Shure BETA91A - Bass Drum Microphone - Half-Cardioid Condenser
The Beta 91A features a new and updated microphone capsule. The new capsule will result in a more natural high frequency response than the Beta 91. Are there any other Shure Kick D rum microphones? The Beta 52A is a super cardioid microphone and is also suited to kick drums. With the Beta 52A you can expect even more low end. Uniform half-cardioid polar pattern for maximum gain-before-feedback and rejection of off-axis sound Precision-engineered low-profile design features integrated preamplifier and XLR connector to maximize setup efficiency while minimizing stage clutter Frequency response tailored for kick drum/low frequency applications with a wide dynamic range for use in high SPL environments Two-position contour switch to maximize attack and clarity depending on application – select the flat response setting for natural sound in most applications or the “low-mid scoop” setting for a strong low frequency “punch” with plenty of higher frequency attack Requires no external mounting Half-Cardioid Condenser Microphone General Description The Shure Beta 91A is designed for use with kick drums, piano and other traditional low frequency applications. Tailored for bass-heavy environments, this microphone features a powerful low frequency response and integrated preamplifier and XLR connection for easy setup and minimal stage clutter. The Beta 91A combines superior attack and punch for studio-quality sound, even at extremely high sound pressure levels (SPLs). Features Premier live performance microphone with Shure quality, ruggedness, and reliability Uniform half-cardioid polar pattern (in the hemisphere above mounting surface) for maximum gain before feedback and rejection of off-axis sound Tailored frequency response for kick drums and bass-heavy instruments Wide dynamic range for use in high SPL environments Two-position contour switch enhances attack and clarity Integrated preamp and XLR connector reduce stage clutter and provide a quick, secure setup Low profile design requires no external mounting hardware Steel grille and die-cast metal construction resist wear and abuse General Rules for Use This table lists the most common applications and placement techniques. Keep in mind that microphone technique is largely a matter of personal taste; there is no one "correct" microphone position. Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source; angle unwanted sounds toward its null point. Use the fewest amount of microphones as practical to increase the Potential Acoustic Gain and prevent feedback. Follow the 3 to 1 Rule by spacing each microphone by at least three times the distance to its source to reduce Phase Cancellation. Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces to reduce Comb Filtering. When using directional microphones, work closely to the microphone for extra bass response to take advantage of Proximity Effect. Avoid excessive handling to minimize pickup of mechanical noise and vibration. Do not cover any part of the microphone grille, as this will adversely affect microphone performance. Applications and Placement Location and room acoustics strongly affect the sound quality of microphones. To achieve the best overall sound for a particular application, it may be necessary to experiment with microphone placement and room treatments. Application Suggested Microphone Placement Tone Quality Kick Drum Inside drum, on a pillow or other cushioning surface, 25 to 152 mm (1 to 6 in.) from beater head. Full, natural sound. Contour switch activated; 25 to 152 mm (1 to 6 in.) from beater head. Sharp attack; maximum bass “punch.” Piano Mount microphone on underside of lid over lower treble strings. Experiment with lid height and placement to hammers for desired sound. Bright, well-balanced, strong attack; excellent isolation. Mount microphone vertically on the inside of the piano frame, near the apex of the piano’s curved wall. Full, natural; excellent isolation and minimal hammer and damper noise. Mounting the Microphone If desired, attach the microphone to a prepared surface using the mounting holes on the bottom of the microphone. Half-cardioid Polar Pattern This boundary microphone has a cardioid polar pattern in the hemisphere above the mounting surface. Keep sound sources within a 60° range above this surface. Contour Switch A two-position switch on the bottom of the microphone lets you selectively filter the low-mid frequency response without additional tools. Use this filter to enhance the attack and clarity of bass-heavy instruments. Flat response: Provides the most natural sound in most applications. Low-Mid Scoop: This setting tailors the microphone’s frequency response to provide a strong ‘punch’ in the low frequencies, and plenty of attack in the higher frequencies. Load Impedance Maximum SPL capability, output clipping level, and dynamic range vary with the input load impedance of the preamplifier to which you connect the microphone. Shure recommends a minimum input load impedance of 1000 Ω. Most modern microphone preamplifiers meet this requirement. Higher impedance results in better performance for these specifications. Power Requirements This microphone requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 Vdc supply (IEC-61938). However, it will operate with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity with supplies as low as 11 Vdc. Most modern mixers provide phantom power. You must use a balanced microphone cable: XLR-to-XLR. Accessories Furnished Accessories Zippered Carrying Bag 95A2314 Optional Accessories 25 foot (7.5m) Triple-Flex® Microphone XLR Cable with Switchcraft connectors C25E Replacement Parts Cardioid Cartridge RPM98A/C Specifications Type Electret Condenser Frequency Response 20 to 20,000 Hz Polar Pattern Half-cardioid (cardioid in hemisphere above mounting surface) Output Impedance 150 Ω Sensitivity at 1kHz,open circuit voltage -48.5 dBV/Pa(3.8 mV) [1] Maximum SPL 1 kHz at 1% THD [2] 2500 Ω load 155 dB 1000 Ω load 151 dB Signal-To-Noise Ratio [3] 64.5 dB Dynamic Range at 1kHz 2500 Ω load 125.5 dB 1000 Ω load 121.5 dB Clipping Level 20 Hz to 20 kHz, at 1% THD 2500 Ω load 12.5 dB 1000 Ω load 7.5 dB Self Noise equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical 29.5 dB SPL-A Common Mode Rejection (20 Hz to 200 kHz) ≥55 dB Frequency Contour Switch 7 dB of attenuation centered at 400 Hz Power Requirements 11–52 V DC phantom power [4] , 5.4 mA Polarity Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3 Weight 470 g(16.6 oz.) Connector Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male, balanced [1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL [1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL [1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL [1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL [1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL [2] THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal level is equivalent to cartridge output at specified SPL [2] THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal level is equivalent to cartridge output at specified SPL [2] THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal level is equivalent to cartridge output at specified SPL [2] THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal level is equivalent to cartridge output at specified SPL [2] THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal level is equivalent to cartridge output at specified SPL [3] S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise, A-weighted [3] S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise, A-weighted [3] S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise, A-weighted [3] S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise, A-weighted [3] S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise, A-weighted [4] All specifications measured with a 48 Vdc phantom power supply. The microphone operates at lower voltages, but with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity [4] All specifications measured with a 48 Vdc phantom power supply. The microphone operates at lower voltages, but with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity [4] All specifications measured with a 48 Vdc phantom power supply. The microphone operates at lower voltages, but with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity [4] All specifications measured with a 48 Vdc phantom power supply. The microphone operates at lower voltages, but with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity [4] All specifications measured with a 48 Vdc phantom power supply. The microphone operates at lower voltages, but with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity
