Shure SM93 Lavalier Microphone Review
Shure SM93 Lavalier Microphone Feature
- Subminiature lavalier design; ideal size for theater, television broadcasting, video, film, and sound reinforcement
- Full, clear sound comparable to larger microphones
- Smooth extended frequency response with presence rise specially tailored for chest-worn microphone operation
- Versatile mounting accessories allow a variety of low-visibility applications
- Omnidirectional condenser
Providing a full, clear sound comparable to that of much larger microphones, the Shure SM93 omnidirectional miniature lavalier condenser microphone is ideal for body-worn applications in TV broadcasting, theater, and sound reinforcement. Its frequency response is tailored to body-worn applications, with low-end rolloff and presence rise.
The Shure SM93 lavalier microphone with preamplifier assembly. |
Includes tie clip and sew-on mounting bracket. |
Includes tie clip and sew-on mounting bracket. |
Intended for wired applications, the SM93 is powered by phantom power supplied by broadcast, sound reinforcement or recording equipment, or an external phantom supply, and it includes a preamplifier assembly for connection to three-pin professional (XLR) audio connectors.
The SM93 is supplied with a sew-on mounting bracket, a mounting block with attached tie bar, and an acoustic windscreen to minimize wind noise in outdoor applications. It is also supplied with a dual mounting block with attached tie bar.
Key Features
- Subminiature lavalier design; ideal size for theater, television broadcasting, video, film, and sound reinforcement
- Small, inconspicuous mounting hardware
- Full, clear sound comparable to larger microphones
- Smooth extended frequency response with presence rise specially tailored for chest-worn microphone operation
- Controlled low-frequency rolloff reduces low-frequency clothing and room noise
- Low distortion, wide dynamic range
- Versatile mounting accessories allow a variety of low-visibility applications
- Preamplifier assembly can be pocketed, strapped to the body, or clipped to belt or waistband
- Omnidirectional condenser
Mounting the Microphone
The tie clips and mounting bracket provided with the SM93 allow the user to wear the microphone in a variety of ways. To achieve optimum pickup, attach the microphone to the user's chest. You can also obtain high-quality sound when the microphone is worn in the hair, sewn into clothing, or attached to an acoustic instrument such as a guitar.
- Tie Clip. A spring-loaded clasp attaches easily to a necktie, lapel, blouse, or shirt. Snap the microphone into the clip's mounting bracket and attach the clip to an article of clothing. The dual tie clip supplied with the SM93 provides simultaneous mounting of two microphones.
- Sew-On Bracket. Sew the supplied sew-on mounting bracket directly to a garment (Figure 1). Use dark or light thread as necessary to match the color of the bracket.
Specifications
- Type: Condenser (electret bias)
- Frequency Response: 80 to 20,000 Hz, 12 dB/octave rolloff below 100 Hz
- Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional, uniform with frequency
- Output Impedance: Rated at 150 ohms (90 ohms actual)
Recommended minimum load impedance: 800 ohms (may be used with loads as low as 150 with reduced clipping level) - Output Level (1 Pascal = 94 dB SPL):
- Open Circuit Voltage: -43 dBV/Pa (7.0 mV)
- Output Clipping Level (at 1,000 Hz): -18 dBV (0.13 V) minimum
- Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 1% at 120 dB
- Maximum SPL: 120 dB
- Dynamic Range (maximum SPL to A-weighted noise level): 98 dB
- Output Noise (equivalent SPL): 22 dB typical, A-weighted; 26 dB, weighted per DIN 45 405
- Hum Pickup (electromagnetic): -4 dB equivalent SPL in a 1 mOe field (60 Hz)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 72 dB at 94 dB SPL (IEC 651)
- Polarity: Positive pressure on microphone diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3 of preamplifier output cable connector
- Current Drain: 0.33 mA
- Cable: Black, 4.17 feet, attached, two-conductor, shielded, terminated by miniature connector type (TA4F)
- Case:
- Microphone: Black ABS thermoplastic case with stainless-steel-mesh grille
- Preamplifier: Steel case with non-reflective black finish, black-chrome belt clip
- Weight:
- Microphone: 0.57 ounces
- Preamplifier: 4.17 ounces
The SM93 is an economical omnidirectional miniature lavalier condenser microphone designed for use in speech applications. Despite its small size, the microphone element provides full, clear sound comparable to that of much larger microphones. Its frequency response is tailored to body-worn applications, with low-end rolloff and presence rise.
