Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
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.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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 ManualProduct 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.
Videos
gearwire
Shure Beta 98A Mini Condenser: Popular Tom Mic Updated For AES (Video)
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
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
4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
According to Shure's artist page, Buddy Guy uses Shure's Beta 98A to mic his toms.
According to Shure's artist page, Casting Crowns uses Shure's Beta 98A microphone for their snare bottom and toms.
According to Shure's artist page, Chris Isaak uses Shure's Beta 98A microphone for his toms.
According to Shure's artist page, Iron and Wine uses Shure's Beta 98A microphone to mic his snare bottom and hi-hat.
According to Shure's artist page, Chris Tomlin's drummer uses Shure's Beta98A for the toms.
Shure endorsed Nickelback uses Shure's Beta 98A to mic their snare, according to Shure's artist page.
According to Shure's artist page, Cage the Elephant uses Shure's Beta 98A microphone for their toms.
According to Shure's artist page, Chevelle uses Shure's Beta 98A microphone for their toms.
According to Shure's artist page, Cheap Trick uses Shure's Beta 98A microphone for their snare bottom, cowbell, 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.
More Shure Condenser Microphones
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Condenser Microphones
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
jeff_ghGear IQ 1952
-