Shure SM94 Instrument Microphone

by Shure

Product Features

• A sensitive mic with a wide, flat response ideal for live amplified and acoustic instruments.
• Extremely well-suited for reproduction of stringed instruments, woodwinds and cymbals
• AA battery or phantom power
• Uniform Cardioid condenser
• Frequency response: 40 to 16,000 Hz

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 1.1 x 1.1 inches ; 8.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0002BG1ZA
• Item model number: SM94-LC
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,580 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #33 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Microphones > Dynamic Microphones > Instrument

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Ideal for instrument miking needs of professional musicians and sound engineers in both live performance and sound recording, the Shure SM94 is equally at home in sound reinforcement systems or in sound studios and motion picture/ TV scoring stages. Its smooth, flat frequency response is free of either a presence peak or a low-frequency rolloff, making it a perfect choice for all types of musical instruments.

The Shure SM94 instrument mic.

Frequency response.

Polar pattern.

The SM94 can be powered by any phantom power source, or by an internal 1.5-volt AA battery. The battery, which serves as a backup power source in the event of phantom power failure, can provide up to 5,000 hours of continuous operation. When used with the optional wind-screen (available separately), the SM94 can be used by vocalists and speech-makers who desire a wide, flat response with minimum coloration.

Key Features

• A sensitive mic with a wide, flat response ideal for live amplified and acoustic instruments.
• Extremely well-suited for reproduction of stringed instruments, woodwinds and cymbals
• AA battery or phantom power
• Internal shock mount
• Wide dynamic range
• Smooth, flat frequency response
• Uniform Cardioid condenser

Specifications

• Type: Cardioid condenser (electret bias)
• Frequency Response: 40 to 16,000 Hz
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid (unidirectional)--uniform with frequency, symmetrical about axis
• Output Impedance: Rated at 150 ohms; 200 ohms actual
• Recommended Minimum Load Impedance: 800 ohms
• Sensitivity (at 1,000 Hz):
  • Open Circuit Voltage: -49 dBV/Pa (3.5 mV) (phantom)
  • -50 dBV/Pa (3.2 mV) (battery) (1 Pa = 94dB SPL)
• Output Clipping Level (1 kHz, 3% THD):
  • 800-Ω Load
  • -14 dBV (0.63 V) (phantom), 1% THD;
  • -23 dBV (0.71 V) (battery), 3% THD
• Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.25% (130 dB SPL at 250 Hz into 800 ohm load)
• Maximum SPL: 800 ohm Load: 141 dB (phantom), 123 dB (battery)
• Hum Pickup: -3 dB equivalent SPL in a 1 millioersted field (60 Hz)
• Output Noise (equivalent sound pressure levels; measured with true rms voltmeter):
  • 22 dB typical, A-weighted
  • 25 dB typical, weighted per DIN 45 505
• Dynamic Range: 119 dB (phantom); 101 dB (battery) (maximum SPL, 2000-ohm load, to A-weighted noise level)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 72 dB (IEC 651) at 94 dB SPL
• Overvoltage Protection:
  • Maximum External Voltage Applied to Pins 2 and 3 with respect to Pin 1: +52Vdc
  • Reverse polarity protected to 75 Vdc
• Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3
• Cartridge Capacitance: 24 pF
• Connector: XLR professional audio 3-Pin
• Case: Steel and brass construction with gray finish and stainless steel mesh grille
• Weight: 8.8 ounces (less battery)
• Power:
  Phantom Operation
  • Supply Voltage: 11 to 52 Vdc, (+) pins 2 and 3
  • Current Drain: 1.0 TO 1.2 mA max. at 52 Vdc
  Battery Operation
  • Type: 1.5 V alkaline, AA size (NEDA 15A)
  • Life: Up to 5,000 hours with fresh battery

Product Description

The SM94 is a unidirectional electret condenser microphone tailored to the instrument miking needs of professional musicians and sound engineers in both live performance and sound recording. Its smooth, flat frequency response is free of either a presence peak or a low-frequency rolloff, making it a perfect choice for all types of musical instruments.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Flat, low distortion mic for trained vocalists and instrumentalists, January 26, 2010

By 

Peter V. Brown (Woodbine, Maryland United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shure SM94 Instrument Microphone (Electronics)

This mic is truthful. If you are a really good singer, this mic will make your voice sound professional; if you are not, then this mic will reveal your flaws. It has a flat frequency response and very low distortion, as well as very low handling noise. It must be used with the A3WS windscreen to prevent breath pops. Also, it should be held about four inches away.

I do not recommend this mic for rock or rap, as it works best at a distance, which would increase the chance of feedback. Other Shure mics such as the PG-58 are better for rock.

This mic runs on an AA battery, or phantom power. It is an ELECTRET condenser mic, which means it is not humidity sensitive like regular studio condenser mics.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent acoustic sound production, August 25, 2010

By 

drees (whitefish, mt) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shure SM94 Instrument Microphone (Electronics)

I play acoustic guitar and banjo professionally. Often I have had to use an acoustic electric guitar for convenience and to get my sound across through a line in. Whenever I can I will use the Shure SM94 to get the real acoustic sound out of my Martin D28 or my OME Southern Cross Banjo. I have found nothing that can reproduce the true sound of my acoustic instruments as well as this microphone.

It is very sensitive, so you need to position the instrument about 9" to a foot away. Because of this you can sing through it and play at the same time and it picks up your voice very well. Often I will use an SM 58 for voice separately, depending on the sound system and amount of inputs. If you use the SM94 for the instrument with an additional voice mic. you will need to aim them in slightly different directions because of it's sensitivity.

I have had many professional recording artists ask me about this microphone --people who have been playing professionally for many years and who have access to much more expensive equipment. They have always complimented me on the sound reproduction.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Mic for Performance/Recording Strings, November 11, 2007

By 

H. Mai (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shure SM94 Instrument Microphone (Electronics)

As a professional musician, I use this mic anytime I need to amplify or record solo strings or string sections. It does not modify the sound like vocal mics which amplify low frequencies. It is perfect for acoustic instruments (Woodwinds, Strings).