Performance Characteristics; Interconnecting Cable; General Description - Shure BETA 98A User Manual

General Description

The Shure Beta 98A is a compact, high-output, con-
denser microphone for professional sound reinforcement
and studio recording. An extremely uniform cardioid po-
lar pattern provides excellent gain before feedback and
off-axis rejection of unwanted noise. Its high sound pres-
sure level (SPL) capability makes it useful for a variety of
acoustic or amplified instruments including drums, piano,
reed, wind, and strings.
Variations
• Beta 98A/C includes microphone, 7.6 m (25 ft) light-
weight interconnect cable, preamplifier, and RK282
shockmount swivel adapter.
• Beta 98AD/C includes microphone, 4.6 m (15 ft)
heavy-duty interconnect cable, preamplifier, and A98D
microphone drum mount.
Features
• Premier live performance microphone with Shure
quality, ruggedness, and reliability
• Uniform cardioid pick-up pattern for maximum gain
before feedback and superior rejection of off-axis
sound
• Tailored frequency response specifically shaped for
drums, percussion, reeds, and horns
• Compact design reduces stage clutter
• Wide dynamic range for use in high SPL environments
• Optional A98D mount is unobtrusive, versatile, and
easy to adjust
• Enamel-coated metal construction and stainless steel
inner grille resist wear and abuse

Performance Characteristics

• Exceptional low-frequency reproduction
• Extremely high SPL handling
• High output level
• No crossover distortion

Interconnecting Cable

The supplied cable connects the BETA 98A to the pre-
amplifier. If necessary, up to 23 m (75 ft) of cable can be
used between the microphone and preamplifier without
signal loss.
Applications and Placement
General Rules for Use
• Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source; angle unwanted sounds toward its null point.
• Use the fewest amount of microphones as practical to increase the Potential Acoustic Gain and prevent feedback.
• Follow the 3 to 1 Rule by spacing each microphone by at least three times the distance to its source to reduce
Phase Cancellation .
• Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces to reduce Comb Filtering .
• When using directional microphones, work closely to the microphone for extra bass response to take advantage of
Proximity Effect .
• Avoid excessive handling to minimize pickup of mechanical noise and vibration.
• Do not cover any part of the microphone grille, as this will adversely affect microphone performance.
• Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.
The following table lists the most common applications and placement techniques. Keep in mind that microphone tech-
nique is largely a matter of personal taste; there is no one "correct" microphone position.
APPLICATION SUGGESTED MICROPHONE PLACEMENT
Tom-Toms One mic on each tom or between a pair of toms, 2.5 to
7.5 cm (1 to 3 in.) above drum heads.
Remove bottom head and place a mic inside pointing up
toward top drum head.
Snare Drum 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in.) above rim of top head of drum.
Aim mic at drum head.
Cymbals Close-mike with an A98D mount for maximum isolation,
but place out of cymbal movement range.
Brass & Woodwinds Brass: 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 ft.) away, on-axis with bell of
instrument.
Woodwinds: 2.5 to 15 cm (1 to 6 in.) away, on-axis with
bell of instrument.
Bell of instrument 90° off-axis from front of mic.
NOTE: Before each use, make sure the cartridge is tightly secured on the microphone, as vibration and accidental hits
with drumsticks may loosen it, resulting in signal loss.
Shockmount Swivel Adapter
Use the following procedures to mount the Beta 98A on
the swivel adapter:
1. Connect the microphone to the adapter.
2. Thread the cable through the C-clamp and slide the
connector into the C-clamp until snug.
3. To reduce wear on the cable, snap it into the stress
reliever clip leaving 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3 inches) of slack
on the connector side.
BETA 98A MOUNTED WITH
SWIVEL ADAPTER
TONE QUALITY
Medium attack; full, balanced
sound.
Maximum isolation; full, bal-
anced sound.
Most "snap" from drumstick.
Bright, with plenty of attack.
Bright, clear sound.
Bright, clear sound.
Softer, mellow sound.
A98D Drum Mount
The Shure A98D mounts the Beta 98A on a drum or
cymbal stand. Reference the furnished A98D guide to
correctly mount the microphone.
BETA 98A MOUNTED WITH A98D
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