Shure BETA 98/S User manual

MODEL BETA 98/S
SUPERCARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE
GENERAL
The Shure BETA 98/S is a compact, high-output, supercar-
dioidcondensermicrophoneforprofessionalsoundreinforce-
ment and studio recording. Its extremely uniform supercar-
dioid pickup pattern provides high gain before feedback and
excellent rejection of unwanted noise. Its high maximum
sound pressure level (SPL) makes it useful for a variety of
acoustic instruments, including drums, percussion, piano,
reed, wind, and string instruments. The BETA 98/S can also
be used for amplified guitars.
The BETA 98/S includes either a shockmount swivel
adapter(BETA98/S)orthe A98D drum mount(BETA98D/S).
The A98D drum mount has a specially designed gooseneck
that allows the microphone to be positioned freely yet holds
it securely in place once the ideal placement has been found.
The BETA 98/S is supplied with a windscreen,storage bag,
preamplifier, and an interconnect cable. The preamplifier can
be powered by any 48 Vdc phantom power supply.
FEATURES
•
Tailoredfrequencyresponseforstudioqualityperformance
• Wide dynamic range for use in high SPL environments
• Uniform supercardioid pattern for high gain before feed-
back and superior rejection of off-axis sound
• Optional A98D drum mount is unobtrusive and versatile—
allows precise positioning of the microphone while holding it
firmly in place
• Compact design reduces stage clutter
• Detachable cable for easy storage
• Interchangeable microphone cartridges with different polar
patterns are available
• Legendary Shure quality, ruggedness, and reliability
MODEL VARIATIONS
BETA 98D/Sincludes microphone,4.6m (15ft)heavy-duty
interconnect cable, preamplifier, and A98D microphone drum
mount.
BETA 98/S includes microphone, 7.6 m (25 ft) light-weight
interconnect cable, preamplifier, and shockmount swivel
adapter.
GENERAL RULES FOR MICROPHONE USE
1. Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source and
away from unwanted sources. This may not be obvious or in-
tuitive, since supercardioid microphones such as the BETA
98/S have narrow pickup patterns and can pick up sounds
from the rear.
2. Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired
sound source (refer to the table below).
3. Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
4. Use only one microphone to pick up a single sound source.
5. Use the fewest number of microphones as practical.
6. Keep multiple microphones separated by a distance equal
toatleast 3timesthedistancetothenearestsoundsource.
7. Place mics as far as possible from reflective surfaces.
8. Use a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.
APPLICATIONS AND PLACEMENT
The most common BETA 98/S applications and placement
techniques are listed in the following table. Keep in mind that
microphone technique is largely a matter of personal taste;
there is no one “correct” microphone position.
APPLICATION SUGGESTED MICROPHONE
PLACEMENT TONE QUALITY
Tom–Toms Using the A98D drum mount,
placeoneoneachtom,orbetween
eachpairoftoms,1to3inches(2.5
to 7.6 cm) above drum heads. Aim
each mic at top drum heads.
Ondoubleheadtoms,removebot-
tom head and place mic inside
pointing up toward top drum head.
Medium attack;
full, balanced
sound.
Medium attack;
full, balanced
sound.
Snare Drum 1to3inches (2.5 to7.5cm) above
rimoftophead ofdrum.Aimmicat
drum head.
If desired, place a second mic just
below rim of bottom head.
More “snap”
from drumstick.
More “snare”
sound.
Hi-Hat.
Cymbals Using the A98D drum mount, place the microphone close to the
cymbal, but far away enough that
theydonottouchwhenthecymbal
is struck.
Bright,
with plenty of
attack.
Reed
Instruments Place microphone a few inches from and aiming into bell. Bright, minimizes feed-
back and leak-
age.
Guitar
Amplifier Place microphone 4 inches from grille at center of speaker cone. Natural, well-balanced.
INTERCONNECTING CABLE
The supplied cable connects the BETA 98/S microphone to
the preamplifier. If necessary, up to 23 m (75 ft) of cable can be
used between the microphone and preamplifier without signal
loss.
Shure Brothers Incorporated
222 Hartrey Avenue
Evanston IL 60202-3696 U.S.A.
Model BETA 98/S User Guide
27A3108 (SE)
E1999, Shure Brothers Incorporated Printed in U.S.A.

2
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Condenser (electret bias)
Frequency Response
20 to 20,000 Hz
(measured at 304.8 mm [1 ft] from a spherical sound
source, free field conditions)
Hz
dB
TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE
FIGURE 1
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid (as supplied), uniform with frequency, sym-
metricalaboutaxis.Cartridgeforcardioidpolarpatternalso
available.
125 Hz
250 Hz
500, 1000 Hz
2500, 5000 Hz
6300, 10000 Hz
15000 Hz
TYPICAL POLAR PATTERN
FIGURE 2
Output Level (at 1,000 Hz)
Open Circuit Voltage: –59 dBV/Pa* (1 mV) typical
*1 Pa = 94 dB SPL
Maximum SPL
(20 Hz to 20 kHz, less than 1% THD)
2.5 kΩload 160 dB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 kΩload 156 dB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preamplifier Output Clipping Level
(20 Hz to 20 kHz, less than 1% THD)
2.5 kΩload + 6 dBV (2.0 V). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 kΩload + 2 dBV (1.26 V). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dynamic Range
(at 20 Hz to 20 kHz, less than 1% THD, 2.5 kΩload)
125 dB (max SPL minus A-weighted noise)
Output Noise
35 dB SPL, A-weighted
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
59 dB re 94 dB SPL
Output Impedance
Rated at 150 Ω(actual)
Recommended minimum load impedance: 1 kΩ
Hum Pickup
–7.5 dB equivalent SPL in 1 mOe field (60Hz)
Polarity
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage
on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
Phantom Power
48 Vdc ±4 Vdc(IEC-268-15/DIN 45 596),
positive pins 2 and 3.
Cable
BETA 98/S: 7.6 m (25 ft) light-weight, two-conductor
shielded, TA4F to TA3F Tini Q-Gconnectors
BETA 98D/S: 4.6 m (15 ft) heavy-duty, two-conductor
shielded, TA4F to TA3F Tini Q-Gconnectors.
Case
Microphone: Matte black enamel brass case and stainless
steel inner grille
Preamplifier: Matte black enamel finished steel
Dimensions
Microphone: 11.7 mm X 135.5 mm (0.46 in. X 1.40 in.)
Preamplifier: 20 mm X 99 mm (0.79 in. X 3.89 in.)
Net Weight
Microphone: 12 g (0.4 oz) less cable
Preamplifier: 96 g (3.4 oz)
Certification
ConformstoEuropeanUniondirectives,eligibletobearCE
marking; meets European Union EMC Emissions and
Immunity Requirements (EN 50081-1: 1992, EN 50082–1:
1992).
FURNISHED ACCESSORIES
Storage Bag 26B21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preamplifier RPM626. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gooseneck Drum Mount (BETA 98D/S) A98D. . . . . . . . . . .
Shock-Mount Swivel Adapter (BETA 98/S) RK282. . . . . . . .
4.6 m (15 ft) heavy-duty cable (BETA 98D/S) C98D. . . . . .
7.6 m (25 ft) light-weight cable (BETA 98/S) 90A4679. . . . .
ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES
Cardioid cartridge RPM108. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Windscreen (4 per package) RK183WS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supercardioid cartridge RPM110. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gooseneck Assembly (A98D) RPM616. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clamp Assembly (A98D) RPM618. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Case Assembly with Interface Board RPM624. . . . . . . . . . . .