Shure PGA98H Condenser Microphone User Guide

Shure PGA98H Condenser Microphone

ABOUT Shure
Shure is a renowned American audio electronics company that specializes in the design and manufacturing of high-quality microphones, headphones, earphones, wireless systems, and other audio equipment. The company was founded in 1925 by Sidney N. Shure and is headquartered in Niles, Illinois.

Shure has established itself as a leading brand in the professional audio industry and is highly regarded for its superior sound quality, durability, and reliability. Its products are widely used by professionals in various fields, including music production, broadcasting, live sound reinforcement, recording studios, and corporate settings.

One of Shure’s most iconic products is the Shure SM58 microphone, which has become a standard in the music industry and is known for its ruggedness and vocal clarity. The company offers a wide range of microphones for different applications, including dynamic microphones, condenser microphones, and lavalier microphones.

In addition to microphones, Shure produces high-quality headphones and earphones for professional and personal use. Their headphone models, such as the Shure SRH840 and SRH1540, are known for their accurate sound reproduction and comfortable fit.

General Rules for Use

Do not cover any part of the microphone grille with your hand, as this will adversely affect microphone performance.
Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source (such as the talker, singer, or instrument) and away from unwanted sources.
Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired sound source.
Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
Use only one microphone to pick up a single sound source.
For better gain before feedback, use fewer microphones.
Keep the distance between microphones at least three times the distance from each microphone to its source (“three to one rule”).
Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces.
Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.
Avoid excessive handling to minimize pickup of mechanical noise and vibration.

Model Variations

PGA98H-XLR: Standard 3-pin XLR output with integrated belt-clip preamplifier (requires phantom power) PGA98H-TQG: 4-pin TQG output for use with wireless transmitters

Phantom Power

All condenser microphones require phantom power to operate. This microphone performs best with a 48 V DC supply (IEC-61938), but it can operate with lower voltages.

Phantom power is provided by the mixer or audio interface that the microphone is connected to and requires the use of a balanced microphone cable: XLR-to-XLR or XLR-to-TRS. In most cases, there is a switch or button to activate the phantom power. See the user guide for the mixer or interface for additional information.

NOTE: This microphone is compatible with non-Shure bodypacks that have a TQG connector and supply 5V on pin 2.

Mounting the Microphone

Use the integrated clamp to quickly and securely attach the microphone to horns or other instruments.

Squeeze the clamp to open it, and attach it to an instrument or other object.
Aim the microphone by rotating the swivel base and bending the gooseneck.

Aiming the Microphone

Position the microphone with the arrow pointed at the sound source. Shure-PGA98H-Condenser-Microphone-User-Guide-2

Applications And Placement

The following 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. Shure-PGA98H-Condenser-Microphone-User-Guide-3

Accessories

Foam windscreen for PGA98H and PGA98D microphones: AP98WS

Specifications

Type: Electret Condenser
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 60 to 20,000 Hz
Output Impedance: at 1 kHz
- PGA98H-XLR: 850 Ω
- PGA98H-TQG: 600 Ω
Sensitivity: at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage -52 dBV/Pa[1] (2.51 mV)
Maximum SPL: 1 kHz at 1% THD, 1 kΩ load, typical 130 dB SPL
Self Noise: A-weighted, typical 27 dB SPL-A
Polarity
- PGA98H-XLR: Positive pressure on the diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
- PGA98H-TQG: Positive pressure on the diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 3 with respect to pin 1
Connector
- PGA98H-XLR: Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male
- PGA98H-TQG: TA4F
Weight
- PGA98H-XLR: 245 g (0.5 lbs)
- PGA98H-TQG: 75 g (0.2 lbs)
Housing: Cast Zinc
Power Requirements: 11 to 52 V DC phantom power (2 mA)[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL

Certifications

This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is eligible for CE marking.

The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from: www.shure.com/europe/compliance

Authorized European representative: Shure Europe GmbH
Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa Department: EMEA Approval
Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12
75031 Eppingen, Germany
Phone: 49-7262-92 49 0
Fax: 49-7262-92 49 11 4
Email: info@shure.de

FAQs about Shure PGA98H Condenser Microphone

What is a condenser microphone mostly used for?

Most commonly, condenser microphones are used in the studio where their superior frequency and transient response, as well as their lower self-noise, are great for capturing clean, high-fidelity recordings that are true to the sound source.

Can you use a condenser mic outside?

You can’t just grab your condenser mic off your desk and run outside to start recording. Well, you can, but it won’t sound good. It’s just not the right kind of mic for this situation.

How do you power a condenser mic?

The short version: Phantom power is the standard method for powering professional condenser microphones via the XLR-3 connector and balanced cables. The XLR-connector’s pin 2 and pin 3 both carry +48 volts ±4 volts DC.

What equipment do you need with a condenser mic?

Condenser microphones almost always need phantom power. This is a 48V voltage that is usually supplied to the microphone from the mixing board or mic preamp by the XLR cable. If you’re using an XLR-to-stereo-mini plug then it’s probably not going to work. You could buy a USB audio interface.

Why do condenser mics need power?

Put simply, condenser microphones have active electronics that need an external power source, while dynamic mics are passive and therefore do not need phantom power. Because of the way condenser mics work, their output is very high impedance and therefore requires a powered circuit to reduce that impedance.

Do condenser mics need electricity?

In conclusion, phantom power is a type of electrical power supply used to provide power to active electronic devices. Condenser microphones require phantom power to operate, while dynamic microphones do not.

Can water damage the condenser mic?

Moisture could cause a problem if it is on the diaphragm. If moisture is on the diaphragm, the sound will likely be very poor. It would not be a subtle degradation. Letting the microphone air dry will typically allow it to recover.

How far can the condenser mic pick up sound?

The ideal distance should be such that the microphone only picks up the sound of your voice while avoiding the other sounds of the room. The appropriate length for the most common microphone (a large-diaphragm condenser) is 6-12 inches away from your mouth.

Does the condenser mic need batteries?

The thing is, for a capacitor to work, it needs an outside energy source, such as a battery. Therefore, for your condenser microphone to work, it needs what is known as “phantom power.” This is unique to condenser microphones, as no other microphone requires phantom power.

How is a condenser microphone built?

Condenser microphones operate on an electrostatic principle, using charged metal plates to help generate sound. Condenser microphones use a pair of charged metal plates, one fixed (the backplate) and one movable (the diaphragm), forming a capacitor.

What mic types are condensers?

Condenser microphones come in two main types: small-diaphragm and large-diaphragm. Small-diaphragm condenser microphones are more common and are generally used for recording instruments. They are also great for capturing the sound of vocals and acoustic guitars.

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