The Shure KSM141/SL is a professional dual-pattern condenser instrument microphone designed for exceptional versatility in studio recording, live sound reinforcement, and professional audio production. Featuring selectable cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns, the KSM141/SL allows recording engineers and musicians to adapt microphone pickup to different instruments, acoustic environments, and recording techniques.
A unique mechanical rotating collar makes switching between pickup patterns simple, while the microphone's extended 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency response, low self-noise, and high sound pressure level (SPL) capability provide accurate, natural instrument reproduction.
From acoustic guitar and piano to drum overheads, percussion, strings, and brass instruments, the Shure KSM141/SL delivers detailed sound with the flexibility needed for demanding professional applications. Its durable metal construction and elegant satin nickel finish make it equally suitable for recording studios and live performance environments.
Switchable Cardioid and Omnidirectional Pickup Patterns
One of the most valuable features of the Shure KSM141/SL is its ability to operate in two different polar patterns without changing microphones.
The mechanical rotating collar provides convenient selection between:
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Cardioid: Focuses on sound arriving from the front while reducing pickup from the sides and rear. Ideal for isolating individual instruments, close-miking, and live sound applications.
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Omnidirectional: Captures sound from all directions, making it particularly useful for natural room ambience, acoustic ensembles, and spacious instrument recordings.
This dual-pattern design gives engineers greater control over microphone placement and sound capture, whether recording a single acoustic instrument or an entire ensemble.
Accurate Sound Reproduction for Studio and Live Instruments
The KSM141/SL features a precision-engineered condenser capsule that captures detailed instrument harmonics, fast transients, and natural tonal characteristics.
Its wide frequency response makes it an excellent choice for acoustic guitars, piano, strings, percussion, cymbals, and orchestral instruments.
The microphone is especially useful when switching between close-miking and room-recording techniques, where different pickup patterns can dramatically affect the recorded sound.
High SPL Handling with Three-Position Attenuation
The Shure KSM141/SL handles everything from delicate acoustic passages to extremely loud instruments.
Its three-position attenuation switch provides:
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0 dB: Standard sensitivity for acoustic instruments and general recording
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–15 dB: Additional headroom for louder instruments
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–25 dB: Maximum attenuation for high-SPL sound sources
With attenuation engaged, the KSM141/SL can accommodate sound pressure levels up to 170 dB SPL, making it suitable for close-miking drums, brass instruments, and other powerful sound sources.
Selectable Low-Frequency Filtering
The microphone includes a selectable low-frequency response control to help manage unwanted bass buildup, vibration, and low-frequency rumble.
This feature is useful when recording near stage floors, microphone stands, or other surfaces that may transmit mechanical vibration.
It also helps engineers tailor the microphone's response to different instruments and recording conditions.
Low Self-Noise and Professional Construction
The KSM141/SL is engineered for clean, detailed recordings, including quieter acoustic instruments and subtle room ambience.
Its low-noise condenser design captures delicate musical passages without introducing excessive microphone noise.
The rugged metal housing and satin nickel finish provide durability for professional studio and live sound use.
Shure KSM141/SL Key Features
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Professional dual-pattern condenser instrument microphone
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Switchable cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns
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Mechanical rotating collar for convenient pickup-pattern selection
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Wide 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency response
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Low self-noise for detailed studio recording
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High SPL handling for drums, brass, and percussion
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Three-position attenuation switch: 0 dB, –15 dB, and –25 dB
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Selectable low-frequency filtering to reduce rumble and unwanted bass
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Accurate transient response for natural instrument reproduction
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Durable metal construction with satin nickel finish
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Standard 3-pin XLR output
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Requires phantom power
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Includes microphone clip, windscreen, and protective carrying case
Shure KSM141/SL Technical Specifications
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Specification
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Details
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Manufacturer
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Shure
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Model
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KSM141/SL
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Microphone Type
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Condenser Instrument Microphone
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Polar Patterns
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Cardioid / Omnidirectional
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Pattern Selection
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Mechanical Rotating Collar
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Frequency Response
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20 Hz – 20 kHz
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Sensitivity
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–37 dBV/Pa (Cardioid)
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Self-Noise
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14 dB SPL (A-weighted, Cardioid)
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Maximum SPL
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Up to 170 dB SPL with –25 dB attenuation
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Attenuation Settings
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0 dB, –15 dB, –25 dB
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Low-Frequency Filter
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Selectable
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Output Connector
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3-Pin XLR
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Power Requirements
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48V Phantom Power
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Finish
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Satin Nickel
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Ideal Applications
The Shure KSM141/SL is an excellent choice for:
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Acoustic Guitar: Detailed string articulation and natural acoustic resonance
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Piano: Capturing dynamic range and tonal detail
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Drum Overheads: Clear cymbal reproduction and balanced drum kit pickup
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Percussion: Accurate capture of fast transients and high-frequency detail
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Brass and Woodwinds: High SPL capability for powerful instruments
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Strings and Orchestral Instruments: Natural reproduction of acoustic ensembles
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Room and Ambient Recording: Omnidirectional pickup for spacious room sound
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Stereo Recording: Suitable for XY, ORTF, and spaced-pair techniques when used with an appropriately matched second microphone and pickup patterns
What's Included with the Shure KSM141/SL?
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1 × Shure KSM141/SL Dual-Pattern Condenser Microphone
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1 × Shure A141C Carrying Case
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1 × Shure A100WS Windscreen
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1 × Shure A57F Microphone Clip
Why Choose the Shure KSM141/SL?
The Shure KSM141/SL offers the flexibility of two pickup patterns in a single professional condenser microphone. Its accurate sound reproduction, high SPL handling, and selectable attenuation make it a versatile tool for recording engineers, musicians, and live sound professionals.
Whether capturing close-up instrument detail or natural room ambience, the KSM141/SL provides dependable performance and flexible microphone placement.
Need Replacement Accessories for Your Shure KSM141/SL?
Keep your Shure KSM141/SL condenser microphone protected and ready for professional recording with genuine Shure replacement accessories.
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Shure A57F Microphone Clip: A compatible microphone clip for securely mounting the KSM141/SL on a standard microphone stand.
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Shure A100WS Windscreen: Helps reduce unwanted wind noise and air movement during recording and live sound applications.
These accessories are included with the KSM141/SL microphone package but may also be purchased separately as replacements, subject to availability.
Why Buy the Shure KSM141/SL from Audio Supply?
Audio Supply offers professional Shure microphones and accessories for recording studios, live sound companies, houses of worship, schools, and commercial audio installations.
We can help you select compatible microphone cables, stands, clips, and other accessories to complete your recording or sound reinforcement setup.
