At the recent AES show in San Francisco, Chris Lyons from Shure was happy to show us his company's newest KSM-series microphones, the Shure KSM44a and KSM42. The KSM44a is a multi-pattern, large-diaphragm condenser mic that built off the success of its predecessor, the KSM44. The KSM44a, however, features improved signal-to-noise specs, thanks to a new internal preamp design.

The Shure KSM42 features the same low-noise circuitry, but with a fixed cardioid polar pattern and a capsule tuned for tracking vocals. Both mics feature the rugged build that Shure is known for, as well as price tags well under $1,000.