Models WM98 and SM98A User’s Guide
Shure Brothers Incorporated
222 Hartrey Avenue
Evanston IL 60202-3696 U.S.A.
27A2738 (QF)
1997 Shure Brothers Incorporated
Printed in U.S.A.
MODEL WM98 AND SM98A MINIATURE CONDENSER MICROPHONES
MICROPHONE
POLAR
MODIFIER
SWIVEL
ADAPTER
PREAMPLIFIER
GENERAL
Shure Models WM98 and SM98A are miniature electret condenser
microphones with a unidirectional (cardioid) pickup pattern. A smooth
wide frequency response from 40 to 20,000 Hz makes the micro-
phones well suited for musical instrument pickup. The WM98 is for
wireless use; the SM98A is for wired applications. Both models fea-
ture the 98 microphone element.
The cardioid polar response of the 98 discriminates against sounds
coming from the rear, permitting higher gain before feedback in sound
reinforcement applications. With its true cardioid pattern extending to
20,000 Hz, the microphone can often be used for pickup of a particular
instrument in an ensemble or orchestra.
When still stronger rejection of off-axis pickup is required, the
A98SPM Supercardioid Polar Modifier should be used. This device
changes the pickup pattern from cardioid to supercardioid with mini-
mal change of on-axis microphone frequency response. With the
A98SPM the 98 becomes the smallest multi-pattern microphone
available, eliminating the need for costly multiple capsules. The
A98SPM is supplied with the SM98A; it is an optional accessory for
the WM98.
A very high maximum sound pressure level allows use of the 98
with all acoustic instruments including drum kits and other percussion
as well as brass, reed, wind, string, and keyboard instruments. The
98 can also be used with amplified guitars and keyboards.
The WM98 can be connected directly to a Shure wireless transmit-
ter using the supplied cable; other transmitters must be checked for
proper pin configuration, condenser microphone power supply, and
connector type.
TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE
FIGURE 1
The WM98 is supplied with a versatile shock–mount swivel adapter
for mounting on a standard 5/8”–27 thread, a 1.12 m (3 ft 8 in.) cable
with miniature 3– and 4–pin connectors (Switchcraft TA3 and TA4
types), and an acoustic foam windscreen to minimize wind noise in
outdoor applications and from air–moving equipment.
The Shure ILP-1, low-distortion high-clipping-level, phantom–pow-
ered preamplifier, is furnished with the SM98A microphone. Additional
included accessories are: a windscreen for use with the microphone
alone, and a windscreen for use with the A98SPM, a shock-mount
swivel adapter and a detachable 4.6 m (15 ft) cable with Switchcraft
“Tini Q–G” connectors.
The ILP-1 preamplifier provides switchable gain of 0 or +10 dB and
switch-selectable Flat or Low-Cut response to suit pickup for various
instruments. The Low-Cut position is also useful to filter out low-fre-
quency noise from such sources as wind noise or air conditioner or
heater fans. The ILP-1 can be powered by any 11– to 52–volt dc phan-
tom supply from sound reinforcement, recording, or broadcast equip-
ment.
Optional accessories, designed exclusively for use with the WM98
and SM98A, are available. These include the following:
•
A98MK Drum Kit, with gooseneck holder and clamp for mount-
ing the microphone directly on most drums.
•
A98KCS Horn Mount, a shock-mounted clamp designed espe-
cially for securely mounting the 98 on a horn, wind, or reed in-
strument.
Microphone Features:
•
Smooth, wide frequency response for accurate sound repro-
duction across the entire audio spectrum
•
Symmetrical cardioid pattern, uniform with frequency to 20 kHz
•
Very high sound pressure level capability
•
Very low distortion and high output clipping level
•
Low susceptibility to RFI, electrostatic and electromagnetic
hum
•
Smallest multi-pattern microphone available – without the need
for multiple capsules
•
Rugged construction for outstanding reliability
•
Cable detachable at both microphone and transmitter (WM98)
or preamplifier (SM98A)
•
Usable over very wide range of temperature and humidity
•
Supplied with unique shock-mount swivel adapter for mounting
on conventional microphone stands or goosenecks
•
Optional accessories to increase microphone versatility
TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE – SM98A WITH
A98SPM POLAR MODIFIER INSTALLED
FIGURE 2
