Shure PGA98D
Condenser Clip Microphone
- PG Alta Series
- With XLR connector
- Suitable for all types of instrument recordings
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 850 Ohm
- Sensitivity at 1 kHz: -52 dBV/Pa (2.51 mV)
- Max SPL: 130 dB
- 11 - 52 V phantom power required
- Colour: Black
- Weight: 210 g
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Available since April 2015
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Item number 360118
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Clip-On Microphone Yes
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Dynamic Microphone No
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Condenser Microphone Yes
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Gooseneck Yes
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Incl. Clip On Mount Yes
A mighty flexible drum mic
The Shure PGA98D is a cardioid electret condenser microphone designed for drums and percussion, combining a flexible gooseneck with a moulded one-piece drum mount for fast, low-profile attachment directly to the rim of a drum. The tailored cartridge handles the high SPL of close-miked drums with a 130dB ceiling and a frequency response extending from 60Hz to 20kHz, while the cardioid polar pattern focuses pickup on the drum head, rejecting bleed from adjacent kit elements. The integrated preamplifier connects via standard 3-pin XLR, requiring phantom like any condenser. The black metal housing and compact profile keep visual presence to a minimum and reduce the risk of the microphone interfering with the player's stroke. A 4.5m XLR cable, zipper pouch, and foam windscreen are included as standard.
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Construction and mounting
The Shure PGA98D's moulded one-piece drum mount clips directly onto the rim of a tom, snare, or other rimmed drum – the groove seats over the top of the rim, the base wraps underneath, and the microphone inserts into the clip without tools. The mount is flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of rim profiles. Once fitted, the gooseneck allows the capsule to be aimed precisely at the drum head without the mount shifting position. The integrated preamplifier requires 11–52V phantom power from the connected mixer or interface: 48V is recommended. Sensitivity is rated at -52 dBV/Pa (2.51 mV) and self-noise at 27dB SPL-A – figures well suited to the high ambient SPL of a live drum kit, where self-noise is rarely a practical concern.
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Versatile, focused, discreet
The Shure PGA98D is aimed at drummers and engineers who need a compact, unobtrusive close-mic solution for toms and snare in live or studio contexts. The rim-mount design keeps the capsule and cable clear of the playing surface, reducing the risk of strike interference that often affects stand-mounted microphones in tight kit configurations. The cardioid pattern provides useful rejection of hi-hats, cymbals, and adjacent drums, though bleed management will still depend on overall kit spacing and gain structure. The sensitivity and self-noise figures are ideal in live and moderately loud studio contexts; engineers working in quieter studio environments may prefer one of Shure's higher-specification condenser microphones. The PGA98H covers the equivalent role for wind instruments within the same PG Alta series.
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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.
Drum kit specialist – and more
Mounted directly to the drum rather than a separate stand, the Shure PGA98D maintains a consistent position as the kit is moved or adjusted. On toms, the gooseneck positions the capsule above the head, angled toward the centre for greater attack and stick definition, or toward the edge for a fuller, more open tone. On snare, the compact mount leaves valuable clearance between the drum, hi-hat, and rack tom – exactly where a stand-mounted microphone can become awkward. The PGA98D's close-miking design naturally captures attack and body while limiting unwanted room ambience, leaving any further refinements to the console. Beyond the drum kit, the mic can also be used on congas, cajón, and other hand percussion with a conventional microphone clip and stand. The zipper pouch keeps the assembly protected between rehearsals, recording sessions, and live performances.
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Shure Microphones for Snare Drum at a glance
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Display Microphones for Snare Drum from € 140 - € 180
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