👍🏻.
Best mic reviewer no doubt. You should do it with instruments also, compare them with each other. Would be a blessing to the new musicians who needs guidance when upgrading.
I was literally wishing for someone to do this exact shootout comparison, thank you tons!. A very good comparison you should do one day, is one where you rent the classics: u47,u87,c12,u67 and compare them to modern mics and reveal if the myth really is true that they are the best, and also what compares to them ,and holds their ground. I own the ksm 32 and love it, I also have the ksm 44 which is a solid mic aswell. Shure does a very good job making mics, I wonder why, maybe cuz they have been doing it soo long! haha
@Podcastage I picked up a TLM103 today at the midyear sale. $500 AUD off or 24%. So happy. I have been told the new stock will go up by around $300 taking it to @ $2500 'AUD. Had I have waited it would cost me @ $800 extra. Happy days.
Sorry to hear about your fight with Ozzy. I know he can be a difficult guy but he means well and I hope you can forgive him. This mic is downright impressive. You said it's "not exciting" and "boring," but I respectfully disagree. I think it would be amazing for longform narration; I know with that prox effect engaged, some women might find it VERY exciting, ifyouknowwhatimean. More seriously, I'd put it in a class with the OC818, my second favorite of all your mics. I'd need to hear a lot more of the KSM to decide which one I like better. In fact I would love to hear reviews of all the KSM's, especially the KSM27 as well as the SM27 and the Beta 27 (Shure, please make your naming conventions a little less confusing? At least you're not Rode, I guess). Of course it's not as good as the U87, but what is?
Hey, I've been hearing some popping in the audio when it cuts, and a way to remedy that is to extend the track a frame in your video editor, and do a fade out on that frame, that only lasts for that frame. I heard of this from a soundsmith video and it works !!!!
Love the Shure KSM32 It works Great for Voice Over with my Aphex 230 Master Voice Channel & I happen to Think It sounded better than the Hi Dollar Mics You Had Tested! The Shure KSM32 Rocks & That's why I own one.
I proclaim myself as hilarious all the time. Humor comes in many flavors and your flavor of humor lines up with mine so well. Everyone has a different taste and that's a fine thing.
I love this sound! Nice warm tone and smooth top end! I want to see how KSM32 compares to other Shure LDC, like PGA27, SM27 and Beta27. Maybe a new episode of Versus Series? thanks!
Once again, another very good video. Am I right in saying that a condenser mic tends to make the user sound richer, fuller, or less flat than a dynamic mic?
Can you make a list like one of your favorite USB and XLR list but instead for mixers and audio interfaces? I just got the King Bee and i’m looking for interfaces but there are just so many choices. It would help if you made a top 10 list, i doubt you’ll see this but if u do it would be great, Thank you, your channel is great!
I’ve had my eye on this mic for a while ever since Mike Delgaudio compared it to his TLM 103, and all the musicians on TH-cam seem to love this mic. Fun fact: this is the preferred microphone of Bill Farmer, the voice of Goofy for the past 30 years. Shure may be best known for their industry standard dynamics, but they seem to know how to make super solid condensers as well. I’m wondering if you’ll eventually review the KSM 42 or 44.
I like when what I hear you verify but I also like when you pick up on problems that I didn't notice or think about. I have this mic and it does sound really good on your voice. Maybe just not my voice. Have you or will you be reviewing more Warm Audio mics like the WA-47? Thank you for all of your mic reviews!
I really like the OC818 (enough so that I bought a pair). It isn't as "easy" as the KSM32, but IMO that's mostly because it's so transparent whereas the KSM32 actually seems to be hiding sibilance and some other, similar HF content.
Hey man, very important question since this is my only way of contacting you. I have a deep and raspy radio type voice right and I'm planning on buying the AKGP120. I just want to know if it'll treat the low-end frequencies of my voice well or just sound too bright. Big fan of your craft btw you had me dying at 6:21
Thank you very much Casey. I'm glad the video made you laugh and I'm glad it was helpful. I hope you have a great week, and make some great recordings.
Thank you for doing this, man! Stellar content and glad you're running this gamut for us. Out of curiosity - would you recommend a shotgun microphone if you DO NOT want the microphone in frame of the video? I think it's tacky to see the microphone in the frame and I've been pushing the gain up a smidge higher than I'd like with my 2035. I sometimes play guitar with it, but it's mostly for streaming. Thoughts?
I own both the 32 and the 44. the 44 is generally more flattering sounding vs the 32 being more basic and boring sounding. to be fair though they are both excellent workhorses that you can use on a large amount of sources.
@@littleoakstudio4254 Flattering in what way? I own a 44 and I want to exchange my Lewitt LCT 440 Pure for a Shure KSM32. Mainly for spoken word since my Lewitt doesn't quite cut it but I love the tech specs...
Hello Sir , I'm enjoying your microphone reviews . I just wanted to ask if Rode PSA1 Boom Arm can withstand the weight of Audio Technica AT 2020 XLR ?? I'll be glad if u can respond to this question at the earliest as I'm about to make a purchase.Thank you
Hey, I've been following you since a very long time and I absolutely love your reviews. You've helped me a lot in the past and I'm hoping you could clear my confusion. So, I'm looking for a microphone which I'll be using in a mildly noisy environment. The space I'm recording is a medium size conference hall and has a very luscious reverb feedback (think of a Tame Impala song for reference). There's some vent noise. I'm making a DIY microphone isolation booth (something like Kaotica Eyeball) to deal with some of the echoes. Also, frequently I can hear birds chirping. I've been using Neewer NW-700 along with M Audio M-track 2x2 interface (based on your recommendation) since couple of years and even though it's an okay set up for voice overs and some singing, the mic is just not enough for professional results. It just needs too much tweaking to get usable outcome. I'm looking for a noticeable upgrade and my budget is around $150. I've been researching endlessly and a lot of the threads are suggesting that I should go with a dynamic microphone, to which I agree. But there are so many options and I'm getting confused. I need to buy one asap because my productivity is getting compromised. I'm an Alto when it comes to my vocal range. But I will mostly be recording on various ranges. I just need something which will do a good job of capturing clarity of the words without sounding "tiny" or giving me "nasal effect" and will also do a decent job at background noise suppression. Again, this is all relative to the price range I've mentioned. I'm going to put down a list of microphones below which I have short listed (but I'd be glad if you guys could suggest something better which isn't on the list). Also, the prices are according to my country converted to USD. Once again, my audio interface is M audio M-Track 2x2. - Shure SM-57 - $107 - Rode PodMic - $139 - AT2020 - $125 - Blue Ember - $132 - Rode M3 - $119 - AKG P120 - $96 I'd be grateful if you could help me out. PS - the microphone will be used mainly for vocal track recording for songs and maybe sometimes for acoustic instruments.
random internet recommendation for you: Shure Beta 58. 58 has more plosive rejection for vocals than the 57 but they are similar. The beta versions (57 and 58) are just a step up in sound quality from the non-beta versions, and you really can't go wrong with them. The Beta 58a is around $160 new. It will have all the rejection of a dynamic but still sound great for that price range.
I was shocked at how similar it sounded to the U87, with a bit of mid boost it'll sound like it, I am 100% buying this mic
Definitely like the top end on the KSM32 vs many other LDCs these days!
I was thinkin' that same thing!
What about the ksm 42, is it good for vo?
I think this is one of the most flattering mics you've reviewed for your voice. Just smooth and warm and sounds great.
Let's take a moment to appreciate how well Structured, zero BS Bandrews reviews are. Thanks!
Podcastage is pretty much the only channel I go to if I want to know what I can expect from a microphone, pretty much anything else usually is just too much guessing on what's the microphone and what's other factors.
I absolutely LOVE the KSM32! It is one of those fairly rare flat microphones that has become ubiquitous. The awesome people at Shure were so generous to give me two of them for a show when they were new, and I have since added 5 more to the locker. It is a fantastically versatile microphone with almost perfect polar response, no hype whatsoever, seemingly infinite SPL limit. It’s very possible that I have never done a live recording without using at least two of them, and that would be a number in the thousands. Drums, guitars, brass, woodwinds, voices, strings, etc... The true desert island microphone.
P.S. Boring=accurate. EQ is your best friend with such a mic.
There is such a nice warmth to the sound of the KSM32 that I really appreciate
Dude, I'm just impressed with how thorough and concise that review was. You fully reviewed that mic! Now I'm looking at the organisation of this whole page, and thinking, well done. You are deserving of money for this.
A colleague lent one to me and I was absolutely blown away by it. Amazing mic.
Impressed with how neutral that mic is! I found myself shocked at how my ears had to adjust to the other mics, and looked forward to going back to the KSM.
yeah it made most of the other mics sound a bit harsh. The at2020 was like nails on a chalk board in comparison.
Agree, it sounded so smooth compared to all the others.
@@Podcastage please do a video on native instruments komplete audio 1&2
For me KSM32 sounded smooth and relaxed but also lack some resolution so I found it more warm than neutral. But it was nice.
@@Podcastage 🤣🤣👏👏 finally i found a mic with smooth top end. buying one.
Just want to throw it out there that I appreciate how much work you put into these videos and I want you to know they benefit everyone. Thank you!
The only mics that in this shootout that deserved to be mentioned in the same sentence with the KSM32 are the Austrian Audio 818 and the U87.
The NT1 is quite nice for the money and far preferable to the TLM102. The TLM103 is nice sounding, but it has a sizzly coloration that infects pretty much everything it captures.
The KSM32 is an outstanding bargain that absolutely deserves a rightful place amongst mics costing 6x as much. I think of it as a poor man’s TLM170, so I’m thinking it would sound very comparable to a TLM193.
I appreciate all your work in putting these videos together, bravo!
KSM32 is near the top if not the king of $500-and-under mics and has been so for decades, as far as I'm concerned. Other than Roswell miniK67x I haven't heard a condenser as appealing for similar money....or any other FET LDC that is much smoother for _any_ amount of money.
IMHO, one of the most overlooked mics. Also the beta 27 might be interesting for those who can't spend as much.
I have a KSM44 that's been sitting in my closet for years and I've just pulled out recently. Isn't as affordable as the 32 or the 27, but adds figure-8 and omni patterns.
Sorry to be a year late on commenting. I just got the Beta 27 and really like it for recording my flute. The KSM32 is out of my price range but if you have experience with them both, I would be very interested in learning of your conclusions. Also, Bandrew said herein that the KSM32 isn't so good in untreated rooms. I have a slightly treated room and compared to other mics I've used, the Beta 27 does a great job of focussing on the music. Thanks for any opinions you can offer.
@@donaldmacgregor2545 I think you made a great choice. Considering how linear the beta 27 is in its response it makes for a great instrument mic! (also, it is mostly advertised as such, but I also like it on voices as you can do so much with it in post compared to others that you might want to EQ out some harshness.
@@DanielHagerEdgeWorld Thank you Daniel. Very helpful.
Holy crap this mic sounds AMAZING on you
every shure mic sounds amazing on him
gee thanks for exposing my lameness of weekly music uploads, Bandrew :P
Hey it's my mic! I love it and I'm glad you like the smoothness of it. I really like how it sounds on the acoustic guitar for me, as well as spoken voice although in my situation I prefer using the sm58 because my room sound isn't the best.
Great review as always!
I've owned this mic since 2007 and it's still my go-to, I love it
I like the fact that this mic has no crazy sizzly highs. Let me do that in post if I want it.
Yup, that's what's cool about the KSM32.
I have been waiting do long for a review of this mic. Thanks for all you do Podcastage
I've had this Mic for nearly 15 years. I have recorded a huge variety of sounds sources with it, singers as well and I've noticed the warm response of it! Thanks for the review! And what about the KSM 44...?? That's an interesting one!
No lie, your voice is golden 3inches off this thing. Super impressed.
bought it for singing/talking, really liked the proximity effect on this one. Thanks!
Thanks for another great review! I think the KSM32 sounds pretty dang nice except, as noted, the noise rejection. In a controlled environment it would surely do fantastic.
Glad you took a look at it. I've had a KSM32 for a few months now, and I just absolutely love it, for the reasons described in this video. I agree that the polar pattern is somewhat unforgiving, it seems fairly roomy sounding compared to other cardioid condenser mics I own (I'm currently living in an untreated room sadfaec), but boy does it sound great on almost anything regardless. A true workhorse, wish there was a multipattern version of it.
Check out the ksm 44 it's the multi pattern bigger brother of the ksm32
@@arindomudiare3898 The KSM32 is actually much more neutral sounding than the 44. I don´t know why they did it but the 44 has a significant treble boost.
“A little messy & muddy down there”. I love the proximity effect with the middle roll off. So nice
a great review that show how great is the sound coming out from this microphone, one of the most balanced out there, a pleasure that I prefer near the sound of the U87, neutral and balanced, I think more flexible for post production, the sibilants stay inside the sound without fatiguing and the overall timbre seems to be warm and honest. I was thinking to buy the NT1 for the flat curve response but this baby tempts me seriously.
Thanks for your beautiful channel ;)
Fantastic review thanks. I've been searching for a mic exactly like this one just for vocals in my home studio. Sibilance is the bane of all my vocals using an ancient AKG C3000 and by the sound of it, this Shure mic is about the most sibilant-free mic for the dosh.
Is your AKG the C3000 or C3000B ? I stopped using it for vocals long ago, due to sibilance and brightness, however, it does a great job on hand percussion, and I have also made some beautiful acoustic guitar recordings using the C3000B.
Try a ribbon mic to tame sibilance at the source - a Samar AL95 is under $400 new, and phenomenally smooth.
I was literally looking to see if you've reviewed this mic last night. Great timing!
Love the style of your reviews. Fun and informative. Thanks!
All the microphones are hard to distinguish between them, but Neumann has a distinctive footprint. I liked the new test methods, Keep it up.
They sound pretty good. Your songs. And this mic is actually pretty good. It's soo good. It really let your voice be in the spotlight during that song section.
Never looked into the Shure condenser series as their dynamic series has always been their flagship series. I am an NT-1 snob as it suits my voice well, yet now I wonder if this mic might be better. Nice review. Might have to buy one.
Odd request. But could you do a side-by-side comparison between the U87 and the TLM 103? I must have seen like a thousand comparisons and they sound so similar. And it kills me because I had each but never at the same time. haha. Would love a comparison because I'm more than convinced that the TLM 103 and its audio quality is very, very, very similar to the Neumann U87 on cardiod. (they have same capsule) Also noticing firsthand that its super easy to EQ a 103 to sound like a U87. ie. I have old recordings of my old U87 and I find that I can EQ my 103 to match it very easily.
This video, in addition to some others, has convinced me to pull the trigger on a KSM32. I like the full smoothness of it, from what I've heard. I always battle sibilance with vocals, and it seems like I should have a better starting point with this mic. Looking forward to finding out.
Congratulations on the new mic, I hope it treats you well and you get years of great recordings out of it.
@@PodcastageYeah man. After initial testing, compared to my AKG C414XLS, I would say they both have smooth sibilance, i.e., not sharp, but the KSM32 seems to provide more body and warmth, overall, for my voice. Thumbs up. Unaware, I had been using a rather sibilant vocal mic for the past 15 years, so, with these, I am much happier now.
An amazing mic. Just got one. Warm and sibling free. Great for voice work!
Yay no brothers or sisters ! 🙃
I've had one for a couple years now, it's so underrated. I love mine.
I had my eye on this mic for a while for long narration. I wanted a darker mic that dealt with sibilance and would not be fatiguing. I ended up getting a Beta 27 since the frequency response looks even flatter, and since I didn't have the opportunity to sample first. That said, I really liked this KSM32 mic after hearing your test. BTW, was recently struck with a case of GAS and ended up getting the JZ Vintage 11 you just reviewed, and a TLM 193, and am looking forward to doing a shootout between them and another sleeper small diaphragm mic, the Shure SM81. Someone else mentioned the Beta 27 in these comments, so I'm hoping that mic makes it into your reviews someday. If you do review it, maybe you can consider a shootout of the darker sounding mics; the JZ V11, NT1, etc., and throw in a brighter mic like the U87 or TLM103 for comparison. As a final note, I'm really glad you explained that boring mics that are not fatiguing have a place. I listen to audiobooks, and sibilant readings can be a deal breaker. Have become a big fan of your channel.
Sounds really solid
You should absolutely release an album full of the songs, I’d happily sit a listen to it. But at 180° the microphone really did ask if we wanted more bass.
The KSM32 is such a great mic, I picked up TWO for my studio along with a KSM44a.
Agreed the KSM32 is incredible.
Gotta be one of the most aerodynamic boxes I've seen chucked yet 🔥
Great review! The KSM32 been on my radar for a while because Ira Glass mentions these are the mics they use (used?) for tracking This American Life. It was my favorite for the price, I liked your voice on the TLM 103 a *bit* more and a case could be made for the OC818, but not at twice the price. Only negative is the KSM32 looks extremely 90s, I'd definitely choose it if you drive a Saturn.
Loved the song this week 8 )
I honestly had no idea it was used for This American Life, but that’s awesome. Does look 90’s but hey...they 90’s weren’t so bad were they? The X-files started in the 90s!
@@Podcastage Fair point!
As for TAL: "In the studio we have Shure KSM-32 mics, which are the great $500 knockoffs of the gorgeous $3400 Neumann U87's you hear on the big NPR news shows. Ours were actually donated to us by Mrs. Shure in the early days of our show. Shure Inc. is located in the Chicago suburbs and we suppose she must've been a fan of WBEZ."
- from www.thisamericanlife.org/about/make-radio
I'm guessing the info is at least 5 years old at this point
The KSM32 is really really smooth, and amazingly close to the Neumann TLM103. WOW!
In the shootout the KSM32 sounded best to me.
Just got a KSM32 in champagne. Sounds great! Thanks for the info!
Always wanted to like this microphone because I find Shure gear consistently well made and 'sensible'. Great demonstration thank you.
Hi Podcastage, have you allready done a comparison between the Shure KSM 32 and the Bleu baby bottle sl? I would love to see and hear it. Keep up the good work👍🏻.
you definitely need to make a compilation of all the songs in your vidz!
Thanks!
Thank you so much for your support Jay. It means so much!
Best mic reviewer no doubt. You should do it with instruments also, compare them with each other. Would be a blessing to the new musicians who needs guidance when upgrading.
I was literally wishing for someone to do this exact shootout comparison, thank you tons!. A very good comparison you should do one day, is one where you rent the classics: u47,u87,c12,u67 and compare them to modern mics and reveal if the myth really is true that they are the best, and also what compares to them ,and holds their ground. I own the ksm 32 and love it, I also have the ksm 44 which is a solid mic aswell. Shure does a very good job making mics, I wonder why, maybe cuz they have been doing it soo long! haha
I subscribed as soon as you chucked the box across the room. I knew we were internet brothers.
the instrumental test is always my favorite
the music test is the best part of the videos :)
I really wish Shure included a case like that, or similar, with the SM7B.
When I brought it one was included.
I think the SM7B is not meant as a portable solution, while this one is. Well, not PORTABLE per se, but not as permanent 🤷🏻♂
The silver version of the microphone comes with a nice padded travel case along with a spider shock mount.
A Shure mic is so d@mned sturdy the case needs protection _from it._
One of the most under rated mics out there
Agreed. It is so good!
It keeps getting better.
Yes!! Thanks for another excellent review!!!
Hey bro! Hope u doing well! U helped me a lot by doing these reviews. Much love! In case no one told u, you're awesome!
You have excellent reviews. Could you create episode to explain technical terms you use.
Instant 10/10
YOU GET A STICKER
I'm waiting for my ksm32 delivery! I hope it likes sinatra style vocals in my acoustically lacking untreated karaoke/living room!
hahaha
You get a sticker! LMAO! As always, great coverage sir. 👍
Hey man, hope you and Ozzy work through your issues 💪🏿
I hope so too. However Ozzy is so gosh darn head strong.
If your going to feed a troll why feed one that has more money then it needs I bet he laughs at the poor with each penny he spends
Thanks Bandrew, I'm leaning towards the TLM103 but still a great mic.
You're welcome. Glad to hear you're honing in on the right choice.
@Podcastage I picked up a TLM103 today at the midyear sale. $500 AUD off or 24%. So happy. I have been told the new stock will go up by around $300 taking it to @ $2500 'AUD. Had I have waited it would cost me @ $800 extra. Happy days.
My Swiss Army knife Mic of all times. I can use it on anything and EQ it to whatever I need.
Sorry to hear about your fight with Ozzy. I know he can be a difficult guy but he means well and I hope you can forgive him.
This mic is downright impressive. You said it's "not exciting" and "boring," but I respectfully disagree. I think it would be amazing for longform narration; I know with that prox effect engaged, some women might find it VERY exciting, ifyouknowwhatimean. More seriously, I'd put it in a class with the OC818, my second favorite of all your mics. I'd need to hear a lot more of the KSM to decide which one I like better. In fact I would love to hear reviews of all the KSM's, especially the KSM27 as well as the SM27 and the Beta 27 (Shure, please make your naming conventions a little less confusing? At least you're not Rode, I guess).
Of course it's not as good as the U87, but what is?
Hey, I've been hearing some popping in the audio when it cuts, and a way to remedy that is to extend the track a frame in your video editor, and do a fade out on that frame, that only lasts for that frame.
I heard of this from a soundsmith video and it works !!!!
Love the Shure KSM32 It works Great for Voice Over with my Aphex 230 Master Voice Channel & I happen to Think It sounded better than the Hi Dollar Mics You Had Tested! The Shure KSM32 Rocks & That's why I own one.
You make me laugh so hard sometimes I have to back up the video because of it (not at all mad about it, love it and keep it all up).
I proclaim myself as hilarious all the time. Humor comes in many flavors and your flavor of humor lines up with mine so well. Everyone has a different taste and that's a fine thing.
I love this sound! Nice warm tone and smooth top end!
I want to see how KSM32 compares to other Shure LDC, like PGA27, SM27 and Beta27.
Maybe a new episode of Versus Series? thanks!
You seem to be getting angrier with every box you throw, jesus
A GREAT stress reliever!!!
It would be wonderful to see how the KSM44 compares.
I think this mic sounds great on you Bandrew
Once again, another very good video. Am I right in saying that a condenser mic tends to make the user sound richer, fuller, or less flat than a dynamic mic?
Can you make a list like one of your favorite USB and XLR list but instead for mixers and audio interfaces? I just got the King Bee and i’m looking for interfaces but there are just so many choices. It would help if you made a top 10 list, i doubt you’ll see this but if u do it would be great, Thank you, your channel is great!
I’ve had my eye on this mic for a while ever since Mike Delgaudio compared it to his TLM 103, and all the musicians on TH-cam seem to love this mic. Fun fact: this is the preferred microphone of Bill Farmer, the voice of Goofy for the past 30 years. Shure may be best known for their industry standard dynamics, but they seem to know how to make super solid condensers as well. I’m wondering if you’ll eventually review the KSM 42 or 44.
I’ll be doing the 44a in the future 100%.
I bought the ksm 42 awhile back, but at least with my voice, it didn't deliver what I thought it would. The 32 on the other hand is perfect.
I thought this was f@#ing brilliant and so did Sharon my wife.
Well done with that dry delivery .. thanks
I like when what I hear you verify but I also like when you pick up on problems that I didn't notice or think about. I have this mic and it does sound really good on your voice. Maybe just not my voice. Have you or will you be reviewing more Warm Audio mics like the WA-47? Thank you for all of your mic reviews!
Sounded just as good as the TLM 103 or the U87 AI for the money.
Hi friend, amazing review!... Is KSM32 the best mic for VoiceOver under untreated rooms conditions?...
Would love to see review the Blue Kiwi! Just ordered one
Any idea why the black version (charcoal grey) is $50 less than the champaign (light grey) one? Are they not the same on the inside?
Sound Speeds They are identical microphones. I use them interchangeably. The matte silver finish is quite a bit harder to produce than the dark gray.
The silver one has different accessories. The most important is the shockmount, but also comes with a hard case.
I really like the OC818 (enough so that I bought a pair). It isn't as "easy" as the KSM32, but IMO that's mostly because it's so transparent whereas the KSM32 actually seems to be hiding sibilance and some other, similar HF content.
What do you think of Audio technica mics for live performance?
What do you recommend in the condenser category for an untreated room? Preferably something that sounds as good as the ksm32.
I second this comment
Hey man, very important question since this is my only way of contacting you. I have a deep and raspy radio type voice right and I'm planning on buying the AKGP120. I just want to know if it'll treat the low-end frequencies of my voice well or just sound too bright. Big fan of your craft btw you had me dying at 6:21
You make me laugh... thank you! Great, thorough review. I appreciate it!
Thank you very much Casey. I'm glad the video made you laugh and I'm glad it was helpful. I hope you have a great week, and make some great recordings.
Thank you for doing this, man! Stellar content and glad you're running this gamut for us. Out of curiosity - would you recommend a shotgun microphone if you DO NOT want the microphone in frame of the video? I think it's tacky to see the microphone in the frame and I've been pushing the gain up a smidge higher than I'd like with my 2035. I sometimes play guitar with it, but it's mostly for streaming. Thoughts?
This was very helpful. Thank you.
What are your top condenser mic recommendations for singing in a room that's not treated all that well? Thanks.
great video can you review the MXL Pop LSM-9 microphone ?
Thank for great video microphone testing
What microphone would you recommend to take away the background noise if not for this mic? With a 300-400 dollar budget
Curious how this compares with the SM27 and Beta 27! Would love to see a $300 -$500 Shure LDC shootout.
I bought a KSM44 (not the KSM44A) not too long ago. I would love to hear your thoughts on that mic as well!
Vote Up
I own both the 32 and the 44. the 44 is generally more flattering sounding vs the 32 being more basic and boring sounding. to be fair though they are both excellent workhorses that you can use on a large amount of sources.
@@littleoakstudio4254 Flattering in what way? I own a 44 and I want to exchange my Lewitt LCT 440 Pure for a Shure KSM32. Mainly for spoken word since my Lewitt doesn't quite cut it but I love the tech specs...
have you made a mic tier list video?
Hello Sir , I'm enjoying your microphone reviews . I just wanted to ask if Rode PSA1 Boom Arm can withstand the weight of Audio Technica AT 2020 XLR ?? I'll be glad if u can respond to this question at the earliest as I'm about to make a purchase.Thank you
Ive always wondered about this one! Gracias
Just when Rick Beato mentioned this mic as a budget alternative for one of the mics to recreate the sound of John Bonham's drums on LedZep I. Noice.
Hey, I've been following you since a very long time and I absolutely love your reviews. You've helped me a lot in the past and I'm hoping you could clear my confusion.
So, I'm looking for a microphone which I'll be using in a mildly noisy environment. The space I'm recording is a medium size conference hall and has a very luscious reverb feedback (think of a Tame Impala song for reference). There's some vent noise. I'm making a DIY microphone isolation booth (something like Kaotica Eyeball) to deal with some of the echoes. Also, frequently I can hear birds chirping.
I've been using Neewer NW-700 along with M Audio M-track 2x2 interface (based on your recommendation) since couple of years and even though it's an okay set up for voice overs and some singing, the mic is just not enough for professional results. It just needs too much tweaking to get usable outcome. I'm looking for a noticeable upgrade and my budget is around $150.
I've been researching endlessly and a lot of the threads are suggesting that I should go with a dynamic microphone, to which I agree. But there are so many options and I'm getting confused. I need to buy one asap because my productivity is getting compromised.
I'm an Alto when it comes to my vocal range. But I will mostly be recording on various ranges.
I just need something which will do a good job of capturing clarity of the words without sounding "tiny" or giving me "nasal effect" and will also do a decent job at background noise suppression. Again, this is all relative to the price range I've mentioned.
I'm going to put down a list of microphones below which I have short listed (but I'd be glad if you guys could suggest something better which isn't on the list).
Also, the prices are according to my country converted to USD.
Once again, my audio interface is M audio M-Track 2x2.
- Shure SM-57 - $107
- Rode PodMic - $139
- AT2020 - $125
- Blue Ember - $132
- Rode M3 - $119
- AKG P120 - $96
I'd be grateful if you could help me out.
PS - the microphone will be used mainly for vocal track recording for songs and maybe sometimes for acoustic instruments.
random internet recommendation for you: Shure Beta 58. 58 has more plosive rejection for vocals than the 57 but they are similar. The beta versions (57 and 58) are just a step up in sound quality from the non-beta versions, and you really can't go wrong with them. The Beta 58a is around $160 new. It will have all the rejection of a dynamic but still sound great for that price range.
Have you considered the SE V7?
Why do you hate stickers though?
I would collect them instead