Shure Beta 98A Miniature Condenser Microphone

zZounds Gear Experts Say...

Not enough room for a mic? Try this tiny cardioid condenser. It's the perfect fit on tight drum kits or inside pianos -- anywhere you need a low-profile mic.

Overview

Able to fit where full-sized microphones simply cannot, the mini Shure Beta 98A condenser mic comes in handy when you're recording acoustic or amplified instruments in tight spaces. It's only 1.4 inches long and just .46 inches in diameter! Just don't make any assumptions based on the mic's micro stature -- the Beta 98A may be small, but it can perform just as well as its larger counterparts, thanks to its high-output design and uniform cardioid polar pattern. Shure's Beta 98A miniature condenser microphone provides excellent gain before feedback, reliable off-axis rejection of unwanted noise, high SPL handling, and a wide frequency response, making it a standout choice for recording anything from drum kits and pianos to saxophones and violins. And it delivers all the quality you'd expect from Shure. Don't be afraid to put it on a snare!

Many Uses for This Mini Mic

Capture acoustic instruments and drums like a pro with the bite-sized Beta 98A. Ideal for professional sound reinforcement and studio recording, this microphone features a uniform cardioid polar pattern, which picks up sounds from the front and rejects bleed from the sides and rear -- a must when you're recording or reinforcing live bands. What's more, the mic's high output level, high sound pressure level (SPL) capability, frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and killer low-frequency reproduction allow it to capture the true tone of your drums, pianos, reeds, winds, and stringed instruments.

Place the Beta 98A Anywhere

… read more Choose from two configurations: the Beta 98AD/C or the Beta 98A/C. Both configurations of the microphone offer the same SPL handling. The Beta 98AD/C includes Shure's A98D drum mount with a flexible gooseneck that you can position for toms, snares, and percussion. Likewise, the Shure Beta 98A/C comes with the Shure's RK282 shock mount swivel adapter for attachment to any standard microphone stand, making it a better choice for close-miking pianos, drum kits, and instruments in the wind and string families.

Features:

- Mini cardioid condenser microphone
- Uniform cardioid pickup pattern for maximum gain before feedback and superior rejection of off-axis sound
- Tailored frequency response (20 Hz to 20 kHz) specifically shaped for drums, percussion, reeds, and horns
- Compact design reduces stage clutter
- Wide dynamic range for use in high SPL environments
- Enamel-coated metal construction and stainless steel inner grille resist wear and abuse
- Exceptional low-frequency reproduction
- Extremely high SPL handling of 144 dB
- High output level
- No crossover distortion
- Ruggedly built to handle normal wear and tear

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

Cartridge Type: Electret Condenser

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000 Hz

Output Impedance at 1 kHz: 179 Ohms

Sensitivity open circuit voltage, at 1 kHz, typical: -48.0 dBV/Pa (4.0 mV)

Maximum SPL 1 kHz at 1% THD: 2500 Ohms load 150.5 dB, 1000 Ohms load 144.0 dB
Signal-to-Noise: Ratio 64 dB

Dynamic Range at 1 kHz: 2500 Ohms load 120.5 dB, 1000 Ohms load 114.0 dB
Clipping Level 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 1% THD: 2500 Ohms load 8.0 dBV, 1000 Ohms load 1.0 dBV

Self Noise equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical: 30.0 dB SPL-A

Connector: Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male, balanced

Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3

Power Requirements: 11-52 V DC[4] phantom power (IEC-61938), 3.6 mA

Net Weight: 12 g (0.6 oz.)

Dimensions: 1.4" (35.4 mm) long, and .46" (11.3 mm) in diameter

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
BETA 98AD/C, with Shure A98D Drum Mount: Shipping Weight: 2.25 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 10 x 5 x 4 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): Beta 98AD/C

Documents and Manuals

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-516-2525
Email: service@shure.com

Manual

Shure's Description

Shure Beta 98A Mini Condenser Microphone

The Shure Beta 98A is a compact, high-output, condenser microphone for professional sound reinforcement and studio recording. An extremely uniform cardioid polar pattern provides excellent gain before feedback and off-axis rejection of unwanted noise. Its high sound pressure level (SPL) capability makes it useful for a variety of acoustic or amplified instruments including drums, piano, reed, wind, and strings.

Features:

- Premier live performance microphone with Shure quality, ruggedness, and reliability
- Uniform cardioid pickup pattern for maximum gain before feedback and superior rejection of off-axis sound
- Tailored frequency response specifically shaped for drums, percussion, reeds, and horns
- Compact design reduces stage clutter
- Wide dynamic range for use in high SPL environments
- Enamel-coated metal construction and stainless steel inner grille resist wear and abuse
- Exceptional low-frequency reproduction
- Extremely high SPL handling
- High output level
- No crossover distortion
- Beta 98ADC ships with A98D drum mount featuring a flexible gooseneck for precise placement and secure attachment
- Beta 98AC ships with RK282 shock mount swivel adapter for attachment to any standard microphone stand

Both Shure Beta 98A configurations feature high sound pressure level capability (SPL). Shure Beta 98AD/C includes Shure's A98D drum mount with flexible gooseneck that makes it an essential, accurate choice for toms, snares, and percussion. The Shure Beta 98A/C is recommended for a variety of acoustic or amplified instruments including drums, piano, reed, wind, and strings.

Reviews

(1 ratings)

Submitted July 10, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com

"Really great mic. Very convenient size/package."

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Purchaser zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.

I plan on buying several more of these mics. Thus far, the only thing keeping me from ordering another four of them is the fact that I can't afford to at the moment.

Sound

I really like this mic for snares. It has helped us get a sound that is much closer to what we are looking for. We were using the SM57. Our original reason for replacing the SM57 with the Beta98 was because of space issues. The size and mounting options for the Beta 98 make it much easier to mount when the drummer insists on setting up his drums in the most compact manner possible.

Manufacturer Support

Never had to make use of Shure support. In my opinion, support that never has to be used is the best support.