Shure BETA98HC User Manual
Models Beta 98H/C and
WB98H/C User Guide
Condenser Instrument
Microphone
2005, Shure Incorporated
27E3102 (Rev. 5)
Printed in U.S.A.
ENGLISH
GENERAL
The Shure BETA 98H/C is a premium cardioid condenser instrumental microphone that clamps onto the bell of wind
instruments or onto the rim of percussion instruments. The integrated gooseneck and ratcheting swivel joint allows the
microphone to be easily positioned and secured in place, and an isolation shock-mount reduces the transmission of
instrument “key noise” and other mechanical noise. A gooseneck angle brace is included to provide better retention
of the microphone placement during more active performances (see Figure 9 for application).
The BETA 98H/C features transformerless preamplifier circuitry, which improves linearity across the full frequency range.
The pickup pattern of the BETA 98H/C provides high gain-before-feedback and excellent rejection of unwanted noise.
Its high maximum sound pressure level (SPL) enables it to handle the extreme demands of brass, woodwind and
percussion instruments.
The microphone is supplied with a snap-on windscreen, a storage bag, a gooseneck angle brace, and a cable
management device. The preamplifier is attached to the microphone via a 10-foot high-flex cable and requires 11–52 Vdc
phantom power.*
*Where phantom power is not available, use the Shure WB98H/C with the MX1BP battery-powered preamplifier.
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FEATURES
• Tailored frequency response for open, natural sound reproduction
• Adjustable gooseneck and ratcheting swivel joint allow for optimal microphone positioning
• Gooseneck angle brace retains microphone placement in more active performances
• Compact, lightweight construction provides a low degree of visibility
• Designed for use in high SPL environments
• Uniform cardioid pattern provides for high gain-before-feedback and excellent rejection of ambient sound
• Interchangeable microphone cartridges with different pick-up patterns are available
• Legendary Shure quality, ruggedness and reliability
MODEL VARIATIONS
BETA 98H/C includes microphone, 3 m (10 ft.) high-flex cable with attached preamplifier, two snap-on windscreens, a
gooseneck angle brace and a cable management device.
WB98H/C includes microphone, 1.6 m (5.3 ft.) high-flex cable terminated to mini-connector (TA4F) for wireless
applications, two snap-on windscreens, a gooseneck angle brace and a cable management device.
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APPLICATIONS AND PLACEMENT
The most common BETA 98H/C applications and placement techniques are described below. Keep in mind that microphone technique is largely a matter of personal taste; there is no one “correct” microphone position.
SAXOPHONE (see Figure 4): Clamp the microphone onto the bell of the saxophone, so the microphone is a few inches
from and facing into the bell. This will produce a bright tonal balance while minimizing feedback and leakage.
SOPRANO SAXOPHONE (see Figure 5): Clamp the microphone onto the bell of the saxophone and adjust the gooseneck
so the microphone is facing the keys of the instrument, a few inches from the lower keys. This will produce a warm and
full tonal balance. For a brighter tone, adjust the gooseneck so the microphone is facing into the bell, a few inches away.
TROMBONE PLACEMENT (see Figure 6): Clamp the microphone onto the bell of the trombone and adjust the gooseneck so the microphone is facing directly into the bell, a few inches away. This will produce a bright tonal balance while
providing maximum isolation.
TRUMPET PLACEMENT (see Figure 7): Clamp the microphone onto the bell of the trumpet and adjust the gooseneck
so the microphone is facing directly into the bell, a few inches away. This will produce a bright tonal balance while providing maximum isolation.
DRUM PLACEMENT (see Figure 8): Clamp the microphone onto the drum rim and adjust the gooseneck so the microphone is aiming a few inches above the drum head and an inch from the rim. This provides a full tonal balance.
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SPECIFICATIONS WB98H/C Microphone (with standard test cir-
Type Condenser (electret bias)
Polar Pattern Unidirectional (cardioid). See Figure 2.
Frequency Response 20 to 20,000 Hz. See Figure 3.
Output Impedance 1200 Rated at 150.0 (actual)
Output Level
(0 dB = 1 volt per Pascal)
Output Clipping Level
(at 1kHz, THD < 1%)
Maximum SPL 143.5 dB 2.5 k load 163 dB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
cuit shown in Figure 1)
Open Circuit Voltage: –56.5 dB (1.5 mV) Open Circuit Voltage: -56 dB (1.6 mV)
-9 dBV (0.35 V) 2.5 k load 11 dBV (3.5 V). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BETA 98H/C Microphone (with preamplifier)
Recommended minimum load
impedance: 1 k
May be used with loads as low as 150 with reduced clipping level)
1.0 k load 3 dBV (1.4 V). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.0 k load 155 dB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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