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5

Applications

The following table provides a basic starting point for several instruments. Shure offers additional educational publications on 

microphone placement and recording techniques. Visit www.shure.com for more information.

Application

Distance from source

Tips

Voice 

1-3 inches (2-8 cm)

Use a pop filter (Shure PS-6) to prevent 

plosives.

Acoustic guitar

6-12 inches (15-30 cm)

Place near the sound hole for a full sound, 

or near the 12th fret for a balanced, natural 

sound.

Drums

3-6 feet (1-2 m)

Place in front of the drum kit to capture more 

of the kick drum, or as an overhead (above 

the kit, facing down) to capture more cymbals. 

Consider using additional Shure microphones 

placed on individual drums for more mixing 

flexibility and a thicker sound.

Amplifiers

1-6 inches (2-15 cm)

Aim towards the center of the speaker for a 

clear, aggressive sound, or towards the edge 

of the speaker for a mellow sound.

Strings or horns

1-6 feet (30 cm - 2 m) 

For a single instrument, place the microphone 

close to the source. For a horn or string 

section, arrange players at an equal distance 

from the microphone.

Full band

3-10 feet (1-3 m)

Face the microphone towards the group, 

centered between instruments.

Tip: 

Close microphone placement results in a full sound due to the proximity effect. Placing the microphone farther from the 

source results in more room ambience. 

Optional Accessories and Replacement Parts

7.6 m (25 ft.) Cable (XLR-XLR)

C25J

5/8" to 3/8" Thread Adapter

31A1856

4.6 m (15 ft.) Cable (XLR-XLR)

95D2153

Wireless Microphone Clip

WA371

Popper Stopper

®

 Pop Filter with Metal Gooseneck and 

Microphone Stand Clamp

PS-6

Foam Windscreen for all larger Shure "ball-type" Microphones 

available in black, blue, gray, green, red and yellow

A58WS

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