Shure Beta 87A User Manual

BETA 87A

SUPERCARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE

The Shure Model BETA 87A is a premium quality supercar-
dioid hand-held electret condenser vocal microphone with ex-
ceptionally smooth frequency response and high sound pres-
sure level (SPL) capability. Used for professional sound
reinforcement, broadcasting, and studio recording applica-
tions, the BETA 87A combines superb performance with the
ruggedness needed for touring and field production.
The BETA 87A features a controlled low-frequency roll-off
that compensates for proximity effect and prevents the "boomy"
sound often associated with close pick-up. The characteristic
Shure presence rise brightens the upper midrange. The tight
supercardioid pattern, with null points at approximately 125 ,
provides maximum isolation from other vocalists or instruments
while offering minimal off-axis coloration. The BETA 87A oper-
ates on phantom power.

Features:

Smooth frequency response with gradual presence rise
Highly consistent supercardioid polar pattern provides
superior gain-before-feedback.
Electronic low-frequency roll-off compensates for proximity
effect
Wide dynamic range (117 dB) and low distortion character-
istics
Very low susceptibility to RFI and electromagnetic hum
Advanced cartridge shock-mount system absorbs mechan-
ical shocks and reduces handling noise
Built-in pop filter reduces undesirable wind and breath
sounds
Reliability for years of trouble-free performance
1998, Shure Brothers Incorporated
27A2965 (RF)
Shure Brothers Incorporated
222 Hartrey Avenue
Evanston IL 60202-3696 U.S.A.
Model BETA 87A User's 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 BETA 87A,
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
o
90
90
180
o
0
CORRECT
POSITIONING UNWANTED SOUND SOURCES
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.
o
180
o
90
o
o
0 90
o
o
125
o
90
o
0
CORRECT INCORRECT
FIGURE 1
Printed in U.S.A.
o
90