Shure BETA 98AMP manual General Description, Applications and Placement, Variations, Features

General Description

The Shure Beta 98AMP is a compact, high-output, con- denser microphone for professional sound reinforcement and studio recording. An extremely uniform cardioid polar pattern provides excellent gain-before-feedback, off-axis rejection of unwanted noise, and performance in high sound pressure level (SPL) environments.

The Beta 98AMP features an integrated preamplifier with XLR connection, a flexible gooseneck, and is packaged with the A75M Universal Microphone Mount accessory for precision adjustments and minimal stage clutter. For use with drums, percussion, and other fixed-placement applications.

Applications and Placement

General Rules for Use

•Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source; angle unwanted sounds toward its null point.

•Use the fewest amount of microphones as practical to increase the Potential Acoustic Gain and prevent feedback.

•Follow the 3 to 1 Rule by spacing each microphone by at least three times the distance to its source to reduce Phase Cancellation.

•Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces to reduce Comb Filtering.

•When using directional microphones, work closely to the microphone for extra bass response to take advantage of Proximity Effect.

•Avoid excessive handling to minimize pickup of mechanical noise and vibration.

•Do not cover any part of the microphone grille, as this will adversely affect microphone performance.

•Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.

Variations

•Beta 98AMP/C: Beta 98AMP microphone furnished with the A75M Universal Microphone Mount.

•Beta 98AMP/C-3PK: includes three Beta 98AMP microphones and three A75M Universal Microphone Mounts.

Features

•Premier live performance microphone with Shure quality, ruggedness, and reliability

•Uniform cardioid polar pattern for maximum gain before feedback and superior rejection of off-axis sound

•Tailored frequency response shaped for drums and percussion

•Wide dynamic range for use in high SPL environments

•Compact design and integrated preamp reduce stage clutter and ease setup

•Flexible gooseneck for precise placement and easy adjustments

•Enamel coated metal construction and stainless steel inner grille resist wear and abuse

The following table lists the most common applications and placement techniques. Keep in mind that microphone tech- nique is largely a matter of personal taste; there is no one “correct” microphone position.

APPLICATION	SUGGESTED MICROPHONE PLACEMENT	TONE QUALITY
Tom-Toms	One mic on each tom or between a pair of toms, 2.5 to	Medium attack; full, balanced
	7.5 cm (1 to 3 in.) above drum heads.	sound.
	Remove bottom head and place a mic inside pointing up	Maximum isolation; full, bal-
	toward top drum head.	anced sound.
Snare Drum	2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in.) above rim of top head of drum.	Most “snap” from drumstick.
	Aim mic at drum head.
Cymbals	Close-mike with A75M mount, avoiding range of cymbal	Maximum isolation; bright,
	movement	with plenty of attack.

NOTE: Before each use, make sure the cartridge is tightly secured on the microphone, as vibration and accidental hits with drumsticks may loosen it, resulting in signal loss.

Positioning the Microphone

The flexible gooseneck allows precise adjustments to the microphone without moving the mount.

Note: Excessive twisting or forcing the gooseneck into extreme positions can permanently damage the microphone.

A75M Universal Microphone Mount

The Shure A75M mounts the Beta 98AMP on a variety of surfaces and instrument hardware. Reference the furnished A75M guide to correctly mount the microphone.

Performance Characteristics

• Exceptional low-frequency reproduction

• Extremely high SPL handling

• High output level

• No crossover distortion

BETA 98AMP MOUNTED WITH A75M

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