Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (9)
$259.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$233.00
Amazon
4.5 (20)
$259.00
Musician's Friend
4.0 (3)
$259.00
zZounds
4.5 (1)
$233.00
B&H
4.7 (6)
$259.00

Average Price: $248

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Shure Beta98A". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

When it comes to capturing the nuanced sounds of your instruments in confined spaces, the Shure Beta 98A Condenser Microphone stands out as a top performer. Despite its compact size, this microphone packs a punch with its high-output design and uniform cardioid polar pattern, ensuring exceptional gain before feedback and superior rejection of off-axis noise. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the Shure Beta 98A delivers a wide frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, capturing the authentic tones of drums, pianos, saxophones, and violins with clarity and precision.

The Beta 98A excels in high SPL environments, handling sound pressure levels up to 144 dB. Its enamel-coated metal construction and stainless steel inner grille offer resilience against the rigors of regular use without compromising on sound quality. The versatile design includes configurations with either a flexible gooseneck for percussion or a shock mount swivel adapter for various acoustic instruments, making it a reliable choice for professional sound reinforcement and recording.

Perfect for tight spots yet offering wide dynamic range and low-frequency reproduction, the Shure Beta 98A is built to withstand the demands of any performance, ensuring that every note is captured with the utmost fidelity.

Key Features:

  • Miniature cardioid condenser microphone
  • Uniform cardioid pickup pattern
  • Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
  • High SPL handling up to 144 dB
  • Enamel-coated metal construction and stainless steel inner grille
  • Includes flexible gooseneck and shock mount adapter configurations
  • Requires phantom power, +11V to +52V
  • Connector: 3-pin XLR, male, balanced

Owner's manual

Shure Beta98A User Manual

Product specs

Microphone Type Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
Max SPL 144dB
Signal to Noise Ratio 64dB
Self Noise 30dB (A weighted)
Output Impedance 179 ohms
Connector XLR
Weight 0.38 lbs.

FAQs

What is the primary application for the Shure Beta 98AD/C microphone?

The Shure Beta 98AD/C is primarily designed for miking drums and percussion, particularly snares and toms, in both live and studio settings.

What type of polar pattern does the Shure Beta 98AD/C have?

The Shure Beta 98AD/C features a cardioid polar pattern, which provides excellent rejection of off-axis noise and feedback, making it ideal for capturing focused sound from individual drum components.

Is the Shure Beta 98AD/C suitable for high sound pressure levels?

Yes, the Shure Beta 98AD/C can handle a maximum sound pressure level of 144dB, making it well-suited for capturing loud drum and percussion performances without distortion.

Does the Shure Beta 98AD/C require phantom power?

Yes, as a condenser microphone, the Shure Beta 98AD/C requires phantom power to operate, which is typically provided by most mixing consoles and audio interfaces.

How does the Shure Beta 98AD/C attach to drums or percussion instruments?

The Shure Beta 98AD/C comes with an A98D drum mount that securely clips onto drum rims, allowing for precise positioning and stability during performances.

gearwire

gearwire

Shure Beta 98A Mini Condenser: Popular Tom Mic Updated For AES (Video)

Video thumbnail for Shure Beta 98A Mini Condenser: Popular Tom Mic Updated For AES (Video) by gearwire

Shure Beta 98A Mini Condenser: Popular Tom Mic Updated For AES (Video)

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for Kraft Music - Shure Beta 98A Miniature Cardioid Microphone Presentation by Kraft Music

Kraft Music - Shure Beta 98A Miniature Cardioid Microphone Presentation

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Compact and easy to handle, great for small spaces

  • Excellent for capturing snare and tom sounds with minimal EQ adjustments

  • Versatile, suitable for various instruments including drums, cello, and horns

  • Robust construction and reliable mounting options

  • Outstanding frequency response and sound quality

  • Minimal visual impact due to small size

  • Easy to set up and position, stays secure even with aggressive use

  • High SPL handling for clean sound

  • Low pickup of ambient sounds, ideal for live performances

  • Available in a wireless system variant

CONS

  • Significant bleed from other instruments, such as hi-hats

  • Included cable length may be excessive for some setups

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure Beta98A.

Features and functionality

  • The Beta 98AMP/C integrates the preamp with the gooseneck, unlike the Beta 98AD, which has a separate preamp piece.

    Source
  • The preamp balances the signal, lowers impedance, and accepts phantom power, not acting as a cloudlifter.

    Source
  • Internal circuitry uses an op-amp instead of a tube or FET, clarifying the term "internal preamp."

    Source
  • The Beta 98AMP model features XLR connections, addressing user dislike for mini-XLR found in other Shure models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Beta 98AMP/C is preferred for mic stand mounting, while the Beta 98AD is designed for clamping on drum rims.

    Source
  • Beta 98s are preferred on rack toms, while 904s or Audix D4s are favored for floor toms.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Beta 98s are considered less physically intrusive on rack toms compared to 604/904s, which can be too far in on the head.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users report phantom spikes with Beta 98s due to loose or bad mini XLR cables, often from drum vibration.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Buddy Guy uses Shure Beta98A

Buddy Guy

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Shure

According to Shure's artist page, Buddy Guy uses Shure's Beta 98A to mic his toms.

See how Dominic Howard uses Shure Beta98A

Dominic Howard

Drummer, Music Producer

Muse

...
Verified via Musewiki

Used on his Toms live, and possibly on albums

See how Andy Williams uses Shure Beta98A

Andy Williams

Guitarist

Every Time I Die

...
Verified via Shure

According to Shure's artist page, Casting Crowns uses Shure's Beta 98A microphone for their snare bottom and toms.

See how Chris Isaak uses Shure Beta98A

Chris Isaak

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Shure

According to Shure's artist page, Chris Isaak uses Shure's Beta 98A microphone for his toms.

See how Iron & Wine uses Shure Beta98A

Iron & Wine

Guitarist

...
Verified via Shure

According to Shure's artist page, Iron and Wine uses Shure's Beta 98A microphone to mic his snare bottom and hi-hat.

See how Chris Tomlin uses Shure Beta98A

Chris Tomlin

Guitarist, Singer

Chris Tomlin Band

...
Verified via Shure

According to Shure's artist page, Chris Tomlin's drummer uses Shure's Beta98A for the toms.

See how Daniel Adair uses Shure Beta98A

Daniel Adair

Drummer

3 Doors Down

...
Verified via Shure

Shure endorsed Nickelback uses Shure's Beta 98A to mic their snare, according to Shure's artist page.

See how Jared Champion uses Shure Beta98A

Jared Champion

Drummer

Cage the Elephant

...
Verified via Shure

According to Shure's artist page, Cage the Elephant uses Shure's Beta 98A microphone for their toms.

See how Sam Loeffler uses Shure Beta98A

Sam Loeffler

Drummer, Composer

Chevelle

...
Verified via Shure

According to Shure's artist page, Chevelle uses Shure's Beta 98A microphone for their toms.

See how Bun E. Carlos uses Shure Beta98A

Bun E. Carlos

Drummer

Cheap Trick

...
Verified via Shure

According to Shure's artist page, Cheap Trick uses Shure's Beta 98A microphone for their snare bottom, cowbell, and toms.

See how Brandon Kroeger uses Shure Beta98A

Brandon Kroeger

Drummer

Nickelback

...
Verified via Shure

Shure endorsed Nickelback uses Shure's Beta 98A to mic their snare, according to Shure's artist page.

See how Brian Scoggin uses Shure Beta98A

Brian Scoggin

Drummer

Casting Crowns

...
Verified via Shure

According to Shure's artist page, Casting Crowns uses Shure's Beta 98A microphone for their snare bottom and toms.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Shure Beta98A, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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