Shure BETA 87A User Manual
Model BETA 87A User Guide
APPLICATION AND PLACEMENT
Some of the most common applications and placement
techniques are listed in the following table. Keep in mind that
microphone technique is largely a matter of personal taste—
there is no one “correct” microphone position.
BETA 87A
SUPERCARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE
The Shure Model BETA 87A is a premium quality supercardioid hand-held electret condenser vocal microphone with exceptionally smooth frequency response and high sound pressure level (SPL) capability. Used for professional sound
reinforcement, broadcasting, and studio recording applications, the BETA 87A combines superb performance with the
ruggedness needed for touring and field production.
The BETA 87A features a controlled low-frequency roll-off
that compensates for proximity effect and prevents the “boomy”
sound often associated with close pick-up. The characteristic
Shure presence rise brightens the upper midrange. The tight
supercardioid pattern, with null points at approximately 125°,
provides maximum isolation from other vocalists or instruments
while offering minimal off-axis coloration. The BETA 87A operates on phantom power.
Features:
• Smooth frequency response with gradual presence rise
• Highly consistent supercardioid polar pattern provides
superior gain-before-feedback
• Electronic low-frequency roll-off compensates for proximity
effect
• Wide dynamic range (117 dB) and low distortion character-
istics
• Very low susceptibility to RFI and electromagnetic hum
• Advanced cartridge shock-mount system absorbs mechan-
ical shocks and reduces handling noise
• Built-in pop filter reduces undesirable wind and breath
sounds
• Reliability for years of trouble-free performance
SUGGESTED MICROPHONE
PLACEMENT
Lips less than 6 inches (15 cm) away
or touching the windscreen, on axis to
microphone.
6 inches to 2 feet (15 to 60 cm) away
from mouth, just above nose height.
8 inches to 2 feet (20 to 60 cm) away
from mouth, slightly off to one side.
3 to 6 feet (90 cm to 1.8 m) away. Thinner, distant sound; notice-
TONE QUALITY
Robust sound, emphasized
bass, maximum isolation from
other sources.
Natural sound, reduced bass.
Natural sound, reduced bass
and minimal ”s” sounds.
able levels of ambient noise.
General Rules for Microphone Use
1. Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source and at
a 125° angle away from unwanted sources. Don’t place unwanted sound sources directly to the rear of the microphone
since supercardioid microphones, such as the BETA 87A,
have a narrow pick up range at about 180°. Refer to Figure 1.
2. Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired
sound source. Refer to the table above.
3. Use only one microphone for each sound source.
4. Keep the distance between microphones at least three times
the distance from each source to its microphone.
5. Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces.
6. Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
7. Use the fewest number of microphones as is practical.
8. Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.
9. Avoid excessive handling to minimize pick up of mechanical
noise and vibration.
10. Do not cover any part of the grille with your hand.
o
180
125
90
o
o
180
0
CORRECT
o
o
125
o
o
90
180
o
125
o
90
o
o
90
0
o
o
90
INCORRECTCORRECT
o
90
o
0
POSITIONING UNWANTED SOUND SOURCES
FIGURE 1
2005, Shure Incorporated
27D2965 (Rev. 7)
Printed in U.S.A.
OPERATION
Power
The BETA 87A requires phantom power. This may be supplied to the microphone from an external power supply (such as
the Shure model PS1A) or directly from preamplifiers, mixers,
or consoles with built-in phantom power. Suitable sources
should provide 11 to 52 Vdc phantom voltage.
Proximity Effect
Unidirectional microphones such as the BETA 87A progressively boost bass frequencies by 10 to 15 dB at 100 Hz when
the microphone is at a distance of about 6 mm (1/4 in.) from the
sound source. This phenomenon, known as proximity effect,
creates a warmer, more powerful sound. To prevent explosive
low frequency sound during close-up use, the BETA 87A bass
response gradually rolls off. This provides greater control and
helps the user take advantage of proximity effect.
Wind Noise
The BETA 87A has an integral wind and pop filter providing
excellent protection against most wind and breath noise. Under
adverse conditions, such as high winds or close proximity to a
“problem” vocalist, the optional foam windscreen can be used.
Impedance
Use a minimum load impedance of 800 ohms for maximum
signal handling and minimum distortion. The load may be as
low as 150 ohms, but a reduction in output signal strength and
output clipping level results.
SPECIFICATIONS
Cartridge Type
Condenser (electret bias)
Frequency Response
50 to 20,000 Hz (see Figure 2)
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid (see Figure 3)
Output Impedance
Rated at 150 ohms (100 ohms actual ±20%)
Recommended minimum load impedance: 800 ohms
Sensitivity (at 1,000 Hz)
Open Circuit Voltage –52.5 dBV/Pa (2 mV). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1 Pa = 94 dB SPL)
Clipping Level (at 1,000 Hz)
1000 ohm Load –6 dBV (0.5 V). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maximum SPL (at 1,000 Hz)
140.5 dB (0.25% THD, 1000 ohm load)
Self-Noise (equivalent sound pressure level; measured with true
rms voltmeter)
23.5 dB typical, A-weighted
25.5 dB typical, weighted per DIN 45 405
Dynamic Range
117 dB (maximum SPL to A-weighted noise level)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
70.5 dB at 94 dB SPL (IEC 651)*
Polarity
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin
2 relative to pin 3
Power
Phantom Supply Requirement 11 to 52 Vdc, positive. . . . . . . . .
at both pins 2 and 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current Drain 1.0 to 1.2 mA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connector
Three–pin (XLR) professional audio
Case
Aluminum construction with blue metallic finish, and hardened
steel grille with nickel satin chrome plating
Dimensions
See Figure 4
Net Weight
207 grams (7.6 oz)
*S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self–
noise A-weighted.
CERTIFICATION
Eligible to bear CE Marking. Conforms to European EMC Directive
89/336/EEC. Meets applicable tests and performance criteria in
European Standard EN55103 (1996) parts 1 and 2, for residential
(E1) and light industrial (E2) environments.
FURNISHED ACCESSORIES
Swivel Adapter A25D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carrying/Storage Bag 26A13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Phantom Power Supply PS1A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Isolation Mount A55M, A55HM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen A85WS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cable (7.6 m—25 ft) C25F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Grille RK312. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cartridge R193. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement Amplifier Assembly 90KF2600. . . . . . . . . . . .
2
Loading...