Shure PGA98H-XLR
Condenser Clip On Microphone
- PG Alta series
- With gooseneck
- Especially for wind instruments and percussion
- Polar pattern: cardioid
- Frequency range: 60 - 20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 850 Ohm
- Sensitivity @ 1 kHz: -52 dBV/ Pa (2.51 mV)
- Max. SPL: 130 dB
- 11 - 52 V DC Phantom power required
- Rigid mounted XLR phantom power adapter
- With belt pack
- Cable length: 4.5 m
- Colour: black
- Weight: 210 g
- Incl. bag
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Available since March 2015
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Item number 360116
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Clip-On Microphone Yes
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Condenser Microphone Yes
A mighty flexible clip-on mic
The Shure PGA98H-XLR is a cardioid electret condenser microphone designed specifically for wind and brass instruments – but its versatility also makes it suitable for anything from accordions to traditional percussion instruments. It combines a flexible gooseneck, an integrated horn clamp, and an inline XLR preamplifier in a single compact assembly. The tailored cartridge handles the high sound pressure levels typical of brass and drums, with a maximum SPL of 130dB and a frequency response extending from 60Hz to 20kHz. The cardioid polar pattern focuses pickup on the instrument while rejecting ambient stage noise and bleed from adjacent sources. The black metal finish and low-profile design keep visual presence to a minimum – relevant for broadcast and theatre contexts where microphone visibility matters. A 4.5m XLR-to-XLR cable, zipper pouch, foam windscreen, and belt clip are included. The PGA98H-TQG variant is available separately, for use with Shure wireless bodypack transmitters.
A well-constructed condenser
The Shure PGA98H-XLR has an inline preamplifier that connects the microphone cable to a standard 3-pin XLR output, requiring 11–52V phantom power from the connected mixer or interface – 48V is recommended for optimal performance. The cast zinc housing is built to withstand the physical demands of live use; the gooseneck retains its position once set without creeping back, while the integrated horn clamp attaches directly to the bell of a brass or woodwind instrument without tools. Sensitivity is rated at -52dBV/Pa (2.51 mV) – on the modest side for a condenser, so gain staging at the console deserves attention, particularly when close-miking quieter sources. The self-noise figure of 27dB SPL-A is acceptable for live use; engineers requiring lower noise floors for quiet studio work will find plenty of options further up the Shure range.
Bold as brass
The PGA98H-XLR is aimed at horn and woodwind players who need a reliable, unobtrusive clip-on solution for live performance. The horn clamp attaches securely to the bell or flare of an instrument – ideal for saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and other brass and woodwind instruments. The flexible gooseneck allows the capsule to be positioned precisely without requiring tape or additional hardware, while the 4.5m cable is long enough to reach a nearby stage box or mixer. The PGA98H is optimised for live amplified performance – the noise floor and sensitivity figures are well-suited to stage SPL levels, though engineers considering it for close-miked studio work on quieter instruments may prefer a higher-specification condenser designed specifically for studio recording For players using Shure wireless systems, the PGA98H-TQG provides the same capsule in a bodypack-compatible format.
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.
Perfect placement in practice
In a live band context, the Shure PGA98H-XLR handles the typical SPL of a brass or woodwind instrument without distortion – with ample headroom even for a trumpet bell at close range – while the cardioid pattern provides useful rejection of drums, amplifiers, and other stage sources that might be positioned off-axis. The flexible gooseneck allows the capsule to be positioned precisely to suit both the instrument and the desired tonal character: Positioning the capsule closer to the bell emphasises projection and brightness, while moving it slightly further back produces a more balanced, open character that retains subtle articulations. The microphone can be repositioned quickly without unclipping the mount from the instrument. The included foam windscreen reduces breath noise and outdoor wind interference while preserving the high-frequency response. A zipper pouch is included to protect the assembly during transport between gigs.
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