Shure

Shure KSM137/SL STEREO Cardioid Instrument Microphone Pair

Name: Shure KSM137/SL STEREO Cardioid Instrument Microphone Pair
Brand: Shure
SKU: KSM137/SL STEREO

★★★★★5.0 (2 reviews)

Matched stereo pair of small-diaphragm condensers with gold-layered Mylar diaphragms for precise, detailed instrument recording.

$769.00*

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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Shure KSM137/SL Stereo Pair consists of two factory-matched small-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphones engineered for precise instrument capture in both studio and live sound environments. Each microphone features a gold-layered Mylar diaphragm that provides extended high-frequency response and exceptional transient detail, making the pair particularly effective on acoustic instruments such as guitars, pianos, and drum overheads. The transformerless preamplifier design minimizes distortion and coloration, delivering a clean, transparent signal path that faithfully reproduces the character of the source.

Practical features include a switchable highpass filter for managing low-frequency rumble and proximity effect, a three-position pad for handling high-SPL sources without clipping, and a rugged all-metal body built for touring and session use. The stereo pair ships with a carrying case and a stereo microphone adapter that simplifies XY or near-coincident setups, allowing repeatable placement from session to session. Because the two units are sensitivity-matched at the factory, users can trust consistent left-right balance without having to calibrate gain offsets, streamlining stereo recording workflows.

Key Features

Small-diaphragm Cardioid Instrument Microphone with Gold-layered Mylar Diaphragm

Transformerless Preamplifier

Carrying Case - Stereo Pair

Stereo Microphone Adapter

Highpass Filter

Specifications

Brand

Shure

Model

KSM137/SL STEREO

Type

Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Polar Pattern

Cardioid

Diaphragm

Gold-Layered Mylar

Preamplifier

Transformerless

Connectivity

XLR

Includes

Carrying Case, Stereo Microphone Adapter

Features

Switchable Highpass Filter

Color

Silver

Configuration

Factory-Matched Stereo Pair

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

Factory-matched stereo pair ensures consistent sensitivity and frequency response for reliable stereo imaging
Gold-layered Mylar diaphragms deliver extended high-frequency detail and transient accuracy
Transformerless preamplifier provides transparent sound with very low self-noise and distortion
Switchable highpass filter helps manage proximity effect and low-frequency rumble on location
Includes carrying case and stereo adapter for convenient, repeatable stereo mic placement

👎 Cons

Cardioid-only polar pattern offers no switchable pickup options for different recording scenarios
Small-diaphragm design does not capture the same low-end warmth as large-diaphragm condensers
Requires 48V phantom power, which may not be available on all portable recording devices
Premium price point compared to entry-level small-diaphragm condenser pairs
No shock mounts included, which may require separate purchase to minimize handling noise

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this a "stereo pair" rather than just two individual microphones?

Shure factory-matches the two KSM137 microphones for consistent sensitivity and frequency response, ensuring accurate stereo imaging. The pair also ships with a stereo microphone adapter for convenient XY or near-coincident mounting.

What type of phantom power does the KSM137 require?

The KSM137 requires standard 48V phantom power, supplied by a mixer, audio interface, or dedicated phantom power unit through the XLR connection.

What does the switchable highpass filter do on the KSM137?

The built-in highpass filter lets you roll off low-frequency rumble — such as stage vibration, HVAC noise, or handling noise — directly at the microphone, reducing unwanted bass buildup before the signal reaches your preamp.

Why does the KSM137 use a transformerless preamplifier design?

The transformerless preamp circuit provides a wider frequency response with minimal coloration, lower distortion, and improved transient response compared to transformer-coupled designs, resulting in a more transparent and accurate capture of instrument detail.

What instruments are best suited for the KSM137 stereo pair?

The KSM137 excels on acoustic guitars, drum overheads, piano, strings, choir, and percussion — any source where capturing fine transient detail and accurate stereo placement is important.