What type of microphone is the Shure SM137?

The Shure SM137 is a professional instrument condenser microphone. It uses an ultra-thin, low-mass diaphragm to capture sound with high levels of detail and accuracy.

Does the SM137 require phantom power?

Yes, as a condenser microphone, the SM137 requires phantom power to operate. This is typically supplied by a mixing desk, audio interface, or an external power supply.

What is the benefit of the -15dB pad?

The switchable -15dB pad reduces the input sensitivity of the microphone. This allows it to handle very loud sound sources, such as drums or loud amplifiers, without causing internal distortion.

What is the polar pattern of the SM137?

The microphone features a uniform cardioid polar pattern. This means it is most sensitive to sound coming from the front and rejects unwanted noise from the sides and rear.

What is a transformerless preamplifier?

The SM137 uses a Class-A transformerless preamplifier. This design helps to eliminate crossover distortion and provides a transparent, flat frequency response for more accurate recordings.

Can the SM137 be used for vocals?

While primarily designed for instruments, it can be used for vocals if a neutral, detailed sound is desired. However, users should be aware of its sensitivity and may require a pop filter to prevent plosives.

Is the SM137 suitable for live use?

Yes, Shure's rugged build quality makes the SM137 durable enough for live performance. Its cardioid pattern also helps in reducing feedback and spill from other instruments on stage.

How does the transient response of the SM137 compare to other mics?

Due to its low-mass diaphragm, the SM137 has an excellent transient response. This allows it to capture the sharp 'attack' of instruments like acoustic guitars or percussion very accurately.

What instruments is the SM137 best for?

It is highly versatile and excels at miking acoustic guitars, cymbals, hi-hats, pianos, and woodwind instruments. It is designed to capture the 'natural' sound of these sources.

What is the typical price of the Shure SM137?

The Shure SM137 is typically priced at approximately £234. This makes it an accessible professional option for both home and commercial studios.

How does it differ from the Shure SM7B?

The SM137 is a condenser microphone designed for high-detail instrument miking, whereas the SM7B is a dynamic microphone often used for vocals and broadcasting. The SM137 generally offers a brighter, more transparent high-end.

What is included in the build quality of the SM137?

The SM137 features Shure's legendary robust construction and uses premium components. This ensures long-term reliability and consistent performance in demanding environments.

Gear article

Shure SM137 Professional Instrument Condenser Microphone

The Shure SM137 is a versatile, small-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone designed for precise instrument recording in both studio and live environments. It features a Class-A transformerless preamplifier and an ultra-thin diaphragm to ensure high-fidelity transient response and transparent sound reproduction.

See live prices

Overview

The Shure SM137 is a professional-grade instrument microphone engineered to deliver a natural and detailed sonic representation of various sound sources. Utilising a uniform cardioid polar pattern, the microphone focuses on the intended source while providing excellent isolation from off-axis noise. This makes it a reliable choice for acoustic instruments, percussion, and amplified sources where clarity is paramount.

Technical Features

At the core of the SM137 is an ultra-thin, low-mass diaphragm designed to react quickly to sound waves, resulting in a superior transient response. This allows the microphone to capture subtle nuances that heavier diaphragms might miss. The internal circuitry includes a Class-A transformerless preamplifier, which eliminates cross-over distortion and improves linear response across the full frequency range.

To handle high-volume environments, the SM137 includes a switchable -15dB pad. Engaging this pad allows the microphone to capture loud instruments—such as brass or high-gain guitar cabinets—without clipping the internal electronics, ensuring a clean and distortion-free signal.

Sound Character

The SM137 is noted for its transparency. Unlike microphones that intentionally colour the sound or hype specific frequencies, the SM137 aims for accuracy. Its flat response makes it an ideal 'honest' microphone, allowing the natural character of the instrument to shine through. The combination of its premium components and build quality ensures that the high-end frequencies remain crisp without becoming harsh.

Applications and Suitability

This microphone is highly suited for engineers and musicians who require a 'workhorse' condenser. It excels at capturing:

Acoustic guitars and stringed instruments where detail is essential.
Cymbals and hi-hats due to its fast transient response.
Woodwinds and brass.
Piano and orchestral ensembles.

Its robust build quality, a hallmark of Shure manufacturing, ensures it can withstand the rigours of touring while maintaining the precision required for studio recording sessions.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Shure product line, the SM137 offers a more detailed and brighter alternative to the SM7B dynamic microphone, which is often preferred for broadcast and vocals. Compared to high-end studio options like the Neumann TLM 102 or TLM 103, the SM137 provides a more budget-friendly entry point into professional condenser recording while maintaining a neutral profile. For those requiring a super-cardioid pattern for even tighter isolation, alternatives like the Neumann KM 185 may be considered, though the SM137's cardioid pattern remains the standard for general-purpose instrument miking.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What type of microphone is the Shure SM137?: The Shure SM137 is a professional instrument condenser microphone. It uses an ultra-thin, low-mass diaphragm to capture sound with high levels of detail and accuracy.
Does the SM137 require phantom power?: Yes, as a condenser microphone, the SM137 requires phantom power to operate. This is typically supplied by a mixing desk, audio interface, or an external power supply.
What is the benefit of the -15dB pad?: The switchable -15dB pad reduces the input sensitivity of the microphone. This allows it to handle very loud sound sources, such as drums or loud amplifiers, without causing internal distortion.
What is the polar pattern of the SM137?: The microphone features a uniform cardioid polar pattern. This means it is most sensitive to sound coming from the front and rejects unwanted noise from the sides and rear.
What is a transformerless preamplifier?: The SM137 uses a Class-A transformerless preamplifier. This design helps to eliminate crossover distortion and provides a transparent, flat frequency response for more accurate recordings.
Can the SM137 be used for vocals?: While primarily designed for instruments, it can be used for vocals if a neutral, detailed sound is desired. However, users should be aware of its sensitivity and may require a pop filter to prevent plosives.
Is the SM137 suitable for live use?: Yes, Shure's rugged build quality makes the SM137 durable enough for live performance. Its cardioid pattern also helps in reducing feedback and spill from other instruments on stage.
How does the transient response of the SM137 compare to other mics?: Due to its low-mass diaphragm, the SM137 has an excellent transient response. This allows it to capture the sharp 'attack' of instruments like acoustic guitars or percussion very accurately.
What instruments is the SM137 best for?: It is highly versatile and excels at miking acoustic guitars, cymbals, hi-hats, pianos, and woodwind instruments. It is designed to capture the 'natural' sound of these sources.
What is the typical price of the Shure SM137?: The Shure SM137 is typically priced at approximately £234. This makes it an accessible professional option for both home and commercial studios.
How does it differ from the Shure SM7B?: The SM137 is a condenser microphone designed for high-detail instrument miking, whereas the SM7B is a dynamic microphone often used for vocals and broadcasting. The SM137 generally offers a brighter, more transparent high-end.
What is included in the build quality of the SM137?: The SM137 features Shure's legendary robust construction and uses premium components. This ensures long-term reliability and consistent performance in demanding environments.