The Shure Beta 98HC microphone is known in various names, including Beta 98H-C and Beta98HC.
This Shure mic features a convenient clip-on design that makes it perfect for miking trumpets and other instruments. The high-quality cardioid condenser instrumental mic clamps well onto the rim of percussion instruments and bells of wind instruments.
The microphone features an integrated gooseneck with an angle brace, an isolation shock-mount, and a ratcheting swivel joint. The ratcheting swivel joint and integrated gooseneck make it easy to position and secure the mic on your instrument while the rubber isolation shock-mount eliminates “key” and mechanical noises.
The mic is sold together with a gooseneck angle brace, which ensures the mic stays in place wherever you’ve clamped it during vigorous performances.
Other accessories supplied with the mic include a cable management device, a storage bag, and a snap-on windscreen.
Shure Beta 98 HC Features
- Rugged and reliable build quality that Shure is known for
- Uniform cardioid pattern enables excellent rejection of ambient sound and provides for high gain-before-feedback
- Comes with a gooseneck angle brace, ratcheting swivel joint, and gooseneck for optimum placement and fixed positioning
- The mic is compact and has a lightweight construction, which provides a low degree of visibility
- The frequency response is customized for open, natural sound reproduction
- Comes with a 3m (10ft) high-flex cable with attached preamplifier (XLR connection)
- Comes with a 1.6m (5.3 ft.) flexible cable terminating in a 4-pin mini-connector, for use with wireless bodypack transmitters
- Designed for use in high SPL environments
- Two interchangeable microphone cartridges with different pick-up patterns:
- RPM110 – Supercardioid cartridge
- RPM108 – Cardioid cartridge
Shure Beta 98 HC Models
There are two model variations of the Shure Beta 98 instrument mic. These are:
i) Beta 98H/C
This model includes a microphone, a cable management device, a gooseneck angle brace, two snap-on windscreens, and a 3 m (10ft.) flexible cable attached with a preamplifier. (Check price on Amazon)
ii) WB98H/C
This model includes a microphone, a cable management device, a gooseneck angle brace, two snap-on windscreens, and a 1.6 m (5.3ft.) flexible cable terminated to mini-connector (TA4F) for wireless applications. (Check price on Amazon)
Both the Beta 98H/C and WB98H/C have a unidirectional (cardioid) polar pattern.
Moreover, the two mics have a Frequency Response of between 20 to 20,000 Hz.
Shure Beta 98H C Specifications
[wps_table style=”stripped”]| MICROPHONE | BETA 98H/C MICROPHONE (With preamplifier) | WB98H/c (With standard TEST CIRCUIT) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Condenser (electret bias) | Condenser (electret bias) |
| Polar Pattern | Unidirectional (cardioid) | Unidirectional (cardioid) |
| Frequency Response | 20 to 20,000 Hz. | 20 to 20,000 Hz. |
| Output Impedance |
|
1200 Ω |
| Output Level (0 dB = 1 volt per Pascal) |
Open Circuit Voltage: -56 dB (1.6 mV) | Open Circuit Voltage: –56.5 dB (1.5 mV) |
| Output Clipping Level (at 1kHz, THD < 1%) |
2.5 kΩ load. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 dBV (3.5 V) 1.0 kΩ load. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 dBV (1.4 V) |
-9 dBV (0.35 V) |
| Maximum SPL | 2.5 kΩ load. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 dB 1.0 kΩ load. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155 dB |
143.5 dB |
| Dynamic Range (maximum SPL to A-weighted noise level) | 132 dB (2.5 kΩ load) | 112.5 dB |
| Output Noise (equivalent SPL) | 31 dB typical, A-weighted | 31 dB typical, A-weighted |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 63 dB at 94 dB SPL (IEC 651 | 63 dB at 94 dB SPL (IEC 651 |
| Polarity | Positive pressure on microphone diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3 of preamplifier output connector. | Positive pressure on microphone diaphragm produces positive voltage on pins 3 and 4 with respect to pin 1 (ground). |
| Recommended Operating Voltage | 11 to 52 Vdc Phantom | 5 V (pin 2 to pins 3 and 4) |
| Environmental Conditions |
|
|
| Net Weight | Microphone w/cable and preamplifier: 156 g (5.5 oz.) | Microphone w/cable and mini-connector (TA4F): 65 g (2.3 oz.) |
Shure Beta 98H C Review
The Shure Beta 98H/C is an excellent mic for live performances. There is no setup; just plug and play. The mic easily clips to the bell of the trumpet, sax, bandoneon or any instrument that has a flat surface bell to clip to. You can also hook it up on your Roland Cube. The mic has a thin lightweight cable, which is nice since it does not make your instrument to feel bell-heavy.
The transformerless preamplifier circuitry of the Beta 98H/C improves linearity across the full frequency range. The mic’s pickup pattern provides high gain-before-feedback and does a great job of rejecting unwanted noise. The preamplifier is attached to the mic through a 3 meters-long (10 ft.) flexible cable and it needs 11-52 Vdc phantom power.
If phantom power is not available, you should use the Shure mic with the MX1BP battery-powered pre-amplifier.
If you are worried about stepping on the relatively thin wire leading from the preamp unit that clips on your belt to the mic, you shouldn’t. The Shure Beta 98 has a nice spool on the preamp unit where you can wind the wire so that you only have the minimal amount going from the belt to your horn. A locking device on the spool will secure the wire tightly.
You can easily adjust the locking device and use the clip on the preamp to clip the wire to your pocket or belly. Therefore, you can be sure that the preamp will not be on the floor, putting it at risk of getting stepped on and probably breaking.
The Beta 98H C has a high maximum sound pressure level (SPL), which makes it an excellent microphone for handling the demands of percussion, woodwind, and brass instruments. The mic sounds great and its Frequency Response (20 to 20,000 Hz.) numbers confirm it. The mic connects to most Shure wireless rigs without the need for using any special adapter.
You can use a converter to connect the mic to standard XLR cables. To do this, you will need a mini XLR 4 Pin Male Audio Microphone Connector. You will have to cut the female plug from the 3-pin XLR cable and adapt the 4-pin YA4M (male) to accept the TA4F (female).
Check the diagram below to learn how to do the wiring:
Editor’s Comments on the Shure Beta 98H C
The Beta 98 provides an excellent performance when playing soprano, tenor, and alto sax and it does not produce any noise at all during recordings. The mic is a little bit tricky for soprano since that needs to aim at the upper part of straight sax vs bell. The cord does not look like it will last long but it actually surprisingly does.
The Beta 89 is reliable and tucks away nicely on the kit. The mic is easy to clip and unclip on saxes, trumpets and other horns. During a gig, you won’t waste time fiddling around while trying to readjust the mic when you transfer it from one sax to another. The mic is a breeze to put on and take off!
However, keep in mind that 48v power is required since it is a condenser mic and not a dynamic one. Moreover, if you have a clarinet, this is not the best mic to buy as the clip will simply slip off due to the curvature of the bell shape. For a clarinet, we recommend the reasonably priced Audio-Technica Pro 35.
If you are an Audio Technica die-hard, the closest mic to the Beta 98 that they have is the 350, which is a little bit pricey. If you’d like a backup mic for your case, we recommend the Audio Technica Pro 35, which we have reviewed here.
How to Use and Place the Shure Beta 98 Microphone
Read on for the most common applications and placement techniques of the Beta 98. However, keep in mind that some players prefer to position their mics in other areas. There is no one “correct” way of placing the mic. The microphone technique is largely a matter of personal preference.
Drum Placement
Determine the area on the drum rim where you’d like to clamp the microphone. Next, clamp the mic on the rim and adjust the gooseneck so that the mic is just an inch from the rim and a few inches above the drum head. This will ensure there is tonal balance.
Trumpet Placement
Determine the area on the trumpet bell where you’d like to clamp the microphone. Next, clamp the mic on the bell and adjust the gooseneck so that the mic is facing directly into the bell, a few inches away. This will ensure there is a bright tonal balance and maximum isolation.
Trombone Placement
Determine the area on the trombone bell where you’d like to clamp the microphone. Next, clamp the mic on the bell and adjust the gooseneck so that the mic is facing directly into the bell, a few inches away. This will ensure there is a bright tonal balance while providing maximum isolation.
Saxophone
Determine the area on the saxophone bell where you’d like to clamp the microphone. Next, clamp the mic, ensuring that it is a few inches from and facing into the bell. This will ensure there is a bright tonal balance while minimizing leakage and feedback.
Soprano Saxophone
Determine the area on the saxophone bell where you’d like to clamp the microphone. Next, clamp the mic on the bell and adjust the gooseneck so that the mic is facing the keys of the instrument, a few inches from the lower keys. This will ensure there is a warm and full tonal balance. You can adjust the gooseneck so that the mic is facing into the bell, a few inches away to get a brighter tone.
Is the Shure Beta 98 HC the Best Trumpet Microphone?
The Shure Beta 98 has one of the best quality sounds and pick up of any microphones on the market. Clamping the mic to the bell of the saxophone, trumpet or another horn allows movement without being tied to a stationary microphone stand.
The only issue you should be careful about is the thin cable that connects it from the clip to the XLR connector. If you are not careful, you can damage the cable. Moreover, as the years go by, the wire obviously wears faster than ordinary cables. Therefore, the longer you own the mic, the more careful you will have to be or else you’ll have a crackle and pop everything you move the wrong way.
Moreover, the cable is quite long and you may find yourself accidentally stepping on it from time to time, which will also affect its lifespan.
This mic would be more amazing if something was done about the longevity of the cable. You can, however, compensate for this flaw by leaving the cable wrapped in the reel (taped up) with only enough length required to get the clip from the waist to the bell of the sax. This can help to extend the life of the mic. Otherwise, you can also go for a wireless sax microphone.
The Beta 98 is pretty sturdy and easily survives knocking around. It will last a long time if you take care of it just like you would any other equipment. This is the best Shure mic for trumpet and other wind instruments. The mic is a great selection if you are on a budget but still want great quality. However, keep in mind that it is not a wireless microphone. You can get some good trumpet wireless mics here. Moreover, if you want to connect it to a soundboard, you would need a microphone cable.
We hope this Shure 98H C review has answered all the questions you may have had about the mic.
Editor’s Note: This post was provided by Kevin Harter from TheContentBear.com. I’ve been using TCB to ease the workload of creating content for my online businesses. I highly recommend the Amazon product review writers from agency.
