MODEL SM98
UNIDIRECTIONAL CONDENSER MICROPHONE
GENERAL
The SM98 is a miniature electret condenser microphone
with a unidirectional (cardioid) pickup pattern. A smooth
wide frequency response from 40 to 20,000 Hz allows the
microphone to be extremely well adapted to pick up all
kinds of musical instruments. A detachable 4.6m (15 ft)
cable with Switchcraft Tini Q.G. connectors and a battery
or simplex (phantom) powered preamplifier are supplied
with the microphone. A windscreen is provided for out-
door use, and a swivel adapter is supplied for conventional
microphone stand or goose neck mounting.
The unidirectional pattern of the SM98 discriminates
against sounds coming from the rear, permitting higher
gain before feedback in sound reinforcement applica-
tions. Because of its uniform cardioid pattern extending
out to 20,000 Hz, the microphone can be used for pickup of
a particular instrument in an ensemble or orchestra, min-
imizing the need for isolation booths or barriers. A very
high maximum sound pressure level allows use of the
SM98 with all acoustic instruments including drum kits
and other percussion as well as brass, reed, wind, string,
and keyboard instruments. The SM98 can also be used
with amplified guitars and keyboards.
The low-distortion, high-clipping-level preamplifier
provides switch-selectable Flat or Low-Cut response to
suit pickup characteristics needed for various instru-
ments. The Low-Cut position is also useful when it is
necessary to filter out low-frequency noise from such
sources as wind noise or air conditioning equipment.
The SM98 is powered either by two readily available
9-volt alkaline batteries (300 hours continuous battery
life) or by an 11-to-52 Vdc simplex (phantom) supply from
sound reinforcement, recording or broadcast equipment.
The preamp is designed so that the battery supply will
automatically switch in should the simplex power fail.
However, no battery drain will occur as long as the simplex
voltage exceeds the battery voltage.
A series of optional accessories is available designed
exclusively for use with the SM98. These include the fol-
lowing: A98MK Drum Kit, a gooseneck holder for mount-
ing the microphone directly on most drums; A98-G18, an
18-inch gooseneck for mounting the microphone on a
podium, table, or desk; A98HA, a hanging adapter permit-
ting the microphone to be suspended from above; and
A98PF, a pop filter and locking collar kit, allowing the
SM98 to be used for speech or vocal pickup.
Features:
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Smooth wide response for accurate sound reproduc-
tion across the entire audio spectrum
Symmetrical cardioid pattern, uniform with frequency
out to 20 kHz, maximizes gain before feedback, mini-
mizes need for isolation when picking up single instru-
ments out of a group
Switch-selectable 12 dB/octave low-frequency cutoff
permits tailoring response to suit particular instru-
ments or room conditions
Very high SPL capability
Very low distortion and high output clipping level
Battery or simplex (phantom) powering: uses standard
9-volt alkaline batteries; accepts wide range of simplex
voltages, from 11 to 52 Vdc
Low susceptibility to RFI, electrostatic and electro-
magnetic hum
Rugged construction of microphone and preamplifier
for outstanding reliability
Detachable cable at both microphone and preamplifier
Usable over very wide range of temperature and
humidity
Supplied with unique swivel adapter for mounting on
conventional microphone stands or goosenecks
Optional accessories to increase microphone’s versa-
tility include: A98MK, Drum Kit; A98-G18, Gooseneck
Adapter; A98HA, Hanging Adapter; A98PF, Pop Filter
SPECIFICATIONS:
Type
Cardioid condenser (electret bias)
Frequency Response
40 to 20,000 Hz (see Figure 1)
222 HARTREY AVENUE, EVANSTON, ILLINOIS 60202-3696 U.S.A. • PHONE (312) 866-2200 • TELEX 4330191 • FAX (312) 866-2279
Copyright 1987, Shure Brothers Inc.
Printed in U.S.A.
27A2173(GJ)
