SHURE BETA87A
User Guide

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 techniques are listed in the following table. Keep in mind that microphone technique is largely a matter of personal taste�there is no one �correct� microphone position.
SUGGESTED MICROPHONE PLACEMENT Lips less than 6 inches (15 cm) away or touching the windscreen, on axis to microphone. 6 inches to 2 feet (15 to 60 cm) away from mouth, just above nose height. 8 inches to 2 feet (20 to 60 cm) away from mouth, slightly off to one side. 3 to 6 feet (90 cm to 1.8 m) away. TONE QUALITY Robust sound, emphasized bass, maximum isolation from other sources. Natural sound, reduced bass. Natural sound, reduced bass and minimal �s� sounds. Thinner, distant sound; noticeable levels of ambient noise.

BETA 87A SUPERCARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE
The Shure Model BETA 87A is a premium quality supercardioid hand-held electret condenser vocal microphone with exceptionally smooth frequency response and high sound pressure level (SPL) capability. Used for professional sound reinforcement, broadcasting, and studio recording applications, the BETA 87A combines superb performance with the ruggedness needed for touring and field production. The BETA 87A features a controlled low-frequency roll-off that compensates for proximity effect and prevents the �boomy� sound often associated with close pick-up. The characteristic Shure presence rise brightens the upper midrange. The tight supercardioid pattern, with null points at approximately 125°, provides maximum isolation from other vocalists or instruments while offering minimal off-axis coloration. The BETA 87A operates on phantom power.

General Rules for Microphone Use
1. Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source and at a 125° angle away from unwanted sources. Don�t place unwanted sound sources directly to the rear of the microphone since supercardioid microphones, such as the BETA 87A, have a narrow pick up range at about 180°. Refer to Figure 1. 2. Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired 3. 4. 5. 6. sound source. Refer to the table above. Use only one microphone for each sound source. Keep the distance between microphones at least three times the distance from each source to its microphone. Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces. Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.

Features: � Smooth frequency response with gradual presence rise � Highly consistent supercardioid polar pattern provides superior gain-before-feedback. � Electronic low-frequency roll-off compensates for proximity effect � Wide dynamic range (117 dB) and low distortion characteristics
� Very low susceptibility to RFI and electromagnetic hum � Advanced cartridge shock-mount system absorbs mechanical shocks and reduces handling noise � Built-in pop filter reduces undesirable wind and breath sounds � Reliability for years of trouble-free performance

7. Use the fewest number of microphones as is practical. 8. Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors. 9. Avoid excessive handling to minimize pick up of mechanical noise and vibration. 10. Do not cover any part of the grille with your hand.
180o 180 125o 90o
o

90o 125o 90o 180o 125o 0o 90o 90o

0o CORRECT

90o CORRECT

0o INCORRECT

POSITIONING UNWANTED SOUND SOURCES FIGURE 1

E1998, Shure Brothers Incorporated 27A2965 (RF)

Printed in U.S.A.