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PG Alta™ Studio Starter Kit
PG Alta Microphones
Congratulations on the purchase of a new Shure PG Alta series
microphone. The PG Alta series delivers professional quality
audio at an affordable price, with solutions for capturing nearly
any source, including voice, acoustic instruments, drums,
and amplified electric instruments. Suitable for live and studio
applications, PG Alta microphones are built to last, and meet
the same rigorous quality testing standards that make all Shure
products trustworthy and reliable.
General Rules for Use
• Do not cover any part of the microphone grille with your hand,
as this will adversely affect microphone performance.
• Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source (such
as the talker, singer, or instrument) and away from unwanted
sources.
• Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired
sound source.
• Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
• Use only one microphone to pick up a single sound source.
• For better gain before feedback, use fewer microphones.
• Keep the distance between microphones at least three times
the distance from each microphone to its source ("three to one
rule").
• Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces.
• Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.
• Avoid excessive handling to minimize pickup of mechanical
noise and vibration.
Studio Microphone Kit
The microphones included in this kit provide solutions for
recording almost any source.
Included Components
• PGA52 Dynamic Microphone
• PGA57 Dynamic Microphone
• (2) PGA181 Condenser Microphones
Applications
• Drums
• Vocals
• Acoustic Guitar
• Full Bands
• Guitar/Bass Amplifiers
• Strings
• Brass and Woodwinds
• Piano
Microphone Techniques for Stereo
Recording
Stereo recording using two microphones adds realism by
capturing sound similar to the way that humans hear. Panning
(directing the signals left and right) adds width and directionality
when listening on stereo systems or headphones.
Tip: Panning the signals farther apart increases stereo separation
and width. Be careful of panning too far, as it may result in a
hollow sound in the middle of the stereo field.
90 120
110
17 cm
(6.7 in.)
1-3 m
(3-10 ft)
Note:
For drum overheads, the snare drum should be equidistant
from each microphone to achieve a tight, focused sound. Use
a measuring tape or piece of string to verify this distance.
① X-Y Coincident Pair
The X-Y technique
provides excellent phase
coherency because sound
arrives simultaneously at
both microphones.
Placement: Set up the
microphones with the
capsules close together,
but not touching.
Experiment with angles
between 90 and 120
degrees to capture the full
width of the source.
② ORTF
Developed as a French
broadcasting standard,
ORTF technique
replicates the spacing
and angle of human
ears. It provides a
natural, wide sound.
Placement: Angle the
microphones at 110°,
with the capsules 17 cm
apart.
③ A/B Spaced Pair
Spaced pair recording
can deliver a dramatic
stereo effect because
sound arrives at each
microphone at a slightly
different time, providing
the listener with timing
cues that localize
sounds.
3
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