Mic Archive

Shure

Shure SM98

Miniature cardioid electret condenser instrument mic with a separate battery or phantom preamp (flat or low-cut)

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

Type
Condenser (electret)
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−60 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
34 dB(A)
Max SPL
155 dB SPL
Impedance
150 Ω
Rated range
40 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the user guide, p. 1. Figure 1, "Typical frequency response"; relative dB. Distance, 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. 2. Figure 2, "Typical polar pattern": two plots (100 Hz to 1 kHz, 5 to 15 kHz), 0° at the bottom, rings every 5 dB from -20 dB to the outer ring (0 dB; centre -25 dB). Measuring conditions not stated. Approximate reading error up to about 1.5 dB.

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All specs

From the user guide
Sensitivity−60 dBV/Pa, open circuit, 1 kHz, at the preamp output. Not stated by the manufacturer: Converted: "Open Circuit Voltage ... -80.0 dB (0.10 mV)", "0 dB = 1V/µbar"; 1 µbar = 0.1 Pa, so -60 dBV/Pa (1.0 mV/Pa).p. 2
Self-noise34 dB(A), output noise, equivalent SPL, A-weighted. Also "37 dB SPL, weighted per DIN 45 405".
Max SPL155 dB SPL, 1 kHz, 800 ohm load; also 145 dB SPL, 150 ohm load
Signal-to-noise ratio64 dB, re 94 dB SPL. As printed; 94 dB minus the 34 dB(A) noise would be 60 dB (the later SM98A guide says 60 dB).
Dynamic range121 dB
Output impedance150 ohm, rated; 90 ohm actual. "Rated at 150 ohms (90 ohms actual)".
Rated load impedance800 ohm, recommended minimum. "May be used with loads as low as 150 ohms with reduced clipping level".
Rated frequency range40 Hz to 20 kHzp. 1
Poweringtwo 9 V alkaline batteries in the preamp (about 300 hours), or phantom 11-52 V DC (works down to 9 V). The batteries take over automatically if phantom power fails.p. 2
Current draw1.8 mA, phantom
Low cutflat, 12 dB/octave below 80 Hz; 80 Hz; 12 dB/octave; switch on the preamp. "Flat/Lo Cut Switch: In Lo Cut position, 12 dB/octave rolloff below 80 Hz (see Figure 1)".
ConnectorSwitchcraft Tini Q.G. 3-pin on the mic; XLR-3 male output on the preamp. Parts list: P1 Switchcraft TB3M, P2 Switchcraft D3M.p. 4
Weight12 g, microphone, without cable; preamp 435 g without batteriesp. 2
Dimensions11.9 × 31.8 mm. Figure 3: microphone 11.9 mm (15/32 in.) diameter, 31.8 mm (1-1/4 in.) long; preamp 60.8 x 112 x 34.9 mm.
Supplied accessorieswindscreen; swivel adapter; 4.6 m cable (Tini Q.G. both ends); preamplifier. "Furnished Accessories: Windscreen, Swivel Adapter"; the cable and preamp are "supplied with the microphone" (p. 1).
Preamp output clipping level0 dBV (1.0 V) into 800 ohm, -13 dBV (0.22 V) into 150 ohm (1 kHz, <0.1% THD)
Hum pickup-5 dB equivalent SPL in a 1 mOe field (60 Hz)
Output noise (DIN 45 405)37 dB SPL
Preamp switchesBattery on/off (with a green LED that flashes if at least 8 hours remain); Flat/Lo Cut
CaseMicrophone: matte black enamelled brass, stainless steel inner grille. Preamp: matte black die-casting
Cable4.6 m two-conductor shielded; up to 15 m more can be added between mic and preamp "with no loss in response or output"p. 3
EnvironmentOperating -18 to 57 °C; storage -29 to 74 °C; 0-95% relative humidityp. 2
Optional accessoriesA98MK drum mounting kit; A98-G18 18-inch gooseneck; A98HA hanging adapter; A98PF pop filter and locking collarp. 3
Uses (Shure)All acoustic instruments including drum kits and percussion, brass, reed, wind, string and keyboard instruments; amplified guitars and keyboardsp. 1

Documents

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

Recommended for

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

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