Mic Archive
Shure Beta 98H/C
Photo: Shure, from its user guide, p. 1.

Shure

Shure Beta 98H/C

Miniature cardioid electret condenser instrument mic on a gooseneck with a clamp for horn bells and drum rims; RPM626 in-line preamp

Type
Condenser (electret)
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−56 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
31 dB(A)
Max SPL
155 dB SPL
Impedance
150 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the user guide, p. 3. "Proximity Effect" graph (typical frequency response): solid line 61 cm (2 ft), dashed line 1 cm (0.4 in); relative dB. Room and smoothing not stated.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the user guide, p. 3. Polar plots (no title) beside the response graph: two plots (125 to 500 Hz, 1 to 10 kHz), 0° at the bottom, 5 dB per ring.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the user guide
Capsuleinterchangeable miniature cartridge: RPM108 cardioid (fitted), RPM110 supercardioid (optional). "Accessories and Parts". The 2005 guide lists both cartridges as replacement parts (page 9).p. 3
Sensitivity−56 dBV/Pa (1.6 mV/Pa), 1 kHz, open circuit. "−56 dBV/Pa (1.6 mV)". The 2005 guide gives -56.5 dB (1.5 mV) for the WB98H/C into its test circuit.
Self-noise31 dB(A), equivalent output noise, A-weighted, typical
Max SPL155 dB SPL, 1 kHz, 1% THD, 1 kohm load, typical; also 163 dB SPL, 2.5 kohm load (2005 guide); also 143.5 dB SPL, WB98H/C, standard test circuit (2005 guide). The 2005 guide, page 5: 163 dB into 2.5 kohm, 155 dB into 1 kohm; WB98H/C 143.5 dB.
Signal-to-noise ratio63 dB, ref. 94 dB SPL at 1 kHz. "S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self noise, A-weighted".
Dynamic range124 dB, 1 kHz, 1 kohm load; also 132 dB, 2.5 kohm load. Printed as two lines, "124 dB" and "132 dB", with only the 1 kohm condition; the 2005 guide labels 132 dB "(2.5 k load)" (page 6).
Output impedance150 ohm. The 2005 guide: "Rated at 150 ohm (actual)", recommended minimum load 1 kohm (page 5).
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz
ConnectorXLR-3 male on the RPM626 in-line preamplifier. Wiring diagram. The WB98H/C has a TA4F instead, for wireless bodypacks (2005 guide, page 3).
Supplied accessories95A2398 zippered carrying bag; RPM626 in-line preamplifier. "Furnished Accessories".
MountIntegrated gooseneck and ratcheting swivel joint, clamp for the bell of wind instruments or the rim of drums, isolation shock mount, gooseneck angle bracep. 2
Preamplifier output clipping level3 dBV (1.4 V), 1% THDp. 3
Optional accessoriesRPM110 supercardioid cartridge; A412MWS metal locking windscreen
Replacement partsRK183WS snap-fit windscreens (4); RPM108 cardioid cartridge; RPM618 clamp assembly (A98D)
Placement (Shure)Reeds: a few inches from and aimed into the bell (bright). Brass: 30-90 cm on axis with the bell. Woodwinds: 2.5-15 cm on axis with the bell. Bell 90° off the mic axis for a softer, mellower soundp. 2
From the user guide (Recording Hacks copy)
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, recommended minimum; usable down to 150 ohm with reduced clipping levelp. 5
Weight156 g, mic with cable and preamplifier. WB98H/C with cable and TA4F: 65 g.p. 6
ElectronicsTransformerless preamplifierp. 2
Operating conditions–7 to 49 °C operating, –29 to 74 °C storage, 0 to 95% relative humidityp. 6
WB98H/C supply5 V recommended operating voltage (pin 2 to pins 3 and 4)
From the spec sheet
Poweringphantom 11-52 V DC (IEC-61938). "11–52 VDC phantom power (IEC-61938), 1.2 mA". The guide: "performs best with a 48 Vdc supply" (page 2).p. 1
Current draw1.2 mA
ModelsBeta 98H/C: with RPM626 in-line XLR preamplifier; WB98H/C: 1.6 m (5.3 ft) cable with TA4F for Shure wireless bodypacks

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Shure, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on shure.comRecording Hacks

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

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