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MODEL BETA 91t
HALF-CARDIOID CONDENSER
INSTRUMENT MICROPHONE
GENERAL
The Shure BETA 91t is a high performance condenser
microphone with a tailored frequency response designed
specifically for kick drums and other instruments. It provides
superb attack and “punch,” and delivers studio quality sound,
with minimal distortion even at extremely high sound pressure
levels.
The BETA 91 features a half-cardioid pattern (cardioid in the
hemisphere above the mounting surface) throughout its fre-
quency range to insure high gain before feedback and excel-
lent rejection of unwanted sound.
FEATURES
• Frequency response shaped specifically for kick drums and
other instruments
• Wide dynamic range for use in high SPL environments
• Low-profile design requires no external mounting hardware
• Detachable cable for easy storage
• Legendary Shure quality, ruggedness, and reliability
GENERAL RULES FOR MICROPHONE USE
1. Aim the side of the microphone marked “Shure” toward
the desired sound source and away from unwanted
sources. This may not be obvious or intuitive, since car-
dioid microphones such as the BETA 91 have narrow
pickup patterns.
2. Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired
sound source (refer to the table below) to maximize sig-
nal-to-noise ratio.
3. Use only one microphone to pick up a single sound
source.
4. Use the fewest number of microphones as practical.
5. Keep multiple microphones separated by a distance
equal to at least 3 times the distance to the nearest sound
source.
APPLICATIONS AND PLACEMENT
The most common BETA 91 application and placement
technique is listed in the following table. Keep in mind that mi-
crophone technique is largely a matter of personal taste–there
is no one “correct” microphone position.
APPLICATION SUGGESTED
MICROPHONE
PLACEMENT
TONE QUALITY
Kick Drum Inside drum, on a pillow
or other cushioning sur-
face, 25 to 152 mm (1 to
6 in.) from beater head.
Full, natural sound.
INTERCONNECTING CABLE
A 4.6 m (15 ft) heavy-duty cable is supplied for connecting the
BETA 91 microphone to the preamplifier. It may be desirable
for the components to be located a greater distance apart. Up
to 23 m (75 ft) of additional cable can be used between the
BETA 91 microphone and the preamplifier without signal loss.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Cardioid condenser (electret bias)
Frequency Response
20 to 20,000 Hz (see Figure 1)
(measured at 304.8 mm [1 ft] from a spherical sound source,
free field conditions)
Hz
dB
7.6 cm (3 in.)
15.2 cm (6 in.)
30.3 cm (1 ft.)
60.6 cm (2 ft.)
TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE
FIGURE 1
Model Beta 91t User Guide
27C3035 (Rev. 3)
2005, Shure Incorporated
Printed in U.S.A.