Shure SM87A User Manual

SM87A
SUPERCARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE
The Shure Model SM87A is a professional-quality,
hand-held condenser microphone for use in sound rein-
forcement, broadcasting, and studio recording installations.
Its supercardioid polar pattern provides greater rejection of
unwanted sound sources, making it ideal for miking individu-
al instruments in a multi-microphone setting or for miking
single sources in a reverberant or noisy environment.
The SM87A features a controlled low-frequency roll-off
tailored for optimum performance when close-miking sound
sources. An integral three-stage wind and pop filter protects
against wind and breath noise. Its built-in shock mount re-
duces stand and handling noise. The SM87A operates on
phantom power.
Features
Highly directional supercardioid pickup pattern
Controlled low-frequency roll-off
Very low RF and magnetic hum susceptibility
Minimally affected by varying load impedance
Built-in wind and pop filter
Transducer element shock mounted
Rugged construction for outstanding reliability
Field-usable over a wide range of temperature and
humidity conditions
Accepts a wide variety of phantom power sources, in-
cluding DIN 45 596 voltages of 11 and 52 Vdc
1998, Shure Brothers Incorporated
27A2964 (RL)
Shure Brothers Incorporated
222 Hartrey Avenue
Evanston IL 60202-3696 U.S.A.
Model SM87A User Guide
APPLICATION AND PLACEMENT
Some of the most common applications and placement tech-
niques are listed in the following table. Keep in mind that micro-
phone technique is largely a matter of personal taste—there is
no one "correct" microphone position.
SUGGESTED MICROPHONE
PLACEMENT
Lips less than 6 inches (15 cm) away
or touching the windscreen, on axis to
microphone.
6 inches to 2 feet (15 to 60 cm) away
from mouth, just above nose height.
8 inches to 2 feet (20 to 60 cm) away
from mouth, slightly off to one side.
3 to 6 feet (90 cm to 1.8 m) away.
General Rules for Microphone Use
1. Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source and at
a 125 angle away from unwanted sources. Don't place un-
wanted sound sources directly to the rear of the microphone
since supercardioid microphones, such as the SM87A, have
a narrow pick up range at about 180 . Refer to Figure 1.
2. Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired
sound source. Refer to the table above.
3. Use only one microphone for each sound source.
4. Keep the distance between microphones at least three times
the distance from each source to its microphone.
5. Place microphones as far as possible from reflective sur-
faces.
6. Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
7. Use the fewest number of microphones as is practical.
8. Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.
9. Avoid excessive handling to minimize pick up of mechanical
noise and vibration.
10. Do not cover any part of the grille with your hand.
o
180
o o
125 125
o
90 o
90
o
0
CORRECT
POSITIONING UNWANTED SOUND SOURCES
Product Information
TONE QUALITY
Robust sound, emphasized
bass, maximum isolation from
other sources.
Natural sound, reduced bass.
Natural sound, reduced bass
and minimal "s" sounds.
Thinner, distant sound; notice-
able levels of ambient noise.
180
o
90
o o
90
0
o
180
o
125
o
90
CORRECT INCORRECT
FIGURE 1
Printed in U.S.A.
o
o
90
o
0