Detail 01
Roswellite ribbon
A tougher ribbon material than traditional foil, so it survives high SPL and air blasts that would stretch a standard ribbon.
Product detailSKU #1274034494032
ShureKSM313 Ribbon Microphone
1/6
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Passive ribbon mic with a bidirectional pattern and 146dB SPL handling. For studios miking guitar cabs, brass and drum rooms where a condenser sounds harsh.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Loud guitar cabinets where condensers get brittle
- Brass and horns that need the top edge softened
- Drum room and overhead work with a natural top end
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Live handheld use — ribbons are fragile and this is not handheld
- Anyone needing air above 15kHz for vocals or cymbal sizzle
- Interfaces with weak preamp gain and no clean headroom
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
146dB max SPL
Handles a cranked 4x12 up close. You can put it right on the grille without worrying about the ribbon.
Detail 03
Bidirectional pattern
Picks up equally front and back, rejects the sides. Aim the null at whatever you want out of the recording.
Detail 04
30Hz-15kHz response
Rolls off above 15k. That missing top is why harsh amps and bright cymbals sit smoother than with a condenser.
Detail 05
-54.5 dBV/Pa sensitivity
Quiet output typical of passive ribbons. You will run your preamp gain high, so a low-noise preamp matters.
Detail 06
270 ohm transformer-balanced output
Wants a preamp with high input impedance. Low-impedance inputs can thin out the low end.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Passive ribbon — do not send phantom power to it
- 02Needs an XLR cable, a sturdy stand and plenty of clean preamp gain
- 03The rear of the mic is live; watch what sits behind it
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Does the KSM313 need phantom power?
No. It is a passive ribbon and does not use phantom power. Leave 48V switched off on that channel to avoid risking the ribbon.
02Can I put it right in front of a loud amp?
Yes. It handles 146dB SPL and uses the Roswellite ribbon, which is built to take that kind of pressure at close range.
03What preamp does it need?
One with high gain and low noise. Output sits at -54.5 dBV/Pa, so expect to push the preamp well past where you'd set a condenser.
04Why does it sound darker than my condenser?
Response ends at 15kHz rather than 20kHz. That rolled-off top is the point — it tames fizz on amps and brass instead of exaggerating it.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
2 detailsSound
- Max SPL
- 146dB
- Frequency Response
- 30Hz–15,000Hz
1 detailsPickups & controls
- Sensitivity At 1khz Open Circuit Voltage
- -54.5 dBV/Pa (1.88 mV/Pa)
1 detailsPlayability
- Neck Shape
- D
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Black
2 detailsConnections & power
- Output Impedance
- Transformer, balanced, actual 270 ohms
- Connector
- Three pin professional audio (XLR) male
3 detailsSize & weight
- Weight
- 400
- Diameter
- 4.32 cm (1.7 inch)
- Height
- 13.5 cm (5.3 inch)
3 detailsOther
- Transducer Type
- Roswellite Ribbon
- Directional Polar Pattern
- Bidirectional
- Polarity
- Positive pressure on front side of ribbon produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3, pin 1, ground
