Shure KSM44 Condenser Mic

One of the things that makes the KSM44 such a versatile mic for recording all sorts of different sources in all sorts of different situations is that it is a "Multi-Pattern" mic which means that you can easily selection from a cardioid pattern, a figure-8 pattern, and an omni-directional pattern. It also has a bass roll-off switch to help with the proximity effect when using the cardioid position.

In case you do not already know what these terms mean, here are some quick definitions:

Cardioid: A pattern where sound is recorded only from the front of the microphone (sound coming in from the back and the from the sides is rejected.) Useful when trying to record only the sound from a specific instrument while rejecting all other noise (including room noise.) Often there is a bass buildup when recording in this pattern due to the "proximity effect" so there is a bass roll-off switch that can be turned on when using this pattern.

Figure-8: A pattern where sound is recorded from the front and the back but not from the sides. Useful when recording two instruments (or vocalists) at once.

Omni-Directional: A pattern where sound is recorded from all around. Useful for getting the "room sound." Can make for a more natural sounding recording (but can also pick up unwanted sounds.)

Which pattern you choose is dependent entirely on the situation. The cool thing is that the Shure KSM44 gives you that choice.

Many mics boost specific frequencies when recording. This can make those mics sound real good for certain circumstances but not for others. This Shure Condenser Mic doesn't take that route. Instead it offers a very "flat" or "neutral" frequency response which allows it to be used in many different circumstances to record many different types of acoustic sources. This is one of the key factors that makes it such a great "all around" mic.

Personally I mostly record vocals, acoustic guitar, and percussion with my Shure KSM44 Condenser Microphone but according to Jeff Strong in "Home Recording for Musicians" this mic is great for recording drum overheads, big percussion instruments (such as congas and djembes), and any sort of acoustic string instrument. He also says it works great as a "room mic" for recording ensembles.