Shure Beta 98A User Manual

BETA 98A Instrument Microphone

Performance Characteristics

• Exceptional low-frequency reproduction

• Extremely high SPL handling

• High output level

• No crossover distortion

Model Beta 98A Wired Microphones

Specication Sheet

Interconnecting Cable

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.

General Description

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.

Variations

• Beta 98A/C includes microphone, 7.6 m
(25 ft) light-weight interconnect cable,
preamplifier, and RK282 shockmount swivel
adapter.

• Beta 98AD/C includes microphone, 4.6 m
(15 ft) heavy-duty interconnect cable,
preamplifier, and A98D microphone drum
mount.

Features

• Premier live performance microphone with
Shure quality, ruggedness, and reliability

• Uniform cardioid pick-up pattern for maximum
gain before feedback and superior rejection of
off-axis sound

• Tailored frequency response specifically
shaped for drums, percussion, reeds, and
horns

• Compact design reduces stage clutter

• Wide dynamic range for use in high SPL

environments

• Optional A98D mount is unobtrusive,
versatile, and easy to adjust

• Enamel-coated metal construction and
stainless steel inner grille resist wear and
abuse

Shockmount Swivel Adapter

Use the following procedures to mount the Beta
98A on the swivel adapter:

1. Connect the microphone to the adapter.

2. Thread the cable through the C-clamp and
slide the connector into the C-clamp until
snug.

3. To reduce wear on the cable, snap it into the
stress reliever clip leaving 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3
inches) of slack on the connector side.

BETA 98A MOUNTED WITH

SWIVEL ADAPTER

A98D Drum Mount

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

Applications and Placement

General Rules for Use

• Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source; angle unwanted sounds toward its null
point.

• Use the fewest amount of microphones as practical to increase the Potential Acoustic Gain and
prevent feedback.

• Follow the 3 to 1 Rule by spacing each microphone by at least three times the distance to its
source to reduce Phase Cancellation.

• Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces to reduce Comb Filtering.

• When using directional microphones, work closely to the microphone for extra bass response to

take advantage of Proximity Effect.

• Avoid excessive handling to minimize pickup of mechanical noise and vibration.

• Do not cover any part of the microphone grille, as this will adversely affect microphone

performance.

• Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.

TL1074 (Rev. 1) Printed in U.S.A.
©2010 Shure Incorporated

Load Impedance

Maximum SPL capability, output clipping level, and dynamic range vary
with the input load impedance of the preamplifier to which you connect the
microphone. Shure recommends a minimum input load impedance of 1000

Ω.Mostmodernmicrophonepreamplifiersmeetthisrequirement.Higher

impedance results in better performance for these specifications.

Power Requirements

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 or XLR-to-TRS.

SPECIFICATIONS

Cartridge Type Electret Condenser

Polar Pattern Cardioid

Frequency Response 20 to 20,000 Hz

Output Impedance

@ 1 kHz

Sensitivity

open circuit voltage, @ 1 kHz,
typical

Maximum SPL

1 kHz at 1% THD

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

[2]

[3]

Dynamic Range

@ 1 kHz

Clipping Level

20 Hz to 20 kHz, 1% THD

Self Noise

equivalent SPL, A-weighted,
typical

Connector Three-pin professional audio (XLR),

Polarity Positive pressure on diaphragm pro-

Power Requirements 11–52 V DC

Net Weight 12 g (0.6 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

[4]

All specifications measured with a 48 Vdc phantom power supply. The microphone operates at

lower voltages, but with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity.

179Ω

–48.0 dBV/Pa

[1]

(4.0 mV)

2500Ωload 150.5 dB
1000Ωload 144.0 dB

64 dB

2500Ωload 120.5 dB
1000Ωload 114.0 dB

2500Ωload 8.0 dBV
1000Ωload 1.0 dBV

30.0 dB SPL-A

male, balanced

duces positive voltage on pin 2 with
respect to pin 3

[4]

phantom power (IEC-

61938), 3.6 mA

Accessories and Parts

Furnished Accessories

Zippered Carrying Bag 95A2314
In-Line Preamplifier (1 piece) RPM626
Snap-fit Windscreen 95A2064
Shock-Mount Swivel Adapter (BETA 98A/C) RK282

7.6 m (25 ft.) light-weight cable (BETA 98A/C) 95A2398
Beta 98 Drum Mount (BETA 98AD/C) A98D

4.6 m (15 ft.) Heavy-Duty Cable (BETA 98AD/C) C98D

Optional Accessories

Metal Locking Windscreen A412MWS
Universal Microphone Mount A75M

Replacement Parts

Cardioid Cartridge RPM98A/C
98A Replacement Housing RPM98A-HT
Clamp Assembly (A98D) RPM618
Snap-Fit Windscreen (4 per package) RK183WS

CERTIFICATION

Eligible to bear CE Marking. Conforms to European EMC Directive 2004/108/
EC. Meets Harmonized Standards EN55103-1:1996 and EN55103-2:1996,
for residential (E1) and light industrial (E2) environments.

The Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from:

Authorized European representative:
Shure Europe GmbH
Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa
Department: EMEA Approval
Wannenacker Str. 28
D-74078 Heilbronn, Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Cartridge

FET

D

G

S

Wiring Diagram

2 =
3 =
1 =

Preamplifier

Bias
to source
Ground

1

2
3
1

2

3

2 =

Cable

FI

3 =

1 =

Bias

to source

Ground

TA4F TA4M

2

4

3

1

2

4

3

1