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Shure KSM8 Dualdyne Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone - Black

Dual-diaphragm Cardioid Handheld Dynamic Microphone with Neodymium Magnet, Internal Pumping Pneumatic Shockmount, and Patent-pending Diaphragm Stabilization System - Black
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Shure KSM8 Dualdyne Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone - Black
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Dual-diaphragm Dynamic Delivers Smooth Sound

The first dynamic mic of its kind, the Shure KSM8 Dualdyne microphone combines two diaphragms, aerospace SoftMag technology, a patent-pending Diaphragm Stabilization System, and internal shockmounting to provide you with phenomenally smooth and consistent sound that will revolutionize your vocals onstage and in the studio. A massive sweet spot and minimal proximity effect provide dependable performance across a wide range of mic techniques. Combined with the way it naturally tames harsh upper mids, the KSM8 is ideal for both vocals and various instrument sounds.

Dualdyne cartridge kills proximity effect and smooths highs

Thanks to its unique Dualdyne 2-diaphragm dynamic cartridge and reverse airflow design, the Shure KSM8 exhibits the lowest proximity effect of any standard-size handheld microphone Sweetwater engineers have gotten their hands on. As a result, you'll find this microphone ideal for vocalists who like to choke up on the mic. While it handles deep, booming voices beautifully, you'll be equally impressed by the way the KSM8 evens out upper mids, providing you with polished results, right at the mic.

Massive sweet spot accommodates highly active performers

If there's one word that best describes the KSM8 Dualdyne dynamic microphone, it's "consistent." Whether you're right up on the grille or considerably backed off, the sound is remarkably similar. This has two immediate benefits. First, if you're working with an active vocalist whose performance style brings them closer and farther away from the microphone, they can always be in the sweet spot, never sounding too thin or too boomy. Second, if you're recording overdubs in the studio, the KSM8 is a lot more forgiving than most microphones, so you don't have to worry as much about mic positioning if you're coming back to a session. And, as an added benefit of its breakthrough dual-diaphragm arrangement, the KSM8 also minimizes plosive pops, adding further consistency to your sound.

Your new secret-weapon mic for taming harsh instruments

While the KSM8 may be one of the most innovative vocal dynamic microphones ever created, it's also an absolutely brilliant instrument microphone. In fact, the same mellow and smooth upper-midrange handling that makes the KSM8 ideal for vocals takes the harsh edge off of brass instruments, honky guitar cabinets, hi-hats, and more. Once you start experimenting with this amazing microphone, you'll find yourself using it constantly, both in the studio and onstage.

Shure KSM8 Dualdyne Dynamic Microphone Features:

  • Handheld dynamic microphone introduces Shure's Dualdyne cartridge
  • Dual dynamic diaphragms and reverse airflow virtually eliminate proximity effect
  • Highly consistent sonic performance accommodates active vocalists
  • Internal shockmounting and Diaphragm Stabilization System reduce handling noise
  • Internal windscreen and capsule design dramatically reduce plosive pops
  • Rich bass response and smooth upper mids provide an incredibly musical profile
  • Ideal for vocals but also impressive on instruments that tend to sound harsh
  • Same rugged durability for which Shure mics are renowned

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Dual-diaphragm dynamic
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 40Hz-16kHz
  • Output Impedance: 300 ohms
  • Color: Black
  • Connector: XLR
  • Dimensions: 7.4" x 1.88"
  • Weight: 0.72 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: KSM8/B

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Excellent, But Remember Mic Technique

For a mic that boasts a reduction in proximity effect, you would expect a loss in low end. This is not the case.

This mic is actually pretty dark. The result is an incredibly smooth low and lo-mid response. You can be 3-4" away from the mic before the "body" of the source really drops off. Its wider polar pattern allows for a larger sweet spot too - great for anyone speaking off-axis into it (ex: a comedian.)

Is it the best choice for a punk band vocalist, lips pressed into the grill of the mic? Probably not. A delicate singer-songwriter show? Hell yeah. Proper mic technique will make all the difference with this microphone.

It's an excellent sounding microphone, with a super smooth bottom end response. It's "warmer" than an SM58, but can still be crispy. If that's the right thing, then go for it. You won't be disappointed. I love mine for my voice.
Music background: Vocalist + Musician / Audio Engineer
Rated 5/5

This is the mic!

For those that have embraced the SM58, it is time to trade up.

I live mix our worship band as I always do on Sunday. I intoduced the KSM8 to one of our female vocalists. Normally, she uses a SM58. The KSM8 is extremely well balanced for live mixing and it produces a clearly defined warm vocal. To really hear the details of this mic, that was in post as I recorded her.

The SM58 captured her vocal. But compared to the KSM8, the 58 is tinny sounding and thin and I cannot EQ it to make it better. The new KSM8 captures her vocal warmth and sensitivity and I can almost hear her vocal cords resonating. Pretty amazing mic.

My only disappointment is I didn't get one sooner! I will be back though. I need to replace more 58s!
Rated 5/5

Best vocal mic for me.

Pure natural clarity.
I probably own 15 mics. This is hands down the best one if you're serious about your vocals. I like it wayyy better than the sm58, beta58, Audio OM7, sm57, beta 57, sennheiser 945, only a few mucs come close to the clarity one is the Telefunken M80, another is the Ev re520(phantom powered) there is NO comparison between it and the 58's it blows them away. I'm ordering another so I have a back up. After using this mic 2 years and playing over 600 shows with it, it still sounds amazing.
Music background: I play over 300 shows a year.
Rated 5/5

Shure KSM8 Dualdyne Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone

Excellent vocal microphone with outstanding clarity and response.
Music background: Over 50 years experience playing in bands.
Rated 5/5

Great mic

The main thing is that it has great off axis rejection so if you're in a kind of loud band it really helps you cut through the mix and be heard. The second biggest thing is you can be really close up on the mic or kind of far from it and it will sound closer in volume than most mics. I love doing big belts or yelling a little bit away from the mic and still being audible. It's miles above the sm58 as far as sounding really "pro" at a gig, it costs a lot more though.
Music background: Singer for 10 years, somewhat multi instrumentalist

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Drake Sobehrad

Being an audio engineer for over 7 years, I love microphones. The Shure KSM8 blew me away as soon as I plugged it in. Its lack of proximity effect gave me smooth and clear vocals regardless of mic placement, and its diminished handling noise is a big plus.
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