Shure SM98 User Manual

MODEL SM98 UNIDIRECTIONAL CONDENSER MICROPHONE

GENERAL

The SM98 is a miniature electret condenser microphone with a unidirectional (cardioid) pickup pattern. A smooth wide frequency response from 40 to 20,000 Hz allows the microphone to be extremely well adapted to pick up all kinds of musical instruments. A detachable 4.6m (15 ft) cable with Switchcraft Tini Q.G. connectors and a battery or simplex (phantom) powered preamplifier are supplied with the microphone. A windscreen is provided for outdoor use, and a swivel adapter is supplied for conventional microphone stand or goose neck mounting.

The unidirectional pattern of the SM98 discriminates against sounds coming from the rear, permitting higher gain before feedback in sound reinforcement applications. Because of its uniform cardioid pattern extending out to 20,000 Hz, the microphone can be used for pickup of a particular instrument in an ensemble or orchestra, minimizing the need for isolation booths or barriers. A very high maximum sound pressure level allows use of the SM98 with all acoustic instruments including drum kits and other percussion as well as brass, reed, wind, string, and keyboard instruments. The SM98 can also be used with amplified guitars and keyboards.

The low-distortion, high-clipping-level preamplifier provides switch-selectable Flat or Low-Cut response to suit pickup characteristics needed for various instruments. The Low-Cut position is also useful when it is necessary to filter out low-frequency noise from such

sources as wind noise or air conditioning equipment.

The SM98 is powered either by two readily available 9-volt alkaline batteries (300 hours continuous battery life) or by an 11-to-52 Vdc simplex (phantom) supply from sound reinforcement, recording or broadcast equipment. The preamp is designed so that the battery supply will automatically switch in should the simplex power fail. However, no battery drain will occur as long as the simplex voltage exceeds the battery voltage.

A series of optional accessories is available designed exclusively for use with the SM98. These include the following: A98MK Drum Kit, a gooseneck holder for mounting the microphone directly on most drums; A98-G18, an 18-inch gooseneck for mounting the microphone on a

podium, table, or desk; A98HA, a hanging adapter permitting the microphone to be suspended from above; and A98PF, a pop filter and locking collar kit, allowing the SM98 to be used for speech or vocal pickup.

Features:

•

Smooth wide response for accurate sound reproduction across the entire audio spectrum

•

Symmetrical cardioid pattern, uniform with frequency out to 20 kHz, maximizes gain before feedback, minimizes need for isolation when picking up single instruments out of a group

•

Switch-selectable 12 dB/octave low-frequency cutoff permits tailoring response to suit particular instruments or room conditions

•

Very high SPL capability

•

Very low distortion and high output clipping level

•

Battery or simplex (phantom) powering: uses standard 9-volt alkaline batteries; accepts wide range of simplex voltages, from 11 to 52 Vdc

•

Low susceptibility to RFI, electrostatic and electromagnetic hum

•

Rugged construction of microphone and preamplifier for outstanding reliability

•

Detachable cable at both microphone and preamplifier

•

Usable over very wide range of temperature and humidity

Supplied with unique swivel adapter for mounting on

• conventional microphone stands or goosenecks

Optional accessories to increase microphone’s versa-

• tility include: A98MK, Drum Kit; A98-G18, Gooseneck Adapter; A98HA, Hanging Adapter; A98PF, Pop Filter

SPECIFICATIONS: Type

Cardioid condenser (electret bias)

Frequency Response

40 to 20,000 Hz (see Figure 1)

222 HARTREY AVENUE, EVANSTON, ILLINOIS 60202-3696 U.S.A. • PHONE (312) 866-2200 • TELEX 4330191 • FAX (312) 866-2279

Printed in U.S.A.

Polar Pattern

Unidirectional (cardioid), uniform with frequency, symmetrical about axis (see Figure 2)

TYPICAL POLAR PATTERN

FIGURE

Output Impedance

Rated at 150 ohms (90 ohms actual) Recommended minimum load impedance: 800 ohms (May be used with loads as low as 150 ohms with reduced clipping level)

Output Level (at 1,000 Hz)

Open Circuit Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . -80.0 dB (0.10 mV)

0 dB = 1V/µbar

Battery On/Off Switch: Move to On to power from batteries or to use batteries as backup power in case of

interruption to external power supply (no battery drain occurs as long as simplex voltage source is greater than battery voltage). Move to Off to prevent battery drain when unit is not in use

LED Indicator: Green LED flashes momentarily when switch is moved to On to indicate at least 8 hours of battery life remaining

Flat/Lo Cut Switch: In Lo Cut position, 12 dB/octave rolloff below 80 Hz (see Figure 1)

Cable

4.6m (15 ft) two-conductor shielded, small diameter, interconnecting cable with 3-socket miniature Switchcraft Tini Q.G. connector on each end to mate with microphone output connector and preamplifier input connector

Case

Microphone: Matte black enamel brass case and stainless steel inner grille Preamplifier: Matte black enamel die-casting

Dimensions

See Figure 3

Preamplifier Output Clipping Level (at 1,000 Hz, less than

0.1% THD)

800 ohm load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

150 ohm load

Maximum SPL (at 1,000 Hz)

800 ohm load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

150 ohm load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hum Pickup

-5 dB equivalent SPL in 1 m0e field (60 Hz)

Output Noise

34 dB SPL, A-weighted 37 dB SPL, weighted per DIN 45 405

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

64 dB re 94 dB SPL

Dynamic Range

121 dB

Phasing

Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3 of preamplifier output connector

Power

Battery: Two 9-Vdc alkaline (NEMA 1604A), approximately 300 hours continuous with fresh alkaline batteries Simplex (Phantom) Voltage: 11 to 52 Vdc, operational down to 9 Vdc; 1.8 mA current drain; permissible to use simplex power with batteries in place or removed

Switches and indicator

Two recessed slide switches and green LED indicator on top surface of preamplifier assembly

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

0 dBV (1.0V)

-13 dBV (0.22V)

155 dB 145 dB

OVERALL DIMENSIONS

FIGURE 3

Environmental Conditions

Operating Temperature: Storage Temperature: -29° to 74° C (-20° to 168° F) Relative Humidity (Operating or Storage): 0 to 95%

Net Weight

Microphone: 12 grams (0.4 oz) less cable Preamplifier: 435 grams (15.4 oz) less batteries

Furnished Accessories

Windscreen, Swivel Adapter

USING THE SWIVEL ADAPTER

To mount the SM98 in the supplied swivel adapter:

1. Mount the adapter on a microphone stand.

2. Loosen the thumbscrew at the top of the adapter.

3. Attach the microphone to the connector.

4. Slip the cable through the slot in the adapter. Slide the connector back through the hole until the protruding black cable-lock button is in the open slot and the microphone stops flush with the flat on the adapter.

-18° to 57° C (0° to 135° F)

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