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BETA 87A
SUPERCARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE
The Shure Model BETA 87A is a premium quality supercar-
dioid hand-held electret condenser vocal microphone with ex-
ceptionally smooth frequency response and high sound pres-
sure level (SPL) capability. Used for professional sound
reinforcement, broadcasting, and studio recording applica-
tions, 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 oper-
ates on phantom power.
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 character-
istics
• Very low susceptibility to RFI and electromagnetic hum
• Advanced cartridge shock-mount system absorbs mechan-
ical shocks and reduces handling noise
• Built-in pop filter reduces undesirable wind and breath
sounds
• Reliability for years of trouble-free performance
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
TONE QUALITY
Lips less than 6 inches (15 cm) away
or touching the windscreen, on axis to
microphone.
Robust sound, emphasized
bass, maximum isolation from
other sources.
6 inches to 2 feet (15 to 60 cm) away
from mouth, just above nose height.
Natural sound, reduced bass.
8 inches to 2 feet (20 to 60 cm) away
from mouth, slightly off to one side.
Natural sound, reduced bass
and minimal ”s” sounds.
3 to 6 feet (90 cm to 1.8 m) away. Thinner, distant sound; notice-
able levels of ambient noise.
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 un-
wanted 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
sound source. Refer to the table above.
3. Use only one microphone for each sound source.
4. Keep the distance between microphones at least three times
the distance from each source to its microphone.
5. Place microphones as far as possible from reflective sur-
faces.
6. Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
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.
180
o
125
o
125
o
90
o
0
o
90
o
CORRECT
0
o
90
o
180
o
INCORRECTCORRECT
125
o
90
o
0
o
180
o
90
o
90
o
POSITIONING UNWANTED SOUND SOURCES
FIGURE 1
Model BETA 87A User Guide
27D2965 (Rev. 7)
2005, Shure Incorporated
Printed in U.S.A.