Shure Beta 98A - Manual

Model Beta 98A Wired Microphones

Specification Sheet

TL1074 (Rev. 1)

Printed in U.S.A.

©2010 Shure Incorporated

BETA 98A Instrument Microphone

General Description

The Shure Beta 98A is a compact, high-output,

condenser microphone for professional sound

reinforcement and studio recording. An ex-

tremely uniform cardioid polar pattern provides

excellent gain before feedback and off-axis

rejection of unwanted noise. Its high sound

pressure level (SPL) capability makes it useful

for a variety of acoustic or amplified instruments

including drums, piano, reed, wind, and strings.

Variations

•

Beta 98A/C

includes microphone, 7.6 m

(25 ft) light-weight interconnect cable,

preamplifier, and RK282 shockmount swivel

adapter.

•

Beta 98AD/C

includes microphone, 4.6 m

(15 ft) heavy-duty interconnect cable,

preamplifier, and A98D microphone drum

mount.

Performance Characteristics

•

Exceptional low-frequency reproduction

•

Extremely high SPL handling

•

High output level

•

No crossover distortion

Features

•

Premier live performance microphone with

Shure quality, ruggedness, and reliability

•

Uniform cardioid pick-up pattern for maximum

gain before feedback and superior rejection of

off-axis sound

•

Tailored frequency response specifically

shaped for drums, percussion, reeds, and

horns

•

Compact design reduces stage clutter

•

Wide dynamic range for use in high SPL

environments

•

Optional A98D mount is unobtrusive,

versatile, and easy to adjust

•

Enamel-coated metal construction and

stainless steel inner grille resist wear and

abuse

Interconnecting Cable

The supplied cable connects the BETA 98A to

the preamplifier. If necessary, up to 23 m (75 ft)

of cable can be used between the microphone

and preamplifier without signal loss.

Shockmount Swivel Adapter

Use the following procedures to mount the Beta

98A on the swivel adapter:
1. Connect the microphone to the adapter.

2. Thread the cable through the C-clamp and

slide the connector into the C-clamp until

snug.

3. To reduce wear on the cable, snap it into the

stress reliever clip leaving 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3

inches) of slack on the connector side.

BETA 98A MOUNTED WITH

SWIVEL ADAPTER

BETA 98A MOUNTED WITH A98D

A98D Drum Mount

The Shure A98D mounts the Beta 98A on a

drum or cymbal stand. Reference the furnished

A98D guide to correctly mount the microphone.

Applications and Placement
General Rules for Use

•

Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source; angle unwanted sounds toward its

null

point.

•

Use the fewest amount of microphones as practical to increase the

Potential Acoustic Gain

and

prevent feedback.

•

Follow the

3 to 1 Rule

by spacing each microphone by at least three times the distance to its

source to reduce

Phase Cancellation

.

•

Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces to reduce

Comb Filtering

.

•

When using directional microphones, work closely to the microphone for extra bass response to

take advantage of

Proximity Effect

.

•

Avoid excessive handling to minimize pickup of mechanical noise and vibration.

•

Do not cover any part of the microphone grille, as this will adversely affect microphone

performance.

•

Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.