Shure

KSM32

Shure KSM32

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Overall

#72 in

External Microphones

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score80% positive
8
1
1
Last updated: Aug 29, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit IconBarbersBasement
11 months ago

Consider picking up a KSM32, won't break the bank and I use it for almost 100% of acoustic guitar tracking.

Reddit Iconcolashaker
10 months ago

In my opinion, Shure SM58 sounds better than the mics you listed. I know this is controversial, but the thing about condenser mics...is that you need to spend minimum $800 to sound decent. Rode NT1, AT2020 and P220 are all harsh sounding and sound...cheap. Try considering Roswell K87 or Shure KSM32 if you really want a condenser and not break the bank. Also kind of off topic, but make sure you put yourself right in front of mic (like almost kissing the mic) to get as little background noise as possible! Proximity effect can be dealt fairly easily than your room reverb (and noise).

Reddit IconGypsySage
12 months ago

Shure KSM/32. It’s got the fullness and much of the character of a U87 but with a smoother and sweeter high end. And the low end rolloff switch is great for reducing proximity effect without coloring the vocal frequency range. It’s also relatively affordable - not cheap but not too expensive.

Reddit Iconkeivmoc
9 months ago

The OC818 is multipattern, the OC18 is the cardioid version. The OC16 has a mid-forward voicing, better suited for guitar cabs and drums and such. I picked up a Lewitt 540S a few months ago and it's quickly become my go-to LDC. Shure KSM32 is also a safe bet. Audio-Technica AT4047/SV is also fantastic but they're a bit hard to find. There's a bit of harmonic richness with the transformer that works really well on female vocals, but not the best choice if you want a super clean, modern sound.

Reddit Iconkitsonwks
11 months ago

KSM32. I really wanted to like it but I just don’t. It’s more harsh sounding than I imagined given its reputation for being a smooth sounding mic. My Earthworks SR117 sounds much smoother and very easy to get it sit in a mix.

Reddit Iconstudiocrash
8 months ago

The 57 will sound trash on vocals. Sorry, but it’s true. Spend a little more for a half decent condenser microphone. You can probably find a used Shure KSM32 or Rode NTK on EBay that’ll sound miles better than either of those options in the neighborhood of $300. Even maybe the Blue Baby Bottle. I’ve seen them on EBay around $200. edit: After some time I remembered the sE sE2200 or the sE T1. They sound SO much better than a 57 and go for around $300 - $350 new. I'm sure you can find them used for not much more than a 57. Edit: The thing I forgot to mention here is that the noisy environment really isn't something that should be addressed at the microphone level, other than maybe reducing mic distance. Getting closer will effectively reduce background noise indirectly by raising the loudness of the source relative to the noise. The real solution is to address the noise issue, not change microphone. This is unless you're currently using a microphone with an omnidirectional polar pattern. If that's the case, switching to a mic with cardioid or super-cardioid will help some.

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