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.
Drum Kit Bundle Variations
PGA Drum Bundle
PG Alta Drum Microphone Kit
6-Piece Kit
(PGADRUMKIT6)
• PGA52 kick drum microphone
• PGA57 snare drum microphone
• (2) PGA56 drum microphones
• (2) PGA81 overhead condenser microphones
• A50D mount
4-Piece Kit
(PGADRUMKIT4)
• PGA52 kick drum microphone
• PGA57 snare drum microphone
• (2) PGA56 drum microphones
• A50D mount
5-Piece Kit
(PGADRUMKIT5)
• PGA52 kick drum microphone
• PGA57 snare drum microphone
• (3) PGA56 drum microphones
• A50D mount
Setting up Drum Microphones
Before you begin, review these fundamental concepts to get the best possible
results:
T uning:Before recording a drum kit, make sure the drums are tuned. A welltuned kit significantly improves the sound quality for recording and live sound
reinforcement. It also makes mixing and signal processing easier, faster, and
more effective.
Placement: Use the proximity effect to your advantage when increased bass
is desired. Small changes in microphone placement (distance and angle)
strongly impact the sound characteristics. If time permits, experiment with
various microphone positions to achieve the preferred sound.
7-Piece Kit
(PGADRUMKIT7)
• PGA52 kick drum microphone
• PGA57 snare drum microphone
• (3) PGA56 drum microphones
• (2) PGA81 overhead condenser microphones
• A50D mount
Note: Availability of specific bundles varies by region. Contact your local
Shure distributor for details.
1/11©2017 Shure Incorporated
①
②
④
③
X-Y position
Spaced pair position
① Kick (PGA52)
• Place the microphone in front of the resonant kick drum head.
Shure IncorporatedPGA Drum Bundle PG Alta™ Drum Microphone Kit
• If there is a hole in the head, place the microphone inside for better isolation. Removing the resonant head and placing the microphone closer
the beater head provides increased attack.
• To reduce the sustain and overtones for a focused attack, try using a
pillow inside the kick drum.
② Snare (PGA57)
• Place the microphone 1-4 inches above the drum, near the rim.
• Point towards the center of the head to capture more stick attack, or
closer the edge to capture more overtones.
• Aim the microphone with the rear side pointed towards the hi-hat to reduce the amount of cymbal in the snare drum signal.
③ Toms (PGA56)
• Place the microphone 1-4 inches above the drum, near the rim.
• Use the included AP56DM drum mounts to attach the PGA56 onto the
drum. The microphone can also be mounted on a standard 5/8" microphone stand.
• Point towards the center of the head for a deeper sound, or closer the
edge to capture more overtones.
④ Overheads (PGA81)
Overhead microphones capture cymbals and an overall stereo image of the
drums. Refer to the stereo microphone techniques section for details.
Overhead microphone tips:
• Pan one microphone to the left and the other to the right on a mixer or
in recording software to create a stereo image
• The farther the left and right signals are panned, the wider it will sound
• Overheads can be panned from the audience or drummer's perspective,
depending on preference. Pan the toms to match the overhead panning
for an accurate stereo sound.
• Other stereo drum recording techniques to learn about include the Glyn
Johns method, Recorderman, and Mid-Side.
• Additional information on recording drums and microphone techniques
is available at shure.com
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.
Microphone Techniques for Stereo Recording
Stereo recording using two microphones adds realism by capturing sound similar to the way that humans hear. Panning (directing the signals left and right) adds
width and directionality when listening on stereo systems or headphones.
Tip: Panning the signals farther apart increases stereo separation and width. Be careful of panning too far, as it may result in a hollow sound in the middle of
the stereo field.
① X-Y Coincident Pair
The X-Y technique provides excellent phase coherency because sound arrives simultaneously at both microphones.
Placement: Set up the microphones with the capsules close together, but not touching. Experiment with angles between 90 and 120 degrees to capture the full
width of the source.
2017/10/242/11
90ɴ120ɴ
110ɴ
17 cm
(6.7 in.)
1-3 m
(3-10 ft)
Shure IncorporatedPGA Drum Bundle PG Alta™ Drum Microphone Kit
② ORTF
Developed as a French broadcasting standard, ORTF technique replicates the spacing and angle of human ears. It provides a natural, wide sound.
Placement: Angle the microphones at 110°, with the capsules 17 cm apart.
③ A/B Spaced Pair
Spaced pair recording can deliver a dramatic stereo effect because sound arrives at each microphone at a slightly different time, providing the listener with
timing cues that localize sounds.
Note:
For drum overheads, the snare drum should be equidistant from each microphone to achieve a tight, focused sound. Use a measuring tape or piece of string
to verify this distance.
3/112017/10/24
Avoiding Pickup of Unwanted Sound Sources
MONITOR
P.A. LOUDSPEAKER
1
2
3
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.
Using the Quick-Release Lever
PGA56 and PGA52 microphones feature a quick-release lever to easily adjust
position.
1. Pull the lever open
2. Move the microphone into the desired position
3. Press the lever back towards the microphone to tighten
Shure IncorporatedPGA Drum Bundle PG Alta™ Drum Microphone Kit
Recommended Loudspeaker Locations for Cardioid Microphones
Pictured is the PGA56.
Note: To adjust the tension on the lever, pull it open and use a flat head
screwdriver to tighten or loosen the bolt on the opposite side.
2017/10/244/11
Phantom Power
All condenser microphones require phantom power to operate. This microphone performs best with a 48 V DC supply (IEC-61938), but it can operate
with lower voltages.
Phantom power is provided by the mixer or audio interface that the microphone is connected to, and requires the use of a balanced microphone cable:
Optional Accessories and Replacement Parts
A25DMicrophone Clip for SM58, SM57, SM87A, BETA87A,
BETA87C, PGA57, PGA58, PGA48, PGA81
A3WSBlack Foam Windscreen for PGA81, SM94 and SM137
C25J7.6 m (25 ft.) Cable (XLR-XLR)
31A18565/8" to 3/8" Thread Adapter
95B2324Vinyl zippered storage bag
AP56DMDrum Microphone Mount
RPMP52GPGA52 Replacement Grille
RPMP57GPGA57 Replacement Grille
RPMP56GPGA56 Replacement Grille
Shure IncorporatedPGA Drum Bundle PG Alta™ Drum Microphone Kit
XLR-to-XLR or XLR-to-TRS. In most cases, there is a switch or button to
activate the phantom power. See the user guide for the mixer or interface for
additional information.
NOTE:Applies to PGA81 condenser microphones only. Supplying phantom
power to the other included microphones will not cause damage.
Specifications
PGA52
Type
Dynamic (moving coil)
Frequency Response
50 to 12, 000 Hz
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Output Impedance
150 Ω
Sensitivity
at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage
-55 dBV/Pa¹ (1.75 mV)
Polarity
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
Weight
454 g (16.01oz.)
Connector
Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male
Environmental Conditions
-20° to 165°F (-29° to 74°C)Operating Temperature
0 to 95%Relative Humidity
5/112017/10/24
60 cm (2 ft.)
10 cm (4 in.)
1000 Hz
Shure IncorporatedPGA Drum Bundle PG Alta™ Drum Microphone Kit
0
Typical Frequency Response
PGA56
Type
Dynamic (moving coil)
Frequency Response
50 to 15, 000 Hz
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Output Impedance
200 Ω
Sensitivity
at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage
0
1 Pa=94 dB SPL
Typical Polar Pattern
2017/10/246/11
-57 dBV/Pa¹ (1.45 mV)
60 cm (2 ft.)
10 cm (4 in.)
Polarity
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
Weight
287 g (10.12oz.)
Connector
Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male
Environmental Conditions
1
Shure IncorporatedPGA Drum Bundle PG Alta™ Drum Microphone Kit
-20° to 165°F (-29° to 74°C)Operating Temperature
0 to 95%Relative Humidity
1
1 Pa=94 dB SPL
Typical Frequency Response
7/112017/10/24
1000 Hz
Shure IncorporatedPGA Drum Bundle PG Alta™ Drum Microphone Kit
Typical Polar Pattern
PGA57
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
2
2
1 Pa=94 dB SPL
-20° to 165°F (-29° to 74°C)Operating Temperature
0 to 95%Relative Humidity
2017/10/248/11
20
15
10
5
0
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
dB
Hz
20 100 1k 10k 20k
0,6 m (2 ft.) from sound source
Typical Frequency Response
1000 Hz
Shure IncorporatedPGA Drum Bundle PG Alta™ Drum Microphone Kit
PGA81
Type
Electret Condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Response
40 to 18,000 Hz
Output Impedance
at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage
600 Ω
Sensitivity
at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage
-48.5 dBV/Pa[1] (3.8 mV)
Maximum SPL
1 kHz at 1% THD, 1 kΩ load, typical
129.5 dB SPL
Typical Polar Pattern
9/112017/10/24
Polarity
60 cm (2 ft.)
1000 Hz
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
Connector
Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male
Weight
186 g (0.4 lbs)
Housing
Cast Zinc
Power Requirements
48 V DC phantom power (2.0 mA)
3
Shure IncorporatedPGA Drum Bundle PG Alta™ Drum Microphone Kit
Frequency Response
Polar Pattern
3
[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL
2017/10/2410/11
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
Shure IncorporatedPGA Drum Bundle PG Alta™ Drum Microphone Kit
Shure Incorporated 5800 West Touhy Avenue Niles, IL 60714-4608 USA Phone: +1-847-600-2000 Email: info@shure.com
11/11
Loading...