The Shure VP83F is a professional-quality condenser microphone designed for use with DSLR and video cameras. The VP83F features built-in flash recording and captures crystal-clear, high definition audio, completely independent from other hardware. The intuitive menu makes configuration fast and simple for use in almost any sonic environment.
① Windscreen
② Camera audio output
③ Camera shoe mount
④ Battery and memory card compartment
⑤ Integrated shockmount
⑥ Control panel
⑦ Headphone audio output
The VP83F requires two AA batteries to operate (compatible with Alkaline, NiMH, or Lithium). Installing a MicroSD memory card enables recording functionality.
Audio is still passed through to the camera and headphone outputs if there is no memory card installed.
① Opening the front panel
Squeeze the latches on each side and open the front panel to access the memory card and battery compartment.
② Installing the memory card
Always turn the power off before removing or installing a memory card.
To Install: Insert the card into the slot located above the battery door, with the contacts facing up. When fully inserted, the card locks into place.
To Remove: Press the card to unlock it, then pull it from the device.
Note: Format the memory card in the device prior to first use. Refer to the memory card requirements section in the user guide for additional information.
③ Installing and replacing batteries
Open the battery door located inside the front panel by pressing the fastener down. Insert the batteries according to the polarity indicators.
Note: The battery door must be closed and latched before closing the front panel.
Tip: In addition to the vibration isolation provided by the shock mount, the low-cut filter can be used to further eliminate handling noise and low frequency rumble.
The 1/4 inch screw hole at the base of the shoe mount is compatible with tripods that have a 1/4 inch center column. Carefully rotate the microphone clockwise to tighten onto a tripod. For other mounting solutions, such as microphone stands or boom poles, an adapter may be required.
The camera output passes the audio signal for recording a backup track on the camera. Use the 3.5 mm coiled cable to connect the VP83F camera output to the camera's audio input.
Connect a pair of headphones to the headphone output for monitoring recordings and listening during playback.
Important: Never use the microphone gain to adjust the headphone volume, as this may result in poor signal quality or distortion.
① Menu Display
Displays menu information and settings.
② Power Button
Turns the unit on and off.
③ Five-Position Joystick
Navigates through the menu. Push the center of the joystick to make a selection.
④ Record Button
⑤ LED Record Indicator
① Track information
Displays track title and duration
② Low-cut filter icons
On:
Off: 
③ Remaining recording time
Displays time remaining on the memory card
④ Headphone volume
⑤ Battery meter
⑥ Audio meter (Gain)
Displays microphone signal level, with range indicator for suggested peak levels
⑦ Microphone gain value
The following settings are adjustable when highlighted in the homescreen:
Press the joystick left or right to highlight an icon for adjustment, and use up/down to change the value.
Open menu: Press the joystick to the right to open the main menu and to proceed into submenu screens.
Return to previous screen / select homescreen icons: Press the joystick to the left to back out of the menu. In the homescreen, pushing left will highlight the gain, headphone volume, or low-cut filter and allow them to be adjusted.
Enter: Press the joystick center button.
Scroll / adjust parameters: Press the joystick up or down to scroll through menu items, or to change parameters when selected.
The following diagram shows how audio flows through the device:
Important: Follow the directions on setting the gain for the best signal-to-noise performance. Since it is first in the signal path, the gain affects everything following it. The gain should never be used to boost or attenuate the headphone signal; use the headphone volume to adjust monitoring levels. The headphone and camera output level adjustments occur after the signal has reached the recording section of the device, and should not be used to compensate if the gain setting is too low or is clipping.
Format the memory card in the device prior to first use for best recording performance. Formatting the card after tracks have been exported is recommended.
To format the card, enter the menu and select .
In order to capture the highest quality audio signal, the microphone gain must be set at the appropriate level. Press the joystick up or down to adjust levels in the MIC GAIN screen in the menu, or from the home screen when the mic gain icon is highlighted. Use the following guidelines to achieve the best results:
Tip: For higher resolution metering, adjust the gain in the MIC GAIN screen to see more precisely where the signal is peaking.
Headphone Volume: Accessible in the menu by selecting HEADPHONE, or in the playback, recording, and home screens by selecting the headphone icon and pressing the joystick up or down.
Camera Output Volume: Accessible in the menu by selecting . Level is selectable (LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH) to accommodate different camera preamp sensitivities.
Note: Always set the gain to the appropriate level prior to adjusting the headphone or camera output volume.
Rolls off low frequencies 170 Hz and below (12 dB per octave) in order to reduce low frequency rumble caused by camera handling and other environmental factors. A custom Rycote® Windjammer (A83-FUR) can be used to further reduce wind noise.
Record: Press the record button to begin recording. The LED indicator illuminates while recording. Pressing record always creates a new track, unless resuming a paused recording.
Pause: Press the record button to pause the recording. The LED flashes while recording is paused. Press record again to resume.
Stop: Press and hold the record button (2 seconds).
If necessary, audio settings (Microphone gain, Headphone volume, and Low-cut filter) can be adjusted while recording to compensate for unexpected changes, such as a volume increase that results in clipping. Press the joystick to the left to highlight an item, and then press the joystick up or down to change the value. For best results, configure all settings prior to recording.
Note: The menu is not accessible during recording.
To listen to recorded tracks, select FILE LIST from the menu screen. Highlight a track and select PLAYBACK to open it.
| Function | Joystick action | |
|---|---|---|
 |
Previous / next track | Press left / right |
 |
Rewind / fast forward | Hold left / right |
 |
Play / pause | Center push |
 |
Return to track list | Press left while paused |
 |
Return to home screen | Press record button |
To delete audio tracks, select FILE LIST from the menu screen and open the track you would like to delete, and select DELETE.
Note: Once tracks have been deleted, they cannot be recovered.
To export .WAV audio files, turn the device off and remove the MicroSD memory card. Transfer files to a computer using an SD card adapter or USB adapter. All imported tracks include a title and timestamp.
Tip: For best performance, format the memory card in the device every time after exporting tracks.
Remaining recording time is displayed and the following settings can be accessed:
FORMAT CARD
Formatting the microSD card will erase all data and should be done before first use.
MAX FILE TIME
Adjusting the maximum file size determines the partitioning of longer tracks. If the maximum file size is set to 1GB (2 hours), a 6 hour recording will be divided into three separate WAV files.
SET FILE NAME
The file name is set to TRACK by default, but can be changed by selecting a character and scrolling up or down to change it. This feature is useful for identifying different sessions or projects.
Adjusts the duration that the LED screen backlight will remain on.
Set the time and date so that tracks include a timestamp when exported.
Select the appropriate battery type for the meter to read accurately.
Adjusts the volume of the audio signal that is sent to the camera.
HIGH (0 dB)
For cameras with a low-gain preamp.
MEDIUM (-20 dB)
Appropriate for most cameras.
LOW (-40 dB)
For cameras with a sensitive preamp.
Adjust the contrast value to change the ratio of light to dark on the display screen.
Restores all default factory settings except for the time and date.
Displays technical device information.
Enables firmware updates from the memory card. Having the latest firmware installed on the unit is recommended. Please visit www.shure.com for details.
Use the following information for reference when considering which battery type to use with the device. Actual runtime may vary depending on the brand of memory card and batteries, output volume levels, and the type of headphones used.
| Battery Type (AA) | Battery Runtime (Hours) | |
|---|---|---|
| When Recording | Passing Audio Only | |
| Alkaline | 9.5 | 10.5 |
| NiMH | 12 | 15 |
| Lithium | 17.5 | 22.5 |
Note: The battery icon will begin flashing when the battery has approximately 15 minutes of run time remaining.
The VP83F requires a MicroSD card rated class 6 or higher. Always format new memory cards in the device prior to recording. Shure recommends using name brand memory cards, as lower quality or slower memory cards may have a negative effect on performance.
Note: If using a UHS-1 microSDHC memory card, format the card from a computer to FAT32 file system, and the allocation size to DEFAULT.
| Memory | Approximate Recording Time |
|---|---|
| 4 GB | 8 Hours |
| 8 GB | 16 Hours |
| 16 GB | 32 Hours |
| 32 GB (maximum card size) | 64 Hours |
| Issue | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Unit does not turn on | Replace batteries and make sure that the batteries are installed correctly. |
| Sound is distorted |
|
| No sound |
|
| Sound is not being recorded |
|
| Wind noise | Use A83-FUR windscreen and engage low-cut filter |
| Audio dropouts | Use a memory card with a higher speed class rating or a different brand |
| Notification screen: SD CARD ERROR | Format the memory card or try a new card that meets the requirements. Be sure to export any tracks before formatting the card. |
| Notification screen: SET TIME/DATE? | Set the time and date and keep the device on for 30 minutes upon initial power-up to charge the internal clock (RTC) battery. Note: The RTC battery may lose the ability to hold a charge after approximately ten years, in which case the time and date settings will not be saved. This does not affect any other functionality of the device. |
Notification screen:
|
Formatting the memory card and updating the firmware cannot be done when the battery is low. To perform these functions, install a new battery. |
| Notification screen: WAV FILE ERROR | The .wav file may be corrupted, or the file format is not supported. Files ripped from a CD that include metadata or files with a sampling rate greater than 48 KHz will not play in the VP83F. Export .wav files to a computer if they are not backed up and remove them from the memory card. |
| Replacement foam windscreen | A83W |
| Rycote® Windjammer™ | A83-FUR |
The camera and headphone outputs send identical, mono audio signals on the tip and ring portions of the connector. Headphones and stereo inputs, which typically use the tip as the left channel and the ring as the right channel, receive the same audio on both channels.
| Tip | Ring | Sleeve |
|---|---|---|
| Audio (mono 1) | Audio (mono 2) | Ground |
Electret Condenser
Supercardioid/Lobar
WAV, 24-bit, 48 kHz Sampling Rate
50 to 20,000 Hz
open circuit voltage, @ 1 kHz, typical
| 0 dB Gain | -35.8 dBV/Pa [1] (16.2 mV) |
| +30 dB Gain | -5.8 dBV/Pa [1] (512.9 mV) |
0 dB Gain Setting, 1 kHz at 1% THD [2], 1000 Ω load
129.2 dB SPL
+30 dB Gain Setting
78.4 dB
equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical, +30 dB Gain Setting
15.6 dB SPL-A
| Operating Temperature Range | -18°C (0°F) to 60°C (145°F) |
| Storage Temperature Range | -29°C (-20°F) to 74°C (165°F) |
| Operating Relative Humidity | 0 to 95% |
Cast aluminum
2 AA batteries (Alkaline, NiMH, Rechargeable Li-Ion)
215 g (7.6 oz.)
[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
3.5 mm (1/8") dual mono, Unbalanced
47 Ω
3.5 mm (1/8") dual mono
5 Ω
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Industry Canada ICES-003 Compliance Label: CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
Note: Testing is based on the use of supplied and recommended cable types. The use of other than shielded (screened) cable types may degrade EMC performance.
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 Shure Incorporated or any of its European representatives. For contact information please visit www.shure.com
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
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