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

n

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

n

Very low RF and magnetic hum susceptibility

n

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: [phone] l CABLE: SHUREMlCRO

Copyright 1985, Shure Brothers Inc.
27A2167 (EE)

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.

2

BLOCK DIAGRAM

FIGURE 4

an active low-frequency rolloff (high-pass) filter. The
filter output from the Class A, emitter-follower amplifier
is transformer-coupled, providing a balanced output to
the RFI protection filter at the microphone connector.
An active, constant-current, power supply circuit
regulates the phantom voltage, allowing the SM96 to
operate over a wide voltage range. In addition, the SM96
can be powered by an internal 1.5-volt battery. A reverse
voltage protection diode guards against miswired
cables and equipment. The circuit contains eight
semiconductors to provide low noise, low distortion,
wide frequency response, and ultra-reliable operation
over a wide range of operating conditions

SERVICING

TROUBLESHOOTING

Due to the high packing density and circuit complex-

ity of the SM96, only basic servicing is recommended.

The following steps should be taken if problems arise.

Check the power supply output voltage to the micro-

phone. For the Shure PS1, this should be 21.5 ± 1.5

Vdc open circuit.
Check the voltage on connector pins 2 and 3 (at back

of connector; cable connector disassembled from
shell, but connected to microphone). The voltage at

pins 2 and 3 with reference to pin 1 should be be-

tween 10 and 48 Vdc.

If the microphone does not work on phantom power,
battery operation may still be possible. Similarly, if
battery operation is impaired (with a fresh battery in-

stalled), the SM96 may still operate with phantom

power. In either case, servicing by an Authorized

Shure Service Center to restore full operation is

recommended.

ARCHITECTS SPECIFICATIONS

The microphone shall be a condenser microphone
with a frequency response of 70 to 16,000 Hz. It shall
have a cardioid directional characteristic, with
cancellation at the sides of 6 dB and a minimum
cancellation at the rear of 15 dB at 1 kHz. The
microphone shall have a rated output impedance of 150
ohms for connection to microphone inputs of 150 ohms
or higher. The open circuit voltage shall be -74 dB (0.2
mV) (0 dB equals 1 volt per microbar).

The overall dimensions shall be 206.5 mm (8-1/8 in.) in
length by 48.8 mm (1-15/16 in.) in diameter. The handle
diameter shall be 24.1 mm (15/16 in.). The weight shall
be 262 grams (9.2 oz).

The microphone shall be capable of being powered by
a phantom (simplex) power supply with an output of 11
to 52 Vdc, or by a mixer, audio console or tape recorder
capable of supplying 11 to 52 Vdc, or by an internal

1.5-volt battery.
The microphone shall be a Shure Model SM96.

FURNISHED ACCESSORY

Swivel Adapter

Phantom (Simplex) Power Supply

Switch-Selectable Attenuator

Isolation Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A53HM

Windscreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cable (7.6m - 25 ft)

Screen and Grille

Cartridge and Shock Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amplifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RFI Filter and Plug Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

This Shure product is guaranteed in normal use to be
free from electrical and mechanical defects for a period
of one year from date of purchase. Please retain proof
of purchase date. This guarantee includes all parts and
labor. This guarantee is in lieu of any and all other
guarantees or warranties, express or implied, and there
shall be no recovery for any consequential or incidental
damages.

Carefully repack the unit, have it insured, and return it
prepaid to:

Shure Brothers Incorporated
Attention: Service Department
222 Hartrey Avenue

Evanston, Illinois 60204
If outside the United States, return the unit to your
dealer or Authorized Shure Service Center for repair.
The unit will be returned to you prepaid.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A25C

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A15AS

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

REPLACEMENT PARTS

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

GUARANTEE

SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS

PS1

A85WS

C25E

RK243G

R137

90A3901

RK202P

3