Shure Beta 98 AD/C
Miniature Condenser Microphone
- With dedicated drum mount designed for snare and toms
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Warm, natural sound with a smooth high end
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- 11-52 V Phantom power
- 4-pin TQG connector
- Optional holders for different applications available
- Includes special A98D drum mount, windshield, transport bag, 4.5 m TA3F-to-TA4F cable and RPM626 phantom power adapter (TA3F to XLR)
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Available since November 2010
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Item number 256102
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Battery Powered No
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Directional Microphone No
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Stereo Pair No
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switchable lowcut No
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switchable pad No
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characteristic cardoid
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Incl. Clip On Mount Yes
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Condenser Microphone Yes
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Clip-On Microphone Yes
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Gooseneck Yes
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The drum mic with the perfect mount
The Shure Beta 98AD/C is a compact electret condenser microphone designed for close‑miking drums, percussion, brass, and woodwinds, supplied with the dedicated A98D drum mount and a separate RPM626 inline preamplifier. Part of Shure's Beta microphone family, it reflects the company's longstanding philosophy of developing purpose-built microphones for virtually every major stage and studio application. At just 12g, the capsule itself is exceptionally light, keeping mass off the drum or cymbal stand and avoiding any interference with the instrument's natural resonance. A 4.6m heavy-duty interconnect cable connects the capsule to the supplied RPM626 inline preamplifier, which provides a standard balanced XLR output for direct connection to a mixer, stagebox, or audio interface, from which it also draws phantom power. The A98D mount attaches securely to drum rims and cymbal stands; the flexible gooseneck allows for precise positioning. A snap‑fit windscreen and zippered bag are included as standard; 48V phantom power is required.
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Capsule and construction
The Shure Beta 98AD/C shares its updated capsule design with the AMP/C – electret condenser, 20Hz–20kHz, with a broad presence lift through 6–12kHz that captures cymbal brightness, brass clarity, and the upper harmonic content of woodwinds naturally. Sensitivity is rated at -48.0dBV/Pa (4.0 mV) and self-noise at 30dB SPL-A. Maximum SPL is rated at 150.5dB (at 2500 ohm) – slightly lower than the AMP/C, though still comfortably beyond the levels encountered on close‑miked drums and percussion. The uniform cardioid pattern maintains consistent off-axis rejection across the frequency range, keeping bleed from adjacent sources under control in multi-mic drum setups and busy stage environments.
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Rim-mount specialist
The Shure Beta 98AD/C suits drummers and engineers who want a dedicated drum mounting solution rather than a universal clip. The A98D mount is its defining advantage, providing a secure, low-profile attachment to drum rims and cymbal stands that stays clear of sticks and surrounding hardware. The exceptionally light 12g capsule keeps mass at the instrument end as low as possible, helping preserve the natural movement of drum rims and cymbal stands. Beyond the drum kit, the same capsule and frequency response suit brass and woodwind applications – here, though, musicians might prefer a lightweight clip-on condenser, and of course Shure offer this option too: the Beta 98H/C. Users who looking for a universal mounting system with an integrated preamp should instead consider the Beta 98AMP/C.
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About Shure
The American company Shure began developing microphones during the early 1930s and is one of the pioneers of the audio engineering sector. Models such as the 55 Unidyne – known to many as the "Elvis microphone" – and the SM57 and SM58 which appeared in the mid-1960s are still ubiquitous in live sound production today. They enjoy cult status among musicians and technicians alike. In the 1990s, Shure introduced the first wireless microphones and in-ear monitoring systems and became a market leader in this field. In addition to microphones, Shure offers a wide range of earphones and headphones for studio and live use, as well as various accessories.
Exactly the right tools for the job
The Beta 98AD/C's cardioid pattern helps isolate individual kit elements, while the flexible gooseneck allows precise capsule positioning without disturbing the mount. Positioned 2.5–7.5cm above a tom or snare head, it captures attack and body with the extended high‑frequency detail that distinguishes the Beta condenser capsule. On cymbals, close placement outside the movement range delivers a bright, articulate signal with natural attack. The heavy‑duty interconnect cable withstands the demands of touring, while the separate inline preamp keeps the capsule itself as light and unobtrusive as possible at the instrument end of the signal chain. For engineers who value a dedicated rim mount, the Shure Beta 98AD/C keeps weight off the drum and the signal path clean – exactly what a specialist tool should do.
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