Publications User Guides BETA98A (English)
    Shure.com Contact Us Tech Portal

    General Description

    The Shure Beta 98A is a compact, high-output, condenser microphone for professional sound reinforcement and studio recording. An extremely 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.

    Applications

    General Rules for Use

    • Do not cover any part of the microphone grille with your hand, as this will adversely affect microphone performance.
    • Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source (such as the talker, singer, or instrument) and away from unwanted sources.
    • Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired sound source.
    • Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
    • Use only one microphone to pick up a single sound source.
    • For better gain before feedback, use fewer microphones.
    • Keep the distance between microphones at least three times the distance from each microphone to its source (“three to one rule”).
    • Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces.
    • Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.
    • Avoid excessive handling to minimize pickup of mechanical noise and vibration.

    Applications and Placement

    The following table lists the most common applications and placement techniques. 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 One mic on each tom or between a pair of toms, 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in.) above drum heads. Medium attack; full, balanced sound.
    Remove bottom head and place a mic inside pointing up toward top drum head. Maximum isolation; full, balanced sound.
    Snare Drum 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in.) above rim of top head of drum. Aim mic at drum head. Most "snap" from drumstick.
    Cymbals Close-mike with an A98D mount for maximum isolation, but place out of cymbal movement range. Bright, with plenty of attack.
    Brass & Woodwinds Brass: 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 ft.) away, on-axis with bell of instrument. Bright, clear sound.
    Woodwinds: 2.5 to 15 cm (1 to 6 in.) away, on-axis with bell of instrument. Bright, clear sound.
    Bell of instrument 90° off-axis from front of mic. Softer, mellow sound.

    Note: Before each use, make sure the cartridge is tightly secured on the microphone, as vibration and accidental hits with drumsticks may loosen it, resulting in 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

    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.

    BETA 98A MOUNTED WITH A98D

    Load Impedance

    Maximum SPL capability, output clipping level, and dynamic range vary with the input load impedance of the preamplifier to which the microphone is connected. Shure recommends a minimum input load impedance of 1000 Ohms. Most modern microphone preamplifiers meet this requirement. Higher impedance results in better performance for these specifications.

    Power Requirements

    This microphone requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 Vdc supply (IEC-61938). However, it will operate with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity with supplies as low as 11 Vdc.

    Most modern mixers provide phantom power. You must use a balanced microphone cable: XLR-to-XLR.

    Specifications 

    Type

    Electret Condenser

    Frequency Response

    20 to 20,000 Hz

    Polar Pattern

    Cardioid

    Output Impedance

    at 1kHz

    179  Ω

    Sensitivity

    at 1kHz, open circuit voltage, typical

    -48.0 dBV/Pa (4.0 mV) [1]

    Maximum SPL

    1 kHz at 1% THD [2]

    2500 Ω load 150.5  dB
    1000 Ω load 144.0  dB

    Signal-To-Noise Ratio [3]

    64  dB

    Dynamic Range

    at 1kHz

    2500 Ω load 120.5 dB
    1000 Ω load 114.0 dB

    Clipping Level

    20 Hz to 20 kHz, at 1% THD

    2500 Ω load 8.0 dBV
    1000 Ω load 1.0 dBV

    Self Noise

    equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical

    30.0 dB SPL-A

    Connector

    Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male, balanced

    Power Requirements

    11–52 V DC phantom power [4], 3.6  mA

    Polarity

    Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3

    Weight

    12  g (0.6oz.)

    [1]1 Pa=94 dB SPL

    [2]THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal level is equivalent to cartridge output at specified SPL

    [3]S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise, A-weighted

    [4]All specifications measured with a 48 Vdc phantom power supply. The microphone operates at lower voltages, but with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity

    Internal Connections

    Typical Frequency Response

    Typical Polar Patterns

    Overall Dimensions

    Accessories

    Furnished Accessories

    Zippered Carrying Bag 95A2314
    In-Line Microphone Preamplifier for WBH53 (BETA53), WBH54 (BETA54), BETA91, WB98H/C (BETA98), MC50B, MC51B and SM35-XLR RPM626
    Snap-fit Windscreen 95A2064
    BETA98/S Stand Adapter with Integral Shock Mount RK282
    Zippered Carrying Bag 95A2398
    Microphone Drum Mount for BETA98 & SM98A Microphones, Features Gooseneck Adapter for Flexible Positioning A98D
    15'Triple-Flex™ Cable (TA3F to TA4F) for BETA91, BETA98/S, BETA98D/S C98D

    Optional Accessories

    Black Locking Metal Windscreen for Microflex® Gooseneck Microphones A412MWS
    Universal Microphone Mount with Large and Small Clip Adapters and Universal Threaded Adapter Post A75M

    Replacement Parts

    Cardioid Cartridge RPM98A/C
    98A Replacement Housing RPM98A-HT
    Clamp Assembly (A98D) RPM618
    Black Snap-Fit Foam Windscreens (4) for BETA98, BETA98A, BETA98/S, BETA98D/S, BETA98H/C, MX183, MX184, MX185, MX202, WH30, WL183, WL184 and WL185 RK183WS

    Certifications

    This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is eligible for CE marking.

    The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from: www.shure.com/europe/compliance

    Authorized European representative:

    Shure Europe GmbH

    Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa

    Department: EMEA Approval

    Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12

    75031 Eppingen, Germany

    Phone: +49-7262-92 49 0

    Fax: +49-7262-92 49 11 4

    Email: info@shure.de