Shure Brothers Incorporated
222 Hartrey Avenue
Evanston IL 60202-3696 U.S.A.
Model BETA 87A User's Guide
APPLICATION AND PLACEMENT
Some of the most common applications and placement tech-
niques are listed in the following table. Keep in mind that micro-
phone technique is largely a matter of personal taste�there is
no one acorrecto microphone position.
SUGGESTED MICROPHONE TONE QUALITY
PLACEMENT
Lips less than 6 inches (15 cm) aRobust sound, emphasizedway
or touching the windscreen, onbass, maximum isolation from axis to
microphone.other sources.
6 inches to 2 feet (15 to 60 cm) awayNatural sound, reduced bass.
from mouth, just above nose height.
8 inches to 2 feet (20 to 60 cm) awayNatural sound, reduced bass
from mouth, slightly off to one side.and minimal oso sounds.
3 to 6 feet (90 cm to 1.8 m) awayThinner. , distant sound; notice-
able levels of ambient noise.
BETA 87A
General Rules for Microphone Use
SUPERCARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE
1. Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source and at
The Shure Model BETA 87A is a premium quality supercar-a 1255 angle away from unwanted sources. Don't place un-
dioid hand-held electret condenser vocal microphone with ex-wanted sound sources directly to the rear of the microphone
ceptionally smooth frequency response and high sound since spres-upercardioid microphones, such as the BETA 87A,
sure level (SPL) capability. Used for professional have a narrow pick up range at about 180sound5. Refer to Figure 1.
reinforcement, broadcasting, and studio recording applica-
2. Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired
tions, the BETA 87A combines superb performance with the
sound source. Refer to the table above.
ruggedness needed for touring and field production.
3. Use only one microphone for each sound source.
The BETA 87A features a controlled low-frequency roll-off
4. Keep the distance between microphones at least three times
that compensates for proximity effect and prevents the aboomyo
the distance from each source to its microphone.
sound often associated with close pick-up. The characteristic
Shure presence rise brightens the upper midrange. The tight5. Place microphones as far as possible from reflective sur-
supercardioid pattern, with null points at approximately 1255,faces.
provides maximum isolation from other vocalists or instruments
6. Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
while offering minimal off-axis coloration. The BETA 87A oper-
7. Use the fewest number of microphones as is practical.
ates on phantom power.
8. Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.
Features:
9. Avoid excessive handling to minimize pick up of mechanical
wSmooth frequency response with gradual presence rise
noise and vibration.
wHighly consistent supercardioid polar pattern pidesrov
10. Do not cover any part of the grille with your hand.
superior gain-before-feedback.
180o
wElectronic low-frequency roll-off compensates for proximityo
18090o
effect
wWide dynamic range (117 dB) and low distortion character-125o125o
isticso0o90o90o
9090oo180
wVery low susceptibility to RFI and electromagnetic hum
125o
wAdvanced cartridge shock-mount system absorbs mechan-
ical shocks and reduces handling noiseo90oo
00
wBuilt-in pop filter reduces undesirable wind and breathCORRECTCORRECTINCORRECT
soundsPOSITIONING UNWANTED SOUND SOURCES
wReliability for years of trouble-free performanceFIGURE 1
1998, Shure Brothers Incorporated
27A2965 (RF)Printed in U.S.A. |
ACEC
