Shure BETA 87A manual Beta 87A Supercardioid Condenser Microphone, Application and Placement

Model BETA 87A User Guide

BETA 87A

SUPERCARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE

The Shure Model BETA 87A is a premium quality supercar- dioid hand-held electret condenser vocal microphone with ex- ceptionally smooth frequency response and high sound pres- sure level (SPL) capability. Used for professional sound reinforcement, broadcasting, and studio recording applica- tions, the BETA 87A combines superb performance with the ruggedness needed for touring and field production.

The BETA 87A features a controlled low-frequency roll-off that compensates for proximity effect and prevents the “boomy” sound often associated with close pick-up. The characteristic Shure presence rise brightens the upper midrange. The tight supercardioid pattern, with null points at approximately 125°, provides maximum isolation from other vocalists or instruments while offering minimal off-axis coloration. The BETA 87A oper- ates on phantom power.

Features:

•Smooth frequency response with gradual presence rise

•Highly consistent supercardioid polar pattern provides superior gain-before-feedback

•Electronic low-frequency roll-off compensates for proximity effect

•Wide dynamic range (117 dB) and low distortion character- istics

•Very low susceptibility to RFI and electromagnetic hum

•Advanced cartridge shock-mount system absorbs mechan- ical shocks and reduces handling noise

•Built-in pop filter reduces undesirable wind and breath sounds

•Reliability for years of trouble-free performance

2005, Shure Incorporated 27D2965 (Rev. 7)

APPLICATION AND PLACEMENT

Some of the most common applications and placement techniques are listed in the following table. Keep in mind that microphone technique is largely a matter of personal taste— there is no one “correct” microphone position.

SUGGESTED MICROPHONE	TONE QUALITY
PLACEMENT
Lips less than 6 inches (15 cm) away	Robust sound, emphasized
or touching the windscreen, on axis to	bass, maximum isolation from
microphone.	other sources.
6 inches to 2 feet (15 to 60 cm) away	Natural sound, reduced bass.
from mouth, just above nose height.
8 inches to 2 feet (20 to 60 cm) away	Natural sound, reduced bass
from mouth, slightly off to one side.	and minimal ”s” sounds.
3 to 6 feet (90 cm to 1.8 m) away.	Thinner, distant sound; notice-
	able levels of ambient noise.

General Rules for Microphone Use

1.Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source and at a 125° angle away from unwanted sources. Don’t place un- wanted sound sources directly to the rear of the microphone since supercardioid microphones, such as the BETA 87A, have a narrow pick up range at about 180°. Refer to Figure 1.

2.Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired sound source. Refer to the table above.

3.Use only one microphone for each sound source.

4.Keep the distance between microphones at least three times the distance from each source to its microphone.

5.Place microphones as far as possible from reflective sur- faces.

6.Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.

7.Use the fewest number of microphones as is practical.

8.Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.

9.Avoid excessive handling to minimize pick up of mechanical noise and vibration.

10. Do not cover any part of the grille with your hand.

					180o
180o			90o
125o	125o
90o	90o	180o	0o	90o	90o
			125o
0o			90o		0o
CORRECT			CORRECT		INCORRECT

POSITIONING UNWANTED SOUND SOURCES

FIGURE 1

Printed in U.S.A.