PG Alta Microphones

Congratulations on the purchase of a new Shure PG Alta series microphone. The PG Alta series delivers professional quality audio at an affordable price, with solutions for capturing nearly any source, including voice, acoustic instruments, drums, and amplified electric instruments. Suitable for live and studio applications, PG Alta microphones are built to last, and meet the same rigorous quality testing standards that make all Shure products trustworthy and reliable.

General Rules for Use

  • Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source (such as an instrument or amplifier) 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.
  • For better gain before feedback, use fewer microphones.
  • If the kick drum head has a hole cut in it, place the microphone inside for improved rejection of unwanted sources.
  • 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.
  • 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
Kick Drum 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in.) away from beater head, slightly off-center from beater. Sharp attack; maximum bass sound, highest sound pressure level.
20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.) from beater head, on-axis with beater. Medium attack; balanced sound.
NOTE: To create a tighter sound with more “punch,” place a pillow or blanket on bottom of the drum against the beater head.
Guitar & Bass Amplifiers 2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker, on-axis with center of speaker cone. Sharp attack; emphasized bass.
2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker, at edge of speaker cone. Sharp attack; higher frequency sound.
60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft.) back from speaker, on-axis with speaker cone. Softer attack; reduced bass.

Proximity Effect

Directional microphones progressively boost bass frequencies as the microphone is placed in closer proximity to the source. This phenomenon, known as proximity effect, can be used to create a warmer, more powerful sound.

Avoiding Pickup of Unwanted Sound Sources

Place the microphone so that unwanted sound sources, such as monitors and loudspeakers, are directly behind it. To minimize feedback and ensure optimum rejection of unwanted sound, always test microphone placement before a performance.

Recommended Loudspeaker Locations for Cardioid Microphones

Using the Quick-Release Lever

This microphone features a quick-release lever to easily adjust position.

  1. Pull the lever open
  2. Move the microphone into the desired position
  3. Press the lever back towards the microphone to tighten

Note: To adjust the tension on the lever, pull it open and use a flat head screwdriver to tighten or loosen the bolt on the opposite side.

Optional Accessories and Replacement Parts

Optional Accessories

7.6 m (25 ft.) Cable (XLR-XLR)

C25J

5/8" to 3/8" Thread Adapter

31A1856

Vinyl zippered storage bag

95B2324

Drum Microphone Mount

AP56DM

PGA52 Replacement GrilleGrille

RPMP52G

Replacement Parts

PG52 Replacement Cartridge

RPM154

Specifications 

Type

Dynamic (moving coil)

Frequency Response

50 to 12, 000 Hz

Polar Pattern

Cardioid

Output Impedance

150 Ω

Sensitivity

at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage

-55 dBV/Pa¹ (1.75 mV)

Polarity

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

Weight

454 g (16.01oz.)

Connector

Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male

Environmental Conditions

Operating Temperature -20° to 165°F (-29° to 74°C)
Relative Humidity 0 to 95%

1 Pa=94 dB SPL

Typical Frequency Response

Typical Polar Pattern

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