Mic Archive
Shure Beta 98/S
Photo: Shure, from its spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1.

Shure

Shure Beta 98/S

Miniature supercardioid electret condenser instrument mic (Beta 98) on a shock-mount swivel adapter, with RPM626 in-line preamp

Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.

Type
Condenser (electret)
Pattern
Supercardioid
Sensitivity
−59 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
35 dB(A)
Max SPL
160 dB SPL
Impedance
150 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1. "Frequency Response", five distances labelled on the graph; relative dB. The guide (page 2) says the response is "measured at 304.8 mm [1 ft] from a spherical sound source, free field conditions". 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 spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1. "Polar Pattern": two plots (125 Hz to 1 kHz, 2500 Hz to 15 kHz), 0° at the bottom, rings every 5 dB from -20 to 0 dB (centre -25 dB). Measuring conditions not stated. Approximate some frequencies are identified by reasoning, not by the legend: 250 Hz.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the user guide
Capsuleinterchangeable miniature cartridge: RPM110 supercardioid (fitted), RPM108 cardioid (optional). "Additional accessories" and "Replacement parts". Page 1: tighten the cartridge before each use, as vibration and drumstick hits may loosen it.p. 2
Sensitivity−59 dBV/Pa (1 mV/Pa), 1 kHz, open circuit voltage, typical. "-59 dBV/Pa* (1 mV) typical".
Self-noise35 dB(A), output noise, equivalent SPL, A-weighted. "Output Noise: 35 dB SPL, A-weighted"; the spec sheet: "35 dB SPL typical".
Max SPL160 dB SPL, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, THD < 1%, 2500 ohm load; also 156 dB SPL, 1000 ohm load. The spec sheet gives 156 dB (1 kHz, 1% THD, 1 kohm).
Signal-to-noise ratio59 dB, re 94 dB SPL
Dynamic range125 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, THD < 1%, 2500 ohm load. "max SPL minus A-weighted noise". The spec sheet gives 125 dB at 1 kohm.
Output impedance150 ohm, actual. "Rated at 150 Ω (actual)".
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, recommended minimum
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz, measured at 304.8 mm (1 ft) from a spherical source, free field
Poweringphantom 48 V ± 4 V (IEC-268-15/DIN 45 596), to the RPM626 preamp
ConnectorTA4F mini connector on the mic; XLR-3 on the RPM626 preamp. Cable: "TA4F to TA3F mini connectors"; up to 23 m (75 ft) of cable may run between mic and preamp (p. 1). The preamp's XLR output is implied by its phantom power on pins 2 and 3.
Weight12 g, microphone, less cable. "12 g (0.4 oz) less cable"; the preamp weighs 96 g.
Dimensions11.7 × 35.6 mm. Microphone, diameter × length: "11.7 mm X 35.6 mm (0.46 in. X 1.40 in.)". Preamp 20 × 99 mm.
Supplied accessoriesRPM626 in-line preamplifier; RK282 shock-mount swivel adapter; 90A4697 7.6 m (25 ft) light-weight cable; 26B21 storage bag. "Furnished accessories" for the Beta 98/S; the 2010 spec sheet lists the bag as 95A2314 and the cable as 95A2398.
PreamplifierRPM626 in-line preamp, matte black enamelled steel, 20 × 99 mm, 96 g
Output clipping level+6 dBV (2.0 V) into 2500 ohm, +2 dBV (1.26 V) into 1000 ohm (20 Hz to 20 kHz, THD < 1%)
Hum pickup-7.5 dB equivalent SPL in a 1 mOe field (60 Hz)
PolarityPositive pressure on the diaphragm gives positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
CaseMatte black enamelled brass, stainless steel inner grille
Optional accessoriesRPM108 cardioid cartridge; A412MWS metal locking windscreen; 90A4039 1.47 m (5 ft) light-weight cable
Replacement partsRK183WS windscreens (4); RPM110 supercardioid cartridge; RPM616 gooseneck and RPM618 clamp (A98D); RPM624 case with interface board
Placement (Shure)Toms: on the A98D, one per tom or between pairs, 2.5-7.6 cm above the heads, or inside with the bottom head removed. Snare: 2.5-7.5 cm above the rim, aimed at the head; a second mic below the bottom rim if wanted. Hi-hat and cymbals: close, clear of the swing. Reeds: a few inches from and into the bell. Guitar amp: 4 in from the grille, centre of the conep. 1
ModelBeta 98/S: microphone, 7.6 m (25 ft) light-weight interconnect cable (TA4F to TA3F), preamplifier and shock-mount swivel adapter
MountRK282 shock-mount swivel adapter (stand mount; Figure 1)p. 2

Documents

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

Recording Hacks

Recommended for

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

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