Ronan, great video! FYI, i am the voice actor who voices the Disney character Goofy ( as well as Pluto , and several others). I have been voicing these characters for 29 years, and we have used many pics over the years, from the RCA 44 ribbon, to U87s. But what did the Disney engineers finally settle on to bring out the best in my voice? the KSM32! It handles everything brilliantly. Just thought you'd like to know.

9 yrs later. Just wanted to say I really enjoyed this.

After 13 years,this ksm32 is Awesome!!

Roman, I fully agree with you about the KSM32. It is an all around winner. I am a director and we did a musical theatrical feature with 10 original songs. We started up trying the U87 on singers and 9 times out of 10 I prefered the sound I got from the SHURE KSM32. It wound up being the GO-TO microphone for everything: Voices, Instruments, etc. The movie is being mixed right now and the KSM32 came through on everything we could throw at it. Arguably the best all around microphone.

I love the KSM series - they simply and quietly go about their business.

I use both the KSM32 and KSM27 .. both have excellent midrange detailing along with excellent highs and respectable smooth lows. I have them both sitting on my face as I sit here typing my comments.

After taking your workshop, I immediately went out and bought one. That was 2004?? I've been using it on everything ever since!

Actually, I'm Bill Farmer. I am using my son Austins computer, thus the different name!

Even though you are "just gushing" I learned a lot by hearing the reasons you like it. Excellent video, thank you.

great review, after 11 years from this video I think I'll buy this beautiful mic ;)

Hi Ronan. I loved this video. After watching it three times, I googled, ebayed, and Craigslisted Shure KSM32's. In the past, I was a staunch AT 4047 and Shure SM 81 fan of overheads for drums. Believe it or not, I found one of my two "new" KSM 32's on CL. It was from a guy named Chris from LB, CA. He knows you, and swore by the mic as much as you have. I can only look forward to great recording with this Swiss Army Knife of a mic! What Karma!!

Ronan, I can't tell enough, how much I love this episode. I've watched it many times and wish for a pair of these for my studio here. My pair of KSM44"s continue to work well, But I almost like my KSM27 better for the reasons you talk about here sonicaly. I'm sure a pair of these are in my future. Thank you again...........keep more episodes coming!

I completely agree - they are such great value

The most versatile mic pre I have used is the A Designs Pacifica. Most of my work get recorded through them. Not sure about EQs, I would probably have to say SSL console EQs.

I purchase one because of this! Thanks

@msdutchess1987 The Shure KSM32 will work with any mic pre amp that has phantom power (or 48v power), So if you have an interface with a mic input and a phantom power switch, the KSM32 will work with it.

Most of the time I use a Shure SM57 on guitar cabs. I do not often use condensers on guitar cabs.

there are very limited choices in my country and I was considering the audio technica at2050 but today I found shure ksm32 and shure sm27. Im gonna make my choice this days! thank you very much for your posts and help :)

I never worry about matched sets. I have a couple KSM32 and I have used them side by side with KSM32s made 5 years later and they sounded identical to my ear.

Thanks so much. I really appreciate you taking the time, just to say something nice.

Great mic, I started off using these. Even when I started getting more expensive mics I still kept using the KSM32

Hi Ronan, thank you very much for your response. After your introduction I have now ordered my BEAUTIFUL crome KSM32 with PRESONUS AUDIO BOX interface that has 48v. I have also ordered a headphone ( AKG-K271 MKII ) and pair of monitors (KRK-Rokit RP8 G2 Monitor Speakers ). (Yep, Christmas seem to be early this year). I will let you know their performance together. They all will arrive next week. I am soooooo excited! Have a wonderful day and thanks again :)

Takes EQ very well. AMEN to that. I do love my ksm32.. BTW, that awesome funny intro caught me by surprise. I actually did a spit take with a Macallan 18!! over top my keyboard. Thanks.

I just got a KSM44, and one of the reasons I started looking for one was this video. I found one at $250 and the guy ended up selling it to me for $200 it looks almost new from the capsule to the chassis. I was totally blown away by the sound, it's like it is dark but in a good way and sounds like there's a built-in de-esser inside, I'm even thinking of trading my Lewitt LCT 440 Pure for a KSM32 since the 44 fits my voice so well. Thanks man, I totally trust your recommedation. I wish I could hear a shootout between a U47 and a KSM32 as you said you did once.

There was a mic pre shootout in Oct 2012 in which an audience blind listening test showed the ART to be highly favoured among (and almost always above) supposedly higher end pres when people weren't put off by the name or the garish front panel. This test is available from SOS, with all wav files downloadable.

I TOTALLY agree on everything you're saying. I've been loving the KSM32 for the past 12 years or so. I can't find a source that doesn't sound good with it! On all my woodwinds, on brass, percussion, guitars.... Just amazing. And yes, a lot of engineers laugh about it and grab a 67. But I truly think this mic it's just one of the best designs of the past 20 years! :) cheers! oh, and it sounds good on kick drum too!

I am not sponsored by Shure (would be cool if I was!) I genuinely love that mic. To me there is just something special about how well it works on so many sources. I like it more than Shure's more expensive mics.

I started shopping a few days ago and I've never bought a good mic,i just use my antique akg d1000e that i got used for $25. 45 years ago.about to hit buy button on sure ksm32,gonna use it for fun sinatra style singing

this is a good episode, go Ronan!

I have not used the AEA R84, but the other AEA mics I have used exhibit more of the classic ribbon coloration. So to answer your question best I can, i would probably choose the AEA when I wanted the mic to bring more coloration to the sound and the KSM32 when I wanted the mic to more accurately represent the sound. Booth would probably be good for recording harsh sounds in a forgiving manner.

I use a pair of these for the bass rotor of my Leslie 122. Wonderful.

I watched your "Ronan's Recording Show" video on miking hi hats and drum recording tips. A very concise video for its (very much appreciated) shortish length. I am very impressed with the KSM32s as overheads and you kindled a reinterest in the SE X1 which I think would be a nice snare mic as well. I have an sE 2200T, it comes up a treat on vocals thru a Triton D2O pre on FET setting. Another mic I like thru the Triton is an Oktava modded Rode NTK. The D2O hasn't many features but a great sound.

I may look at a couple of these, I am currently using a pair of KSM44"s for my drum overheads and I find them to be great. I also use a pair of matched KM184'S. I have to mention the new A Designs Nail is amazing! A lot of cool changes to the recording room latley. Thanks Ronan, You are appreciated! Great video!

Hi Ronan, I had thyroid cancer and had my whole neck fused from c3-c7. My voice is BASS range now only. Been going through many mics to find the right one. Beta 52a kick drum mic is incredible for me. Way better than my Nuemann TLM 102. Better than an Sm7b or anything else I have tried. Have you tried this ic for vocals yet? You better . No sibilance just WARMTH with no coloration. SOOOOOOOO AWESOME. You gotta try it.

Tested it, kills u87 every time! Thanx for recommendation.

It is a good mic for many types of voices. I would be hard to say what would be the best option, not knowing more about the situation.

I have a Presonus Audiobox 22vsl to PC/DAW. So I'm thinking of this and a SM57 for vocals, acoustic and some electric (SM57). Mainly mid male voice with some screaming. Is there anything els I will need that will complement this setup? (home recording studio). Yes, Im new. Thank you!!

I love the SM7B. I use lots of different mics for lead vocals, but the SM7B is probably the one I use most often these days.

Thanks Ronan! Thanks to your overly talking about how GREAT the Shure KSM 32 is and how cheap it is compared to the high end brands with which it competes neck to neck, the owners of the Shure shops in europe have now caught on. It now costs over 1 000 euros in germany! Thanks Ronan -_-

You are welcome. Stereo overheads is probably my favorite use for this mic.

Me too.....I love it.......the KSM32 is my best guitar tool

with guitar and voice keeping it at 0dB is probably fine (use -15 when recording really loud things) The "line" is a high pass filter (that setting looks like a hockey stick and it cuts off the low end). use that when you want to reduce the low end in your recording.

I have had one of these for a while n love it just ordered another one to make them my overhead mics from this video on

Even though I was looking for a quick review, you're stories make these videos so damn interesting. Please keep making them this way haha

i bought this mic because of this video. I love it! You are very persuasive!

@toolfrk1991 The Bozzio sample is from my own album that I am trying to finish. I have a great line up (Terry Bozzio, Pat Mastelotto, Tony Levin and Mike Keneally) but I am having trouble finding the time to finish it. If you are subscribed to any of my shows or channels I am sure I will announce when its done.-Ronan

The KSM 32 does not really boost sibilance like a lot of condensers do. If the KSM32 ends up being a really sibilant mic on you, you might want to look seriously at using a ribbon or moving coil dynamic.

Great post. Much thanks. I have a couple of these I use for bluegrass live and some recording. Did a shootout Tuesday night with several other nice mics, including a Neuman, and it was the winner.

If you are recording vocals with an SM57 and it sounds weak in the mix, it is probably not because of the mic. They can sound big and powerful in a mix. A V67 will sound brighter and a little more open, but not less weak.

Sorry I have not used the TLM 102. I would definitely choose a KSM32 over a TL103 though.

love this mic! I'm with you on this one!

Appreciate you sharing your professional insight. Subscribed

I totally agree Ronan! I love it, above all on Vocals (sounds so Vintagy!). The only cons is that you gotta be carefull with plosives like P and B and position it a bit off axis! Nice Video!

It is worth a try, one thing you can also try even with the zoom mic is to put the foam wind screen on it and sing very close to the mics. This creates something called proximity effect which will add a bit of low end to the voice.

KSM32 is my best guitar tool !!!!!

Thanks Ronan. Will give it a try for sure.

@msdutchess1987 You can use it with your PC, but you need some kind of interface to get the audio into the PC obviously. I would need to know more about how you are putting your educational videos together before I could answer the second part of the question.

Just got done doing a demo of shure's full collection for my AES district. I was blown away by the 32's performance. Them germans don't know whats up lol

I own the ksm 32sl as well. Great mic on everything.

I have not used that mic, but in my own work I usually try to stick to using one mic (usually a dynamic) on guitar amps,

You sold me on this mic

Hi Ronan, Thank you for the response. I have a 2 years old QOSMIO Laptop. My videos are with images, animation, background music or they have power point presentations where I also talk at the background, they are created by using Camtesia software. So to get the videos into PC I use Camtesia Software but I also want to buy some quality monitors and shureKSM32 mic. to ensure the audio quality while I am recording my voice for the background of my videos. ---->continue

This video convinced me to buy one KSM32. I've been happy with it. I got the $350 model, which only comes with the miniature mounting system (no shockmount) - which is decent.

Don't let anyone put you off the ART PRO MPA IIs. The A-Designs Pacifica mic pre used on the drums from 8:50 "thickens" the lower mids just a touch (read the SOS review). I have several ART PRO MPA II preamps and have swapped the tubes out for NOS in some cases. In one of the pres I put in some 12AZ7 Raytheon long plates from the late 50's/early 60's. This "warms" or emphasises and subtly distorts the lower mids in a very similar manner to the A Designs Pacifica, at about 1/5 the price. (cont)

Great show. I'm looking for an affordable LDC (or something) to record my alto saxophone in my home project studio. So far my short list is the KSM32, SM27, AT4040, RE20, MXL V69 ME Ribbon or possibly the new Rode NT1. I really like the way Van Gelder recorded those old Blue Note records, so a Ribbon might be a good choice, but I've recorded with the AKG C214 and the high end sizzle didn't bother me, in fact it sounded good. But the KSM32 with its lush mid range and AT4040 with its solid performance for the price are at the top of my list. Thanks.

That part about the clips really sucks. Because I just bought two to use as overheads and they don’t even come with them. They only come with the shock mounts to use for vocals, so after shelling out for two expensive mics, expensive for me at least, I have to shell out another 100 just to use them for what i intended to use them for. I will occasionally be doing female vocal with them too but mainly drum overheads. Ouch Shure, would’ve been better for them just up each mic price 40 bucks and charge 20 bucks for the clips each.

@nicolinoperrucho I have never used the TLM 102, but I like the KSM32 much more than the TLM 103

Yay, Shure!! We love Shure!!! Great love story - love the gushing, Ronan!! Hahaha!!!! :o)

I used to have the KSM44, but it seemed to color the sound a bit, sounding a bit "nasal" I would say. Beautifully looking and feeling microphone, but the sound was questionable. A third of a price Audio-Technica stereo microphone sounded better to me. Anyway, I am probably an idiot because as soon as I sold these mics, they became discontinued. Now Audio-Technica has stereo mic twice the price or the one I had, and KSM44A is also more expensive than the KSM44. Prices are going up on these things. I shouldn't have sold the mics when I think about it now.

@nicolinoperrucho I actually talk about this on the new episode of Ronan Recording Show (google it to find the site) but if its for your own vocal, you should really try them out on your own voice. For my own voice the KSM32 is better than my $2000 mics, but on other singers different mics sound much better.

My favorite mic pre amp for this mic is the A Designs Pacifica which is right in your price range (and even cheaper if you can find it used)

@snapascrew the 4050 is a nice mic (the 4060 is an amazing mic)

I think it would be a great choice. The Audio Technica AT-4060 is another mic I love for a wide range of acoustic instruments but it is quite a bit more expenseive

@Juanjolead Sure. It would work fine with any mic pre that has phantom power.

@WaitforthesignalNC Sure it would. I have used it on some pretty heavy guitars, but I tend to prefer the SM57 for metal guitars

amazing! thanks for the upload!

Not a big fans of an ART pre amps. I usually use them with A Designs Pacificas, but if your budget is tight I think the True Systems P-solo is a very good choice.

From what I know, David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) used heavily this mic as his amp cab mic for his last solo tour. So, you're not alone claiming this mic is wonderful ;)

+1 for Pacifica, and he seems to know his stuff. Also Avalon M5 is a great one for 1.5k. Something recent that adds new features to classic concepts is Dave Hill Designs Europa - has adjustable color/even/odd harmonics and may be uselful depending on your needs. UA LA-610 is my favorite for any mic and add a sweet compressor to the signal if you need it.

I have a low, bassy voice and I'm looking for a low cost mic for recording vocals and acoustic guitar. I already have (1) Neumann km184 to record my guitar tracks with but I need a good vocal mic AG filler. I'm trying to decide between the KSM32 and the Neumann TLM 102. Any thoughts?

I use it to record acoustic guitar ... and it sounds warm & beautiful :)

@yobhsiFehT Yes. I did not know Eddie Kramer worked on it, but I was at the NAB conference this week and asked one of the guys from Shure if that was the case and he said "yes"

I saw this video around 2011. I took your advice and bought two KSM32 mics back then in my very humble beginnings of recording music. I have kept them ever since. I wonder if you have a video on how you would approach recording a Grand Piano. Also, if you have any video or tips when it comes to recording voice for Audiobooks when it comes to signal chain. Go by ear?

@lifelessorgangrinder I am certainly not against mic modding or anything, but the problem with many of the cheap mics is the capsule. So unless you are replacing the capsule, its a big uphill battle. That being said the MXL V67 is one of my favorite cheapo condensers. I actually use it from time to time on my sessions (rarely as a main mic though).

Wow thanks for your review

You need a mic pre for any mic, but your presonus has a mic pre built into it. A better mic pre will improve the sound, but that one you have is a fine start.

Thinking of using a KSM32 as a overhead drum mic. However, I only have access to a single KSM32 mic. Is there a way that you would recommend using this mic for a single overhead?

Ronan new to your page and love it! you're a true real dude! thank you!!! I'm a drummer tracking at my house now! Question so can you use these on a snare? or a ambient room like a staircase for killer liveness?

@waltervenicio I am a big fan of the higher end Neuman mics, but I definitely prefer the KSM32 over the TLM103.

Great vid. Thank you

Thanks for the introduction to this mic, Ronan! Is Terry Bozzio's sample, eight minutes into the video, on an album somewhere that I can pick up?

@anatol1204 My favorite all around mic preamp is the A Designs Pacifica. Unfortunately its not a cheap as the KSM32 For low cost mic pres, my fave so far is probably the True Systems P-Solo

It really depends on the singer. The 44 is a slightly brighter mic. On my voice the 32 is better, but for some one else the 44 might be better.

haha....clever intro. I am going to try this mic out on vocals. Thanks

Hey guys, I've been eyeing this mic for a bit now, and I wondered is it live stage performance safe? I mean that on paper it has cardioid pattern and shouldn't catch much sounds and noise from the sides and back, but I've been told that condenser mics are just not for stage - or I risk to get horrible feedback loops. But I'm an amateur wanna be singer (and hopefully soon wannabe cellist. I have a 5 string cello that starts from F1), bass-baritone and was looking for a nice neutral mic with flat frequency response from as low as possible, all of which the KSM32 checks ... but I'm not sure if it's good to use in a noisy environment like parties, bars etc... I can afford one set of good mic, amp, speaker and headphones, but I don't think that with my level it's justified to start investing in full recording studio and concert equipment :) so I'm just looking for one-for-all mic. What would you advice?

Hmm, somehow or rather I feel, perhaps not what other feel, the base/kick drum didn't sound as good as I thought it would be...... It isn't really voiced out, like a bit muffled and that's not what I was quite looking for... Recommendation for good mice to capture the exact sound from whatever I'm recording from?

I'm not trying to muscle my way in to your love affair, ..lol.. but I was surprised there wasn't a sample recording of at least one vocalist using the KSM32, I currently have an AT2035 that I'm thinking about replacing, and been looking for a good step up, if I make a change. Seriously considering a Rode NTK or NT1 at the moment. Yep..trying to decide which would work best for my voice (music styles range pretty broadly though). I have a few uploaded on my channel.

ooohh ..I'm LOVING that SNARE at 9:10 !!! can ANYONE TELL ME what it is? thanks :)

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