Shure SM137 Small-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The Shure SM137-LC is a condenser microphone that combines a small diaphragm with a cardioid pickup pattern to capture sound sources with natural detail while keeping room noise under control. It feels at home in both studio and stage settings, giving engineers and musicians a dependable tool for everything from delicate acoustic instruments to high-volume live reinforcement.

An ultra-thin diaphragm works across the full 20 Hz to 20 kHz range, so subtle harmonics from an acoustic guitar, piano, or string ensemble come through clearly, and the low end remains balanced. Transformerless Class-A circuitry and an electret element maintain a clean, open signal that sits comfortably in a mix without added coloration.

When the source gets loud, a simple -15 dB pad prevents overload. With a maximum sound-pressure level of 139 dB and a generous 125 dB dynamic range, the microphone stays distortion-free on snare drums, brass sections, or amplified cabinets. This flexibility lets one mic move seamlessly from quiet finger-picking to full drum kits without changing the setup.

The cardioid pattern focuses on the sound directly in front of the capsule and helps block stage bleed, monitor spill, or unwanted room reflections. Low self-noise of 19 dB A-weighted keeps quiet passages pristine, making the mic a solid choice for critical recording spaces, broadcasts, or voice-over work.

Connection is straightforward thanks to the balanced XLR output and standard 48 V phantom-power requirement. Whether you are a touring engineer who needs reliable gear, a project-studio owner building a core microphone locker, or a content creator looking to raise production quality, the SM137-LC delivers professional results in a familiar Shure form factor.

• A condenser design that uses a small diaphragm and a cardioid pattern, covering a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response
• -15 dB pad lets the mic handle sound-pressure levels up to 139 dB without distortion
• Electret element and transformerless Class-A circuitry provide a clean, transparent signal
• Low 19 dB A-weighted self-noise keeps quiet recordings free from hiss
• Balanced XLR output powered by standard 48 V phantom power