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.
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.
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.
Use the following procedures to mount the Beta 98A on the swivel adapter:
BETA 98A MOUNTED WITH SWIVEL ADAPTER
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
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.
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.
Electret Condenser
20 to 20,000 Hz
Cardioid
at 1kHz
179 Ω
at 1kHz, open circuit voltage, typical
-48.0 dBV/Pa (4.0 mV) [1]
1 kHz at 1% THD [2]
2500 Ω load | 150.5 dB |
1000 Ω load | 144.0 dB |
64 dB
at 1kHz
2500 Ω load | 120.5 dB |
1000 Ω load | 114.0 dB |
20 Hz to 20 kHz, at 1% THD
2500 Ω load | 8.0 dBV |
1000 Ω load | 1.0 dBV |
equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical
30.0 dB SPL-A
Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male, balanced
11–52 V DC phantom power [4], 3.6 mA
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
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
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 |
Black Locking Metal Windscreen for Microflex® Gooseneck Microphones | A412MWS |
Universal Microphone Mount with Large and Small Clip Adapters and Universal Threaded Adapter Post | A75M |
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 |
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