Shure KSM42 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Name: Shure KSM42 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Brand: Shure
Rating: 5 (8 reviews)

Large-diaphragm, Side-address Cardioid Condenser Microphone

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Item ID: KSM42

Shure KSM42 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

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While this isn't an item we normally stock, we can still get it to you as fast as possible due to our great relationship with Shure. Go ahead and place your order and we'll follow up shortly to let you know when to expect it. Estimated May 2026.

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Shure KSM42 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

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Ultra-transparent Vocal Mic!

If you're looking for a killer microphone that will record vocals without changing the way they sound, then it's time to pick up a Shure KSM42/SG. The Shure KSM42/SG is a complete package that includes a Shure KSM42 large-diaphragm side-address cardioid condenser microphone as well as a full set of accessories. The super-quiet and highly transparent Prethos Advanced Preamplifier Technology onboard the KSM42 brings out the clarity in your vocals without adding color or noticeable distortion. Both an internal and an included external pop filter keep breath noise at bay, and the KSM42's consistent cardioid pattern as well as its proximity-effect-negating diaphragm design give it an enormous sweet spot. Top it off with a full set of mounting hardware, an aluminum carrying case, and a velveteen storage pouch, and there's no denying that the Shure KSM42/SG package is an amazing deal!

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Tech Specs

Microphone Type: Condenser
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Diaphragm Size: 1" (25.4mm)
Frequency Response: 60Hz-20kHz
Max SPL: 139dB
Output Impedance: 147 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio: 86dB
Self Noise: 8.5dB (A weighted)
Connector: XLR
Color: Grey
Power Source: 48V phantom power
Weight: 1.1 lbs.
Included Accessories: Shockmount, Pop Filter, Carry Case, Mic Pouch
Manufacturer Part Number: KSM42/SG

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Reviews

4.9

Customer Photos & Videos

Bought this mic as a demo deal for a great price. It came with a shock mount and mic only which was okay for me. I use this mic for VO and was pleasantly surprised with the sound quality and low self noise. I have a 416 but wanted something not in your face and like this mic way better than a TLM103 which I sold or the 102 which I have for backup.

There is only a few reasons this mic is never talked about, and only has a few reviews.

1. It's not marketed as strongly as other mics from companies that you get annoying Emails about every day.

2. The people who actually use this mic are quite happy they have something special that not many others even know about.

This thing is made for vocals. It sounds SO detailed, yet so smooth on any genre, any vocalist (male or female), that you put through it.

Theres really not much to say. Spend your $$ elsewhere on a "clone" of some sort, or take a chance on an original design made to sound unbelievable for vocals.

Btw... It's not like you can't use it on anything else. My Taylor acoustics have never sounded better. But the vocals? Heaven.
I personally dont have great mic techniques, and the proximity effect is almost non existent. Extra wide sweet spot, too. Im all over the place, yet im always able to get excellent useable tracks. I know many people prefer having a room full of mics for vocals. I mean, it looks cool i guess, but with this guy, and a decent preamp (i use a A-Designs Pacifica), and/or a nice channel strip (analog or plugin), im not sure why some feel the need for 20k+ in microphones. It's a new era in recording if you're not aware....
Buy this. Be happy.

THIS MIC GIVES YOU EXACTLY WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT!!!NO JOKE NO HYPE! REAL!!!

I am a voice actor and already had a Sennheisher 416 and its great for commercials and promos but sometimes its not an "in your face read" and the 416 might be a much, not to mention on long form narration I wanted something different. Considered the TLM103 but was on the fence. As usual, I contacted my favorite sales engineer, Ntish and he guided me in this direction. Boy was he right! This mic doesnt add anything or take anything away from your voice that shouldn't be there and several engineers have commented that my audio sits nicely in the mix.

This is a great mic, don't sleep on this one of you are a voice actor.

I was always impressed with Shure SM58's & 57's for live applications, so I had confidence with Shure products already. I've been using the Beta 87A for recording vocal in my little studio and it does pretty good for me but the KSM42 is way better vocal recording mic. This mic has a sweet clarity and a flat EQ response that sets really well in my mixes. I used to tweak vocals for hours but not with this mic. I've only used it for vocals so far, but my bet is that it will work just as well for instruments. I now understand what a good vocal recording mic will do for me.

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Nick Church

With a very sweet clean mid-range, controlled presence-lift, and an almost non-existant low frequency proximity effect, the Shure KSM42 mic should be given very serious consideration as a perfect all-round vocal mic in any studio's mic locker. Try it, you will not be disappointed.

See also: Condenser Mics, Shure, Shure Condenser Microphones