Shure SM87A User Manual
Model sm87a user guide, Sm87a supercardioid condenser microphone, Features
SM87A
SUPERCARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE
The Shure Model SM87A is a professional-quality, hand-
held condenser microphone for use in sound reinforcement,
broadcasting, and studio recording installations. Its super-
cardioid polar pattern provides greater rejection of unwanted
sound sources, making it ideal for miking individual instru-
ments in a multi-microphone setting or for miking single
sources in a reverberant or noisy environment.
The SM87A features a controlled low-frequency roll-off tai-
lored for optimum performance when close-miking sound
sources. An integral three-stage wind and pop filter protects
against wind and breath noise. Its built-in shock mount re-
duces stand and handling noise. The SM87A operates on
phantom power.
Features
•
Highly directional supercardioid pickup pattern
•
Controlled low-frequency roll-off
•
Very low RF and magnetic hum susceptibility
•
Minimally affected by varying load impedance
•
Built-in wind and pop filter
•
Transducer element shock mounted
•
Rugged construction for outstanding reliability
•
Field-usable over a wide range of temperature and
humidity conditions
•
Accepts a wide variety of phantom power sources, in-
cluding DIN 45 596 voltages of 11 and 52 Vdc
APPLICATION AND PLACEMENT
Some of the most common applications and placement tech-
niques are listed in the following table. Keep in mind that micro-
phone technique is largely a matter of personal taste—there is
no one “correct” microphone position.
SUGGESTED MICROPHONE
PLACEMENT
TONE QUALITY
Lips less than 15 cm (6 in.) away or
touching the windscreen, on axis to
microphone.
Robust sound, emphasized
bass, maximum isolation from
other sources.
15 to 60 cm (6 in. to 2 ft.) away from
mouth, just above nose height.
Natural sound, reduced bass.
20 to 60 cm (8 in. to 2 ft.) away from
mouth, slightly off to one side.
Natural sound, reduced bass
and minimal ”s” sounds.
.90 cm to 1.8 m (3 to 6 ft) 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 SM87A, 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
INCORRECT
CORRECT
125
o
90
o
0
o
180
o
90
o
90
o
POSITIONING UNWANTED SOUND SOURCES
FIGURE 1
Model SM87A User Guide
27B2964 (Rev. 5)
2003, Shure Incorporated
Printed in U.S.A.