Shure
Shure Beta 98/S
Miniature supercardioid electret condenser instrument mic (Beta 98) on a shock-mount swivel adapter, with RPM626 in-line preamp
Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.
Power Phantom 48 V ± 4 V (IEC-268-15/DIN 45 596), to the RPM626 preamp.
- Type
- Condenser (electret)
- Pattern
- Supercardioid
- Sensitivity
- −59 dBV/Pa
- Among 204 condensers: more output than 1%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 5%
- Self-noise
- 35 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 1%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 1%
- Max SPL
- 160 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 99%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 97%
- Rated range
- 20 – 20k Hz
vs 16 clip-on condensers
More output than 0% of 16 clip-on condensers.
Each stripe is one clip-on condenser with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 14 clip-on condensers
Quieter than 0% of 14 clip-on condensers.
Each stripe is one clip-on condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 16 clip-on condensers
Takes louder sound than 93% of 16 clip-on condensers.
Each stripe is one clip-on condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1.
"Frequency Response", five distances labelled on the graph; relative dB. The guide (page 2) says the response is "measured at 304.8 mm [1 ft] from a spherical sound source, free field conditions". Smoothing not stated.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1. Approximate
"Polar Pattern": two plots (125 Hz to 1 kHz, 2500 Hz to 15 kHz), 0° at the bottom, rings every 5 dB from -20 to 0 dB (centre -25 dB). Measuring conditions not stated.
Approximate: some frequencies are identified by reasoning, not by the legend: 250 Hz.
In practice
All specs
| From the user guide | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | interchangeable miniature cartridge: RPM110 supercardioid (fitted), RPM108 cardioid (optional)"Additional accessories" and "Replacement parts". Page 1: tighten the cartridge before each use, as vibration and drumstick hits may loosen it. | p. 2 |
| Sensitivity | −59 dBV/Pa (1 mV/Pa)1 kHz, open circuit voltage, typical. "-59 dBV/Pa* (1 mV) typical". | |
| Self-noise | 35 dB(A)output noise, equivalent SPL, A-weighted. "Output Noise: 35 dB SPL, A-weighted"; the spec sheet: "35 dB SPL typical". | |
| Max SPL | 160 dB SPL20 Hz to 20 kHz, THD < 1%, 2500 ohm load; also 156 dB SPL, 1000 ohm load. The spec sheet gives 156 dB (1 kHz, 1% THD, 1 kohm). | |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 59 dBre 94 dB SPL | |
| Dynamic range | 125 dB20 Hz to 20 kHz, THD < 1%, 2500 ohm load. "max SPL minus A-weighted noise". The spec sheet gives 125 dB at 1 kohm. | |
| Output impedance | 150 ohmactual. "Rated at 150 Ω (actual)". | |
| Rated load impedance | 1000 ohmrecommended minimum | |
| Rated frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHzmeasured at 304.8 mm (1 ft) from a spherical source, free field | |
| Powering | phantom 48 V ± 4 V (IEC-268-15/DIN 45 596), to the RPM626 preamp | |
| Connector | TA4F mini connector on the mic; XLR-3 on the RPM626 preampCable: "TA4F to TA3F mini connectors"; up to 23 m (75 ft) of cable may run between mic and preamp (p. 1). The preamp's XLR output is implied by its phantom power on pins 2 and 3. | |
| Weight | 12 gmicrophone, less cable. "12 g (0.4 oz) less cable"; the preamp weighs 96 g. | |
| Dimensions | 11.7 × 35.6 mmMicrophone, diameter × length: "11.7 mm X 35.6 mm (0.46 in. X 1.40 in.)". Preamp 20 × 99 mm. | |
| Supplied accessories | RPM626 in-line preamplifier; RK282 shock-mount swivel adapter; 90A4697 7.6 m (25 ft) light-weight cable; 26B21 storage bag"Furnished accessories" for the Beta 98/S; the 2010 spec sheet lists the bag as 95A2314 and the cable as 95A2398. | |
| Preamplifier | RPM626 in-line preamp, matte black enamelled steel, 20 × 99 mm, 96 g | |
| Output clipping level | +6 dBV (2.0 V) into 2500 ohm, +2 dBV (1.26 V) into 1000 ohm (20 Hz to 20 kHz, THD < 1%) | |
| Hum pickup | -7.5 dB equivalent SPL in a 1 mOe field (60 Hz) | |
| Polarity | Positive pressure on the diaphragm gives positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3 | |
| Case | Matte black enamelled brass, stainless steel inner grille | |
| Optional accessories | RPM108 cardioid cartridge; A412MWS metal locking windscreen; 90A4039 1.47 m (5 ft) light-weight cable | |
| Replacement parts | RK183WS windscreens (4); RPM110 supercardioid cartridge; RPM616 gooseneck and RPM618 clamp (A98D); RPM624 case with interface board | |
| PlacementShure | Toms: on the A98D, one per tom or between pairs, 2.5-7.6 cm above the heads, or inside with the bottom head removed. Snare: 2.5-7.5 cm above the rim, aimed at the head; a second mic below the bottom rim if wanted. Hi-hat and cymbals: close, clear of the swing. Reeds: a few inches from and into the bell. Guitar amp: 4 in from the grille, centre of the cone | p. 1 |
| Model | Beta 98/S: microphone, 7.6 m (25 ft) light-weight interconnect cable (TA4F to TA3F), preamplifier and shock-mount swivel adapter | |
| Mount | RK282 shock-mount swivel adapter (stand mount; Figure 1) | p. 2 |
Documents
- Model Beta 98/S User Guide27D3108 Rev. 5
- Beta 98 Miniature Supercardioid Condenser Microphone, Product Specifications
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © Shure, unchanged, with its original address.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.