Shure SM85 - User Manual

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GENERAL

The Shure Model SM85 is a professional-quality,

hand-held, unidirectional condenser microphone

designed for the most demanding applications in sound

reinforcement, broadcasting and studio recording. It is

especially suitable for applications requiring wide fre-

quency response, low distortion characteristics, very

low RF susceptibility, and reliable operation over a wide

range of temperature and humidity extremes. The

SM85

makes optimum use of proximity effect to give the per-

former control of low-frequency sound, from the warm

intimacy of close

miking to the natural sounds of

normal-to-distant

miking. The SM85 also features an in-

tegral wind and pop filter, a high-frequency presence

peak, a controlled low-frequency

rolloff, and an effec-

tive shock mount for reduced stand and handling noise.

The case is constructed of aluminum for light weight

and ruggedness, with a steel grille and durable black

finish.

The SM85

designed for simplex (phantom) power-

ing from an external supply or directly from sound

rein-

SPECIFICATIONS

forcement, broadcast, or recording equipment. The

Type

SM85 operates over an extremely wide voltage range of

Cardioid condenser (electret bias)

11 to 52 Vdc, covering both DIN Standard 45 596 simplex

Frequency Response

voltages of 12 and 48 volts, and the proposed 24-volt

50 to 15,000 Hz (see Figure 1)

standard.

The microphone is supplied with an accessory swivel

adapter. Model

SM85-LC is supplied without a cable,

and Model

SM85-CN is supplied with a 7.6m (25 ft)

TRIPLE-FLEX@ microphone cable with professional

audio connectors. Two dual-channel power supplies

;+lo

(Models PSI and PSlE2) are available for providing

simplex power to the

SM85.

Model

SM85

Features:

-I0

Wide-range frequency response tailored for profes-

sional vocal applications

Built-in wind and pop filter minimizes undesirable

lpo0 l0,OW

20,000

FREWENCY IN

HERTZ

wind and breath sounds

Controlled low-frequency rolloff to reduce low-

TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE

frequency handling noise and compensate for prox-

FIGURE

imity effect

Polar Pattern

Transducer element shock-mounted for reduced Cardioid (unidirectional) response- uniform with fre-

stand and handling noise

quency, symmetrical about axis (see Figure

Low distortion output and wide dynamic range

Output Impedance

characteristics for a variety of load impedances

Rated at 150 ohms (85 ohms actual)

Cardioid polar pattern, uniform with frequency and

Recommended minimum load impedance: 800 ohms

symmetrical about axis, to provide maximum rejec-

(May be used with loads as low as 150 ohms with

tion and minimum coloration of off-axis sounds

reduced clipping level)

Very low RF and magnetic hum susceptibility

Output Level

(at 1,000 Hz)

Wide-range simplex powering includes DIN 45 596

Open Circuit Voltage

. . . . . .

. .

-74

dB (0.2 mV)

voltages of 12 and 48 Vdc

(0 dB

1 volt per microbar)

Rugged construction for outstanding reliability

Clipping Level

(at 1,000 Hz)

Field-usable over wide range of temperature and

gum

800-ohm Load . . . .

. . . . .

. . . . . .

dBV (0.63V)

humidity conditions

150-ohm Load

. .

. . .

15 dBV

(0.18V)

222 HARTREY

AVE

EVANSTON

60204

AREA

CODE 3121866-2200

CABLE

SHUREMICRO

TWX

910-231-0048

TELEX

72-4349

Copyrtght

1983. Shure Brothers

Inc

27A1992

(CK)

Printed In

U.S.A.

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The Shure Model SM85 is a professional-quality, handheld, unidirectional condenser microphone designed for demanding applications in sound reinforcement, broadcasting, and studio recording. It is particularly well-suited for situations requiring a wide frequency response, low distortion characteristics, very low RF susceptibility, and reliable operation across a broad range of temperature and humidity extremes.

Function Description:

The SM85 is engineered to optimize proximity effect, allowing the performer to control low-frequency sound, from the intimate warmth of close-miking to the natural sounds of normal-to-distant miking. It incorporates an integral wind and pop filter, a high-frequency presence peak, a controlled low-frequency rolloff, and an effective shock mount to minimize stand and handling noise. The microphone's casing is constructed from aluminum for lightweight durability, complemented by a steel grille and a robust black finish.

The SM85 is designed for simplex (phantom) powering, either from an external supply or directly from sound reinforcement, broadcast, or recording equipment. It operates over an extensive voltage range of 11 to 52 Vdc, accommodating both DIN Standard 45 596 simplex voltages (12 and 48 volts) and the proposed 24-volt standard.

Important Technical Specifications:

Type: Cardioid condenser (electret bias).
Frequency Response: 50 to 15,000 Hz.
Polar Pattern: Cardioid (unidirectional) response, uniform with frequency and symmetrical about the axis, providing maximum rejection and minimum coloration of off-axis sounds.
Output Impedance: Rated at 150 ohms (85 ohms actual). Recommended minimum load impedance is 800 ohms, though it can be used with loads as low as 150 ohms with a reduced clipping level.
Output Level (at 1,000 Hz): Open Circuit Voltage: -74 dB (0.2 mV) (0 dB = 1 volt per microbar).
Clipping Level (at 1,000 Hz):
- 800-ohm Load: 4 dBV (0.63V)
- 150-ohm Load: -15 dBV (0.18V)
Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 0.25% (130 dB SPL at 250 Hz into 800-ohm load).
Maximum SPL:
- 142 dB with 800-ohm load
- 134 dB with 150-ohm load
Hum Pickup: -7.5 dB equivalent SPL in a 1 millioersted field (60 Hz).
Output Noise (equivalent sound pressure levels; measured with true rms voltmeter): 29 dB typical, A-weighted; 32 dB typical, weighted per DIN 45 405.
Dynamic Range: 113 dB (maximum SPL to A-weighted noise level).
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 65 dB (IEC 179) at 94 dB SPL.
Overvoltage and Reverse Polarity Protection: Max. External Voltage Applied to Pin 2 and 3 with Respect to Pin 1: +52 Vdc. Reverse Polarity Protection: 200 mA max. (diode-clamped).
Phasing: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3.
Cartridge Capacitance: 27 pF.
Power Supply Voltage: 11 to 52 Vdc, positive pins 2 and 3.
Current Drain: 1.0 mA to 1.2 mA.
Environmental Conditions:
- Relative Humidity 0-50%: -29° to 74°C (-20° to 165°F)
- Relative Humidity 0-95%: -29° to 57°C (-20° to 135°F)
Connector: Three-pin professional audio (designed to mate with Cannon XL series, Switchcraft A3 (Q.G.) series or equivalent connectors).
Case: Aluminum construction with black finish and black steel grille.
Dimensions: Overall length 192 mm (7-9/16 in.), diameter 48.8 mm (1-15/16 in.) at the widest point, and 20.1 mm (25/32 in.) at the narrowest point.
Weight: Net: 180 grams (6.3 oz). Packaged: SM85-LC: 887 grams (1 lb 15 oz); SM85-CN: 1.47 kilograms (3 lb 4 oz).
Cable (Model SM85-CN): 7.6m (25 ft), two-conductor, shielded, TRIPLE-FLEX® microphone cable with three-pin and three-socket professional audio connectors (microphone connector is black finish).

Usage Features:

Professional Vocal Applications: Wide-range frequency response tailored for professional vocal use.
Wind and Pop Filter: Built-in filter minimizes undesirable wind and breath sounds.
Low-Frequency Rolloff: Controlled rolloff reduces low-frequency handling noise and compensates for proximity effect.
Shock Mount: Transducer element is shock-mounted to reduce stand and handling noise.
Low Distortion Output: Provides low distortion output and wide dynamic range characteristics for various load impedances.
RF and Magnetic Hum Susceptibility: Very low susceptibility to RF and magnetic hum.
Simplex Powering: Wide-range simplex powering includes DIN 45 596 voltages of 12 and 48 Vdc.
Rugged Construction: Designed for outstanding reliability.
Field-Usability: Operates reliably over a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions.
Powering Options: Can be powered by a Shure Model PS1 or PS1E2 Power Supply, virtually any microphone power supply providing 12 to 48 Vdc simplex voltage, or any microphone mixer with a simplex supply (e.g., Shure M267 and M268).
Cable Quality: High-quality cables are essential to prevent noise transients from intermittent shorts between broken shield wires and balanced conductors.
Microphone Paralleling: Paralleling or "Y-ing" the SM85 with another microphone on the same input is not recommended; separate inputs are preferable. If paralleling two SM85s, maximum SPL is reduced by approximately 10 dB and output level by 6 dB. This reduction can be avoided by using two Shure A15AS Attenuators and a Switchcraft 391Q43 Y-Adapter, or an isolation network.
Load Impedance: A minimum load impedance of 800 ohms or greater is recommended for maximum signal handling and minimum distortion. Loads as low as 150 ohms can be used, but with a reduction in output clipping level. The power supply itself may add loading (3300 ohms in Shure PS1 or PS1E2 power supplies).
Power Supply Connection: Connect the microphone cable to the SM85 and the power supply MICROPHONE connector. The power supply uses the balanced audio cable pair for current and the cable shield as a ground return.

Maintenance Features:

Troubleshooting:
- High Packing Density and Circuit Complexity: Due to the high packing density and circuit complexity of the SM85, only factory servicing is recommended.
- Power Supply Output Voltage: Check the power supply output voltage at the microphone for the Shure PS1 or PS1E2; it should be 11.5 to 12 Vdc open circuit.
- Microphone Connector Pins: Check the voltage on microphone connector pins 2 and 3 (at back of connector, cable connector disassembled from shell, but connected to microphone). The voltage at pins 2 and 3 with reference to pin 1 should be between 10 and 48 Vdc.
Disassembly: Refer to Figure 10 for disassembly instructions.
Architects' Specifications: The microphone is a condenser microphone with a frequency response of 50 to 15,000 Hz. It has a cardioid directional characteristic, with cancellation at the sides of 6 dB and a minimum cancellation at the rear of 15 dB at 1 kHz. The microphone has a rated output impedance of 150 ohms for connection to microphone inputs of 150 ohms or more. The open circuit voltage is -74 dB (0.2 mV) (0 dB equals 1 volt per microbar).
Shipping Instructions: Carefully repack the unit, have it insured, and return it prepaid to Shure Brothers Incorporated, Attention: Service Department, 222 Hartrey Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60204. If outside the United States, return the unit to your dealer or Authorized Shure Service Center for repair. The unit will be returned to you prepaid.
Warranty: Shure products are guaranteed for one year from the date of purchase against material and electrical defects. This guarantee includes all parts and labor. It does not apply to any other guarantees or warranties, express or implied, and there is no responsibility for any consequential or incidental damages.