MODEL WM98 AND SM98A MINIATURE CONDENSER MICROPHONES
MICROPHONE
POLAR
MODIFIER
SWIVEL
ADAPTER
PREAMPLIFIER
GENERAL
Shure Models WM98 and SM98A are miniature electret condenser microphones with a unidirectional (cardioid) pickup pattern.
A smooth wide frequency response from 40 to 20,000 Hz makes
the microphones well suited for musical instrument pickup. The
WM98 is for wireless use; the SM98A is for wired applications. Both
models feature the 98 microphone element.
The cardioid polar response of the 98 discriminates against
sounds coming from the rear, permitting higher gain before feedback in sound reinforcement applications. With its true cardioid pattern extending to 20,000 Hz, the microphone can often be used for
pickup of a particular instrument in an ensemble or orchestra.
When still stronger rejection of off-axis pickup is required, the
A98SPM Supercardioid Polar Modifier should be used. This device
changes the pickup pattern from cardioid to supercardioid with
minimal change of on-axis microphone frequency response. With
the A98SPM, the 98 becomes the smallest multi-pattern microphone available, eliminating the need for costly multiple capsules.
The A98SPM is supplied with the SM98A.
A very high maximum sound pressure level allows use of the 98
with all acoustic instruments including drum kits and other percussion as well as brass, reed, wind, string, and keyboard instruments.
The 98 can also be used with amplified guitars and keyboards.
The WM98 can be connected directly to a Shure wireless transmitter using the supplied cable; other transmitters must be checked
for proper pin configuration, condenser microphone power supply,
and connector type.
Models WM98 and SM98A User Guide
The WM98 is supplied with a versatile shock–mount swivel
adapter for mounting on a standard 5/8”–27 thread, a 1.47 m (5 ft)
cable with miniature 3– and 4–pin connectors, and an acoustic
foam windscreen to minimize wind noise in outdoor applications
and from air–moving equipment.
The Shure ILP-1, low-distortion high-clipping-level, phantom–
powered preamplifier, is furnished with the SM98A microphone.
Additional included accessories are: a windscreen for use with the
microphone alone, and a windscreen for use with the A98SPM, a
shock-mount swivel adapter and a detachable 4.6 m (15 ft) cable
with miniature 3–pin connectors (TA3F type).
The ILP-1 preamplifier provides switchable gain of 0 or +10 dB
and switch-selectable Flat or Low-Cut response to suit pickup for
various instruments. The Low-Cut position is also useful to filter out
low-frequency noise from such sources as wind noise or air conditioner or heater fans. The ILP-1 can be powered by any 11– to
52–volt dc phantom supply from sound reinforcement, recording,
or broadcast equipment.
Optional accessories, designed exclusively for use with the
WM98 and SM98A, are available. These include the following:
• A98MK Drum Kit, with gooseneck holder and clamp for mount-
ing the microphone directly on most drums.
• A98KCS Horn Mount, a shock-mounted clamp designed espe-
cially for securely mounting the 98 on a horn, wind, or reed instrument.
Microphone Features:
• Smooth, wide frequency response for accurate sound repro-
duction across the entire audio spectrum
• Symmetrical cardioid pattern, uniform with frequency to 20 kHz
• Very high sound pressure level capability
• Very low distortion and high output clipping level
• Low susceptibility to RFI, electrostatic and electromagnetic
hum
• Smallest multi-pattern microphone available – without the need
for multiple capsules
• Rugged construction for outstanding reliability
• Cable detachable at both microphone and transmitter (WM98)
or preamplifier (SM98A)
• Usable over very wide range of temperature and humidity
• Supplied with unique shock-mount swivel adapter for mounting
on conventional microphone stands or goosenecks
• Optional accessories to increase microphone versatility
TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE
E2002, Shure Incorporated
27A2738 (BA)
FIGURE 1
TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE – SM98A WITH
A98SPM POLAR MODIFIER INSTALLED
FIGURE 2
Printed in U.S.A.
SPECIFICATIONS
WM98 MICROPHONE (with standard test
circuit–Figure 6)
SM98A MICROPHONE
Type Condenser (electret bias)
Frequency Response (Figs. 1–2) 40 to 20,000 Hz
Polar Pattern (Figs. 3–4) Unidirectional (cardioid) or supercardioid with A98SPM Supercardioid Polar Modifier
Output Impedance 1200 Ω Rated at 150 Ω (90 Ω actual)
Output Level
(0 dB = 1 volt per mbar)
Output Clipping Level
(at 1,000 Hz)
Open Circuit Voltage –74 dB (0.2 mV). . . . . . .
–3 dBV (0.70 V) 800 Ω Load, ILP–1 gain = 0 dB 0 dBV (1.0 V). . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended minimum load impedance: 800 Ω. . . . . . .
(May be used with loads as low as 150 Ω with reduced clip-
ping level)
Open Circuit Voltage –80 dB (0.10 mV). . . . . . .
800 Ω Load, ILP–1 gain = +10 dB –7 dBV (0.45 V). . . . . . .
150 Ω Load, ILP–1 gain = 0 dB –13 dBV (0.22 V). . . . . . . .
150 Ω Load, ILP–1 gain = +10 dB –21 dBV (0.09 V). . . . . .
Total Harmonic Distortion Less than 1% (134 dB SPL at 1,000 Hz) Less than 1% (132 dB SPL at 1,000 Hz)
Maximum SPL 145 dB 800 Ω Load, ILP–1 gain at 0 dB 155 dB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dynamic Range (maximum SPL
to A-weighted noise level)
Output Noise (equivalent SPL) 34 dB typical, A-weighted
111 dB 121 dB (800 Ω load, ILP–1 gain at 0 dB)
40 dB typical, C-weighted
800 Ω Load, ILP–1 gain at +10 dB 138 dB. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
150 Ω Load, ILP–1 gain at 0 dB 145 dB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
150 Ω Load, ILP–1 gain at +10 dB 127 dB. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
37 dB, weighted per DIN 45 405
Hum Pickup (electromagnetic) N/A –5 dB equivalent SPL in a 1 mOe field (60 Hz)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 60 dB at 94 dB SPL (IEC 651) 60 dB at 94 dB SPL (IEC 651)
Response Shaping N/A Flat/Lo Cut Preamp switch; Lo Cut: 12 dB rolloff below 80 Hz
Phasing Positive pressure on microphone diaphragm pro-
duces positive voltage on pins 3 and 4 with respect to pin 1 (ground)
Recommended Operating Voltage
Current Drain
Environmental Conditions Operating Temperatures –18o to 57oC (0o to 135
1.5 to 6 V (pin 2 to pins 3 and 4) 11 to 52 Vdc Phantom; operational down to 9 Vdc with re-
60 to 180 mA
Storage Temperatures –29o to 74oC (–20o to 165
Positive pressure on microphone diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3 of preamplifier output
connector
duced clipping level
2.2 mA current drain at 52 Vdc, 1.8 mA at 11 Vdc
o
F)
o
F). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Relative Humidity 0 to 95% (operating or storage). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cable Microphone: 1.12 m (3 ft 8 i n.), attached, two-con-
ductor, shielded with miniature 3– and 4–pin connectors (Switchcraft “Tini Q–G” type)
Case Microphone: Brass construction with matte black
finish and black stainless-steel-mesh grille
Microphone: 4.6 m (15 ft), two-conductor, s hielded w ith m iniature 3–pin female connector (Switchcraft TA4F type) on each
end to mate with microphone output and preamplif ier input
Microphone: Brass construction with matte black finish and
black stainless-steel-mesh grille
Amplifier: Steel construction with matte black enamel finish
Net Weight Microphone: 12 g (0.4 oz) Microphone: 12 g (0.42 oz)
Amplifier: 170 g (6.0 oz)
Certifications Conforms to European Union directives, eligible
to bear CE marking; meets European Union EMC
Immunity Requirements (EN 50 082–1, 1992).
TYPICAL POLAR PATTERNS
FIGURE 3
TYPICAL POLAR PATTERNS – SM98A WITH A98SPM
INSTALLED
FIGURE 4
2