Shure SM96 User Manual

GENERAL

The Shure SM96 is a unidirectional electret condenser microphone tailored to the vocal miking needs of professional vocalists and soundmen in both live performances and sound recording. The SM96 is also a superb choice for lecturers and speechmakers. Its smooth, flat frequency response is modified by a slight presence rise and an electronically generated lowfrequency rolloff, making it quite effective for rhythm pickups. The SM96’s ball-type steel mesh and acoustic foam grille minimize popping from explosive breath sounds and “rushing” from wind and strong air currents.

The SM96 can be powered by virtually any phantom (simplex) power source, or by an internal 1.5-volt AA battery. The battery, which serves as a backup power source in the event of phantom power failure, can provide up to 5000 hours of continuous microphone operation.

MODEL SM96

UNIDIRECTIONAL CONDENSER MICROPHONE

SPECIFICATIONS

The SM96 is supplied with a swivel adapter for use on a microphone stand, boom or gooseneck, and a zippered vinyl storage bag. Model SM96-LC is supplied without cable. Optional accessories include a foam windscreen (A85WS), SHOCK-STOPPER™ isolation mount (A53HM), two-channel phantom power supply

(PSI), and 7.6m (25 ft) TRIPLE-FLEX® microphone cable (C25E).

Model SM96 Features

Wide-range frequency response tailored for professional vocal applications

n Built-in wind and pop filter minimizes undesirable

wind and breath sounds

n Controlled low-frequency rolloff to reduce low-

frequency handling noise and compensate for proximity effect

n Transducer element shock-mounted for reduced

stand and handling noise

n Low distortion output and wide dynamic range

characteristics for variety of load impedances

n Cardioid polar pattern, uniform with frequency and

symmetrical about axis, to provide maximum rejection and minimum coloration of off-axis sounds

Very low RF and magnetic hum susceptibility

Wide-range phantom powering includes DIN 45 596 voltages of 13 and 48 Vdc

n Rugged construction for outstanding reliability n Field-usable over wide range of temperature and

humidity conditions

n Increased versatility through operation with easily

obtainable battery-serves as backup in case of phantom power failure

Cardioid condenser (electret bias)

Frequency Response

70 to 16,000 Hz (see Figure 1)

TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE

FIGURE 1

Polar Pattern

Cardioid (unidirectional) response-uniform with frequency, symmetrical about axis (see Figure 2)

Output Impedance

Rated at 150 ohms (200 ohms actual) Recommended minimum load impedance: 800 ohms

(May be used with loads as low as 150 ohms with reduced clipping level)

Output Level

Open Circuit Voltage . . . . -74 dB (0.2 mV) (phantom)

(0 dB = 1 volt per microbar)

Clipping Level

800-ohm Load : 150-ohm Load : -15 dBV (0.18V) (phantom, 1% THD);

(at 1,000 Hz)

-75 dB (0.18 mV) (battery)

(1,000 Hz)

-4 dBV (0.63V) (phantom, 1% THD);

-23 dBV (71 mV) (battery, 3% THD)

-31 dBV (28 mV) (battery, 3% THD)

222 HARTREY AVENUE, EVANSTON, ILLINOIS 60204 U.S.A. l TELEPHONE: (312)866-2200 l CABLE: SHUREMlCRO

Printed in U.S.A.

TYPICAL POLAR PATTERNS

FIGURE 2

Maximum SPL

800-Ohm Load: 146 dB (phantom), 128 dB (battery) 150-Ohm Load: 140 dB (phantom), 125 dB (battery)

Hum Pickup

+ 2 dB equivalent SPL in a 1 milloersted field (60 Hz)

Output Noise (equivalent sound pressure levels;

measured with true rms voltmeter)

27 dB typical, A-weighted 30 dB typical, weighted per DIN 45 405

Dynamic Range

119 dB (phantom); 101 dB (battery) (maximum SPL to

A-weighted noise level)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

67 dB (IEC 179)* at 94 dB SPL

Overvoltage Protection

Max. External Voltage Applied to Pins 2 and 3 with

Respect to Pin 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

+52 Vdc

Reverse polarity protected to 75 Vdc

Phasing

Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive

voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3

Cartridge Capacitance

24 pF

Power

Phantom (Simplex) Operation

Supply Voltage Current Drain

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 mA to 1.2 mA

. . . . .

11 to 52 Vdc, (+) pins 2 and 3

Battery Operation

Type

. . . . . . . . . .

Life . . . . . . . .

1.5V alkaline, AA size (NEDA 15A)

Up to 5000 hours with fresh battery

Environmental Conditions

Relative Humidity 0-50%

. . . . . . . . . . -29° to 74°C

(-20° to 165°F)

Relative Humidity 0-95%

. . . . . . . . . . -29° to 57°C

(-20° to 135°F)

Connector

Three-pin professional audio**

Case

Steel and aluminum construction with gray finish and gray steel grille

Dimensions

See Figure 3

Weight

Net

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Packaged

. . . . . . . . . . .

262 grams (9.2 oz) less battery

SM96-LC: 969 grams (2 lb 4 oz)

OVERALL DIMENSIONS

FIGURE 3

OPERATION

The SM96 is designed for phantom (simplex) powering by a Shure PS1 Power Supply, or by virtually any microphone power supply providing 12 to 48 Vdc phantom voltage, or by any microphone mixer (such as the Shure M267 and M268) with a phantom supply. In addition, the SM96 can be powered by a single 1.5-volt AA alkaline battery (Duracell MN1500 or equivalent). The battery also serves as a backup in case of phantom power failure. A new alkaline battery will provide up to 5,000 hours of continuous microphone operation. Note that microphone performance will be significantly affected by battery operation. Note too that there is no

battery drain during phantom powered operation.

PS1 POWER SUPPLY

Connect the microphone cable to the SM96 and the power supply MICROPHONE connector. The power sup ply uses the balanced audio cable pair to carry the supply current to the microphone, and the cable shield as a ground return.

Connect the power supply OUTPUT connector to a low-impedance microphone input of a mixer, audio console or tape recorder. A second SM96 may be connected

to the remaining power supply channel in a similar man-

ner.

BATTERY OPERATION

Disconnect the microphone cable, and unscrew the SM96 handle, turning counterclockwise (from top) until the handle is free of the microphone body. Slide the handle away from the grille, exposing the battery compartment. Insert a new battery (or replace the old battery), observing the polarity marking in the compartment.

Slide the handle toward the grille, and tighten the

handle by turning it clockwise (from top).

WIND NOISE

The SM96 has an integral three-stage wind and pop filter which provides excellent protection against most wind and breath noise. Under adverse conditions, such as a windy day outdoors, or close proximity to a “pro-

blem” vocalist, the optional foam windscreen can be used.

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION

A block diagram of the SM96 is shown in Figure 8. The capacitor cartridge is followed by an impedance converter stage. The impedance converter output drives

*S/N ratio is difference between microphone output at 94 dB SPL and microphone

self-noise A-weighted.

**Designed to mate with Cannon XL series, Switchcraft A3 (Q.G.) series or

equivalent connectors.

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