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

  • 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
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.
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.

Before each use, make sure the grille is tightly secured on the microphone, as vibration and accidental hits with drumsticks may loosen it, resulting in signal loss.

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

Specifications 

Type

Dynamic (moving coil)

Frequency Response

50 to 15, 000 Hz

Polar Pattern

Cardioid

Output Impedance

150 Ω

Sensitivity

at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage

-56.5 dBV/Pa¹ (1.5 mV)

Polarity

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

Weight

280 g (9.88oz.)

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

Optional Accessories and Replacement Parts

Optional Accessories

Microphone Clip for SM58, SM57, SM87A, BETA87A, BETA87C, PGA57, PGA58, PGA48, PGA81 Microphone Clip for SM58, SM57, SM87A, Beta 87A, Beta 87C, PGA57, PGA58, PGA48, PGA81

A25D

5/8" to 3/8" Thread Adapter

31A1856

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

C25J

PGA57 Replacement Grille

RPMP57G

Replacement Parts

PGA57 Replacement Cartridge

RPM152

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