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Average Price: $66

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$401+

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Description

When it comes to capturing the nuances of live performances or studio sessions, the Shure SM98 condenser microphone is an impeccable choice for both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals. Renowned for its quality and reliability, this microphone is designed to capture every intricate detail of your sound with precision. The cardioid polar pattern ensures that unwanted noise is minimized, allowing for a clean and clear recording environment, whether you're working in a bustling studio or a quiet home setup.

The Shure SM98 is equipped with a transformerless preamplifier, delivering a transparent sound that truly represents what you play. Its rugged construction is ideal for the rigors of touring and live performances, while the versatility of its compact design makes it perfect for a wide range of instruments—from brass to strings. Additionally, the included windscreen and shock mount further enhance its performance by reducing ambient noise and handling vibrations, ensuring that your recordings remain pristine.

Perfect for both on-stage and in-studio applications, the SM98 offers consistent, high-quality sound reproduction, making it a staple in any musician's gear collection.

Key Features:

  • Condenser microphone design for detailed sound capture
  • Cardioid polar pattern to reduce ambient noise
  • Transformerless preamplifier for transparent sound
  • Compact and rugged construction for durability
  • Comes with windscreen and shock mount for enhanced performance
  • Versatile applications from live to studio settings

Product specs

Brand Shure
Model A98D Gooseneck Clamp-On Drum Mic Mount for Beta98, SM98A Mics
Finish Black
Year 2010s
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Shure SM98: Yakuza's Bruce Lamont Takes Saxophone To New And Exciting Places

Video thumbnail for Shure SM98:  Yakuza's Bruce Lamont Takes Saxophone To New And Exciting Places by gearwire

Shure SM98: Yakuza's Bruce Lamont Takes Saxophone To New And Exciting Places

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure SM98.

Features and functionality

  • Beta98AMP/C has a built-in preamp and wider dynamic range, requiring good gain structure; shows up "hotter" on desks and may need padding.

    Source
  • The Beta98AMP/C is favored for its ability to manage hi-hat bleed better than larger-body mics, enhancing mix quality with pleasing bleed characteristics.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Beta98AMP/C offers tighter polar pattern compared to other instrument mics and works well with gates or expanders in windy outdoor conditions.

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  • Beta98AMP/C mics are noted to capture less of the lower resonances of toms compared to larger diaphragm mics like the 421.

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User experience

  • Some users report issues with Beta98 gooseneck mounts and clips being less durable or reliable than other options.

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  • The original Beta98 models had issues with tiny cables and fragility, whereas the newer AMP version addresses these reliability concerns.

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  • One user fixed the wire of their Shure clip-on mic along the instrument bell with a Velcro strap to avoid interference, highlighting practical cable management.

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  • Wired clip-on mics can be an interim solution before investing in a wireless rig, though users must manage cable length and potential tripping hazards.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Shure wired clip-ons are favored in tight stage setups, especially for horn players, where mic stands can be cumbersome and limit movement.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users find the clip-on mics too heavy, impacting instrument balance, but others report lighter models improving user experience for saxophonists.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jeff Ament uses Shure SM98

Jeff Ament

Bassist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via Photo

According to a rig diagram, it has been confirmed that Jeff Ament's bass cabinets are mic'd with a Shure SM98 microphone.

See how Josh Hoffman uses Shure SM98

Josh Hoffman

Singer, Guitarist

Grandfather

...
Verified via SonicScoop

Used for the "bass drum batter" and rimshot on Why'd I Try, as stated by bandmate Michael Kirsch in this self-written October 5, 2010 SonicScoop article.

Drums (Kentucky)

Bass Drum Front: Beyer M380 -> 1176 Limiter Slow Release, 20:1

Bass Drum Batter: Shure SM98

Snare: Sony C37e -> NTI EQ

Rack Tom: Josephson E22s Top and Bottom

Floor Tom: Josephson E22s Top and Bottom

Overheads: Royer 122 (L&R) -> 1178 Limiter -> GML EQ + 678k + 3726k

M-S Stereo: AKG C24 M.S (0 + ?) -> Electrical M-S Matrix

Room Ambience: Neumann CMV563 + N55k Capsules (L&R) -> 20ms Stereo Delay

Rimshot: Shure SM98 -> GML Limiter

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 SM98, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Urei 1178 Dual Peak Limiter
1
Fender Jazz Bass
Fender Jazz Bass Electric Basses
1
Tech 21 SansAmp Classic
Tech 21 SansAmp Classic Distortion Effects Pedals
1
Ampeg SVT-2 Pro Head
Ampeg SVT-2 Pro Head Bass Amplifier Heads
1
NTI EQ3
NTI EQ3 Effects Processors
1
MXR M-117 Flanger
MXR M-117 Flanger Flanger Effects Pedals
1
Ampeg B-15
Ampeg B-15 Bass Amplifier Stacks
1
Dunlop TS-1 Tremolo Stereo Pan
Dunlop TS-1 Tremolo Stereo Pan Tremolo Effects Pedals
1

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