TM
PG ALTA SERIES
WIRED MICROPHONE
PGA181
USER GUIDE
© 2015 Shure Incorporated
27A27346 (Rev. 3)
PGA181
PG Alta Microphones
Congratulations on the purchase of a new Shure PG Alta
series microphone. The PG Alta series delivers professional
quality audio at an affordable price, with solutions for
capturing nearly any source, including voice, acoustic
instruments, drums, and amplified electric instruments.
Suitable for live and studio applications, PG Alta microphones
are built to last, and meet the same rigorous quality testing
standards that make all Shure products trustworthy and
reliable.
• Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired
sound source.
• Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
• Use only one microphone to pick up a single sound source.
• For better gain before feedback, use fewer microphones.
• Keep the distance between microphones at least three
times the distance from each microphone to its source
(“three to one rule”).
• Place microphones as far as possible from reflective
surfaces.
General Rules for Use
• Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.
• Do not cover any part of the microphone grille with your
hand, as this will adversely affect microphone performance.
• Avoid excessive handling to minimize pickup of mechanical
noise and vibration.
• Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source
(such as the talker, singer, or instrument) and away from
unwanted sources.
Connecting to a Mixer or Computer
Cables
Computer
Use only balanced (three-conductor) cables. Otherwise,
the cable will not carry phantom power to the microphone.
If using an adapter for 6.5mm (1/4") inputs, it must have
tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) contacts.
To deliver audio directly to a computer, use a USB audio
interface with an XLR microphone input that provides
+48V phantom power, such as the Shure MVi.
USB
XLR
Connecting to a computer using the Shure MVi audio interface
3
Mixer
When connecting to a mixer, use only balanced, microphone-level inputs with phantom power. Most mixers have a switch
for phantom power, so make sure phantom power is on for that channel.
Phantom Power
All condenser microphones require phantom power to operate. This microphone performs best with a 48 V DC supply (IEC-
61938), but it can operate with lower voltages.
Phantom power is provided by the mixer or audio interface that the microphone is connected to, and requires the use of a
balanced microphone cable: XLR-to-XLR or XLR-to-TRS. In most cases, there is a switch or button to activate the phantom
power. See the user guide for the mixer or interface for additional information.
Positioning the Microphone
The front of the microphone is marked by several indicators:
four screws around the grille, the cardioid logo, and the
PGA181 model number. Position this side toward the sound
source.
4
Applications
The following table provides a basic starting point for several instruments. Shure offers additional educational publications on
Application
Distance from source
Tips
Voice
1-3 inches (2-8 cm)
Use a pop filter (Shure PS-6) to prevent
plosives.
Acoustic guitar
Drums
6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
3-6 feet (1-2 m)
Place near the sound hole for a full sound,
or near the 12th fret for a balanced, natural
sound.
Place in front of the drum kit to capture more
of the kick drum, or as an overhead (above
the kit, facing down) to capture more cymbals.
Consider using additional Shure microphones
placed on individual drums for more mixing
flexibility and a thicker sound.
Amplifiers
1-6 inches (2-15 cm)
1-6 feet (30 cm - 2 m)
Aim towards the center of the speaker for a
clear, aggressive sound, or towards the edge
of the speaker for a mellow sound.
Strings or horns
For a single instrument, place the microphone
close to the source. For a horn or string
section, arrange players at an equal distance
from the microphone.
Full band
3-10 feet (1-3 m)
Face the microphone towards the group,
centered between instruments.
Tip: Close microphone placement results in a full sound due to the proximity effect. Placing the microphone farther from the
source results in more room ambience.
Optional Accessories and Replacement Parts
7.6 m (25 ft.) Cable (XLR-XLR)
5/8" to 3/8" Thread Adapter
4.6 m (15 ft.) Cable (XLR-XLR)
Wireless Microphone Clip
C25J
31A1856
95D2153
WA371
PS-6
Popper Stopper® Pop Filter with Metal Gooseneck and
Microphone Stand Clamp
Foam Windscreen for all larger Shure "ball-type" Microphones A58WS
available in black, blue, gray, green, red and yellow
5
Specifications
Type
138 dB SPL
Polarity
Electret Condenser
Polar Pattern
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2
with respect to pin 3
Cardioid
Connector
Frequency Response
Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male
50 to 20,000 Hz
Weight
Output Impedance
383 g (0.8 lbs)
at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage
Housing
120 Ω, actual
Cast Zinc
Sensitivity
Power Requirements
at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage
48 V DC phantom power (4 mA)
[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL
-38 dBV/Pa [1] (12.7 mV)
Maximum SPL
1 kHz at 1% THD, 1 kΩ load
20
15
0,61 m (2 ft.) from sound source
10
5
0
-5
-10
-15
-20
-25
-30
20
100
1k
10k
20k
Hz
Frequency Response
1,000 Hz
Polar Pattern
Certifications
This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is eligible for CE marking.
Authorized European representative:
Shure Europe GmbH
Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa
Department: EMEA Approval
Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12
75031 Eppingen, Germany
Phone: 49-7262-92 49 0
Fax: 49-7262-92 49 11 4
Email: [email protected]
6
40 mm width
(1.57 in.)
52.6 mm diameter (2.07 in.)
150.4 mm (5.92 in.)
Europe, Middle East, Africa:
PT. GOSHEN SWARA INDONESIA
Kompleks Harco Mangga Dua Blok L No. 35 Jakarta Pusat
I.16.GSI31.00501.0211
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