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Shure

Shure VP88

Single-point stereo condenser in a Mid-Side (M-S) layout: a forward cardioid and a sideways figure-8, with a built-in switchable stereo matrix (three widths) or direct M-S outputs

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Cardioid / figure-8
Sensitivity
−66 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
24 dB(A)
Max SPL
129 dB SPL
Impedance
150 Ω
Rated range
40 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the user guide, p. 10. "Typical Frequency Response of Middle Cartridge" (MS mode); relative dB. Distance, angle, 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 (Recording Hacks copy), p. 4. "Typical Middle Cartridge Polar Pattern" (MS mode); two circles (250 Hz to 1 kHz, 2500 Hz to 10 kHz), 0° at the top, 5 dB per ring. Distance and room not stated.

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All specs

From the user guide
Sensitivity−66 dBV/Pa (0.5 mV/Pa), 1 kHz, open circuit voltage, MS mode (Mid output). "-66 dB (0.5 mV)", 1 Pa = 94 dB SPL; the 2005 guide adds "(0 dB=1 V/Pa)" and "Side level 1.6 dB higher than Mid level". This does not fit the other figures: a -12 dBV clipping level at the 129 dB maximum SPL implies about -47 dBV/Pa (-66 dB would be right re 1 V per microbar).p. 8
Self-noise24 dB(A), typical, equivalent SPL, A-weighted (Mid, Side, Left and Right outputs). "24 dB A-weighted, 28 dB typical"; the 2005 guide: "24 dB typical, A-weighted; 28 dB typical, weighted per DIN 45405".
Max SPL129 dB SPL, 800 ohm load; also 119 dB SPL, 150 ohm load
Signal-to-noise ratio70 dB, at 94 dB SPL, A-weighted (IEC 651). The 2005 guide (p. 5) adds "(IEC 651)".
Dynamic range105 dB, maximum SPL to A-weighted noise
Output impedance150 ohm, EIA rated; 100 ohm actual. "EIA rated at 150 Ω (100 Ω actual)".
Rated frequency range40 Hz to 20 kHz
Poweringphantom 9 to 52 V DC (IEC 61938), or one 6 V cylindrical batteryp. 9
Current draw2.6 mA, phantom, total (1.3 mA per output); 2.4 mA on the battery
Low cutflat, 12 dB/oct below 80 Hz; 80 Hz; 12 dB/octave. "12 dB per octave cut below 80 Hz". The upper switch combines it with the power setting: two roll-off positions, one for phantom and one for battery power (2005 guide, Figure 2).p. 5
Switchesoutput mode: MS, stereo L, stereo M, stereo H. "The lower control sets the VP88 to either MS Mode, or one of three Stereo modes. (L, M, or H)."p. 6
FinishBrass and nickel-plated aluminium with stainless steel grille, satin black vinyl enamelp. 9
Supplied accessories80A463 battery; 95B2313 zipper bag; 49A91 foam windscreen; 90G4046 swivel stand adapter; 95A2300 0.76 m (30 in) Y-splitter cable. Furnished accessories.p. 12
Side level (stereo modes)Relative to the Mid: L -6.0 dB, M -1.9 dB, H +1.6 dBp. 6
MS modeSide on-axis sensitivity (90° from the front) 1.6 dB above the Mid's on-axis sensitivity; the two are equal at 45°
Clipping level (1 kHz)800 Ω load, 1% THD: Mid -12 dBV (0.25 V), Side -10 dBV (0.30 V); 150 Ω load: Mid -25 dBV (0.06 V), Side -19 dBV (0.11 V)p. 8
PolarityPositive pressure applied from any direction to the Mid cartridge or from the left to the Side cartridge in the MS mode, or applied from the front in the Stereo mode, produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3 (Mid/Left) and pin 4 relative to pin 5 (Side/Right)p. 9
Battery6 V cylindrical (e.g. PX28, 4LR44); typically 70 hours (silver oxide or lithium) or 40 hours (alkaline); LED flashes while at least five hours remain; no drain on phantom powerp. 4
Overvoltage protectionMaximum external voltage applied to pins 2 to 5 with respect to pin 1: ±75 V DCp. 9
Operating temperature-18 to 57 °C (0 to 135 °F)
Shock mountInternal shock mount; integrated pop screenp. 3
From the user guide (Recording Hacks copy)
Rated load impedance800 ohm, recommended minimum; usable down to 150 ohm with reduced clipping levelp. 5
ConnectorXLR-5 male (Mid/Left on pins 2-3, Side/Right on pins 4-5). Cables: the supplied Y-splitter has "5-pin female XLR connector on microphone end and two 3-pin male XLR connectors on equipment ends"; pins on p. 2.
Weight417 g, net, without battery and cable. "417 grams (14.7 oz) less battery and cable"; the 2022 guide gives 417 g.
Dimensions39.7 × 290 mm. "Length: 11-7/16 in.; 290mm. Front Diameter: 1-9/16 in. 39.7mm; Diameter at Cable connection: 1-1/16 in.; 27mm" (front diameter × length).
Self noise, DIN 4540528 dB typical
Hum pickup-4 dB equivalent SPL in a 1 millioersted field (60 Hz)
Optional accessoriesA88SM external shock mount (with a camera shoe foot); C110 7.6 m (25 ft) XLR-5 extension cable; S15A telescoping tripod floor stand; 65B1218B control knobp. 1

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

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