VP88 - Microphone SHURE - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Stereo electret condenser microphone (mid-side configuration)
Brand	Shure
Model	VP88
Frequency Response	40 to 20,000 Hz
Polar Patterns	Cardioid (mid capsule), bidirectional (side capsule)
Output Impedance	150 Ω nominal (100 Ω actual)
Sensitivity (1 kHz, mid-side mode)	-66 dB (0.5 mV) mid level (0 dB = 1 V/Pa)
Clipping Level (1 kHz, 800 Ω load, <1% THD)	-12 dBV (mid output), -10 dBV (side output)
Maximum SPL (800 Ω load)	129 dB
Self-Noise (A-weighted)	24 dB typical
Dynamic Range	105 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (94 dB SPL)	70 dB (IEC 651)
Power Requirements	Phantom 9-52 V DC or internal 6 V battery (silver-oxide, lithium, alkaline)
Current Consumption (phantom)	1.3 mA per output; 2.6 mA total
Current Consumption (battery)	2.4 mA total
Low-Frequency Attenuation	12 dB/octave below 80 Hz (switchable)
Output Modes	Stereo (L, M, H) and mid-side
Mono Compatibility	Mono sum = mid signal (ensured in all stereo modes)
Dimensions	Length 290 mm, front diameter 39.7 mm, connector end diameter 27 mm
Net Weight	417 g (without battery or cable)
Materials	Nickel-plated brass and aluminum body, stainless steel grille
Supplied Accessories	80A463 battery, carrying case, foam windscreen, swivel adapter, 0.76 m Y splitter cable
Options	C110 cable extension, A88SM isolation mount, PS1A power supply, S15 stand
Maintenance and Cleaning	Clean with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid moisture and shocks. Use the supplied windscreen to reduce wind noise.
Safety Instructions	Use only the specified power. Do not expose to extreme temperatures. Disconnect before replacing battery.
Spare Parts and Repairability	Spare parts available: control knob (65A1218B). Optional accessories sold separately. Repair by a qualified technician recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions - VP88 SHURE

How to power the VP88?

The VP88 can be powered either by phantom power (9-52 V DC) via a mixer or console, or by an internal 6 V battery (type 4SR44, 2CR1/3N or 4LR44). Use the battery switch on the microphone to toggle between modes.

What output modes are available?

The VP88 offers three stereo modes (L, M, H) with different levels of side separation, as well as a mid-side mode that disables the internal matrix for use with an external matrix.

How to choose the stereo width?

Use the top selector to adjust the side level: L (low, -6 dB) for narrow stereo field, M (medium, -1.9 dB) for most applications, H (high, +1.6 dB) for a wide effect if the environment allows.

Can I use the VP88 without battery with phantom power?

Yes, in stereo mode, both outputs must receive phantom power (9-52 V). If using a single output in mid-side mode, you can plug only the mid or side output with power.

How to check the battery status?

Set the battery switch to the connect position. The adjacent LED indicator will briefly flash if at least five hours of use remain. If it does not flash, replace the battery.

Which cable to use for connection?

Use the supplied Y splitter cable (0.76 m) with a 5-pin XLR connector on the microphone side and two 3-pin XLR connectors on the console side. Red corresponds to the mid/left channel, green to the side/right. For long distances, use the optional C110 extension.

How to reduce wind noise?

The VP88 comes with a foam windscreen that effectively reduces wind noise. For extreme conditions, use an additional windjammer. The microphone also incorporates a pop filter.

What is the mono compatibility of the VP88?

In stereo mode, the sum of left and right signals is always equal to the cardioid mid signal, ensuring perfect mono compatibility regardless of the stereo width setting.

How to use the VP88 with an external matrix?

Set the mode selector to the mid-side position to disable the internal matrix. The mid (red) and side (green) outputs are then available. Use a sum/difference matrix to create stereo signals: Left = Mid + Side, Right = Mid - Side.

How to clean and maintain the microphone?

Clean the exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid solvents and moisture. Store it in the supplied case. Replace the battery if the LED stops flashing. For thorough maintenance, contact a qualified technician.

USER MANUAL VP88 SHURE

Black VRSU microphone with attached cable and foam cap (no visible text or symbols)

FEATURES

• Time-coherent, Mid-Side (M-S) design for optimal stereo imaging.
• Built-in stereo matrix for direct control of the stereo spread; direct M-S outputs provided.
  • 40 to 20,000 Hz frequency response.
• Low noise and distortion, wide dynamic range.
• Switch-selectable, low-frequency roll-off (12 dB/octave below 80 Hz) for reduced pickup of ambient noise and stand vibration.
• Phantom power or 6V camera battery with LED power indicator.
• Internal shock mount for reduced stand vibration and handling noise.
• Impact resistant, durable construction.
• Integrated heavy-duty "pop" screen.
• Windscreen, swivel mount adapter, and Y-cable included.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Shure Model VP88 is a stereo microphone equally effective in studio broadcasting applications as in the field for electronic news gathering (ENG).

This stereo microphone combines two condenser cartridges in a single housing, in a mid-side (M-S) microphone cartridge configuration. One cartridge (Mid) faces forward to capture on-axis sound in a cardioid pattern. The other cartridge (Side) is bi-directional, capturing sound from either side.

Containing three settings for different degrees of stereo image separation, the VP88 contains an internal M-S matrix that can be bypassed if an external matrix is used, or if stereo imaging is done in post-production. External switches control output mode, stereo imaging, low-frequency roll off settings, and battery on/off.

When the VP88 is set for stereo mode operation (H, M, or L), the left and right signals should remain fully separated and kept at equal levels to maintain a balanced stereo effect.

MOUNTING

The VP88 can be mounted on a standard microphone floor stand, fishpole or boom. Make sure the front of the grille faces the sound source and the top of the microphone faces up, so that the the resulting stereo image matches the left and right components of the sound source.

MICROPHONE ORIENTATION FIGURE 1

A88SM External Shock Mount

The optional A88SM Shock Mount provides optimum isolation from stand-transmitted shock and vibration. The A88SM is ideal for critical studio applications and contains a standard mounting foot for use with most electronic news gathering (ENG) video cameras.

POWER

Phantom Power

The VP88 can operate on an internal 6V battery or phantom power from any microphone mixer or console providing 9 to 52 Vdc, or by a phantom power supply such as the Shure PS1A. Each balanced audio cable pair (pins 2 and 3: Mid/Left; pins 4 and 5: Side/Right) carries the supply current to the microphone, and the cable shield (pin 1) is the ground return.

The Mid or Side output can be used individually with either phantom or battery power. When operating in the Stereo mode without battery, both Mid/Left and Side/Right outputs must be phantom powered.

Battery Power

If phantom power is not available, move the Battery switch to the Batt On position. The adjacent LED will flash indicating at least five hours of useful battery life, and if no flashing is observed the battery should be replaced. The battery does not drain when phantom power is applied.

Installing and Replacing the Battery

The VP88 uses a 6V cylindrical battery commonly used in cameras. Average battery life depends on the type of battery: typically 70 hours for silver oxide/lithium and 40 hours for alkaline.

SPEC. AGENCY / MANUFACTURER	SILVER OXIDE	LITHIUM MANGANESE ALKALINE
NEDA 1406SCP 5005L 1414A
IEC 4SR44 2CR1/3N 4LR44
Duracell PX28 PX28L -
Eveready 544 L544 A544
Kodak KS28 K28L		K28A
Panasonic 4G13	- 4LR44
Radio Shack	-	23-469
Varta	V28PX	V28PXL V4304PX

LIST OF REPLACEMENT AND COMPATIBLE BATTERIES TABLE 1

To install or replace the battery, proceed as follows:

1. Disconnect the microphone cable and unscrew the VP88 lower handle.
2. Carefully slide the lower handle away from the grille, exposing the battery compartment. If necessary, remove the old battery.
3. Insert the new battery, observing the polarity marking in the battery compartment.
4. Slide the lower handle back into position and tighten.

CONNECTIONS

Use the supplied Y-splitter cable to connect the VP88 to two inputs of a mixer or console.

The red connector, marked "M" and "L", carries the Mid signal (in MS mode) or left signal (in stereo mode).

The green connector, marked "S" and "R", carries the Side signal (in MS mode) or right signal (in stereo mode).

For stereo mode operation, connect the left (L) splitter connector to the Channel 1 input and the right (R) splitter connector to the Channel 2 input of the mixer or console. Set the Channel 1 pan pot to full left and the Channel 2 pan pot to full right.

NOTE: Use the Shure C110 Extension Cable (available as an accessory) for extended cable runs between the VP88 and a mixer or console.

Using an Additional Microphone

A second (mono) microphone can be used for interviewing or close miking. Turn its channel pan pot to the center position and set its level independently.

Monitoring

To check the balance for the mono listener, monitor sound in mono mode as well as stereo. Since the side signal is cancelled in mono, the mono output will be equal to the cardioid Mid cartridge signal only, regardless of the side level control setting.

Minimizing Wind and Breath Noise

The integrated pop filter provides reduction of breath and wind sound. Use the removable foam windscreen for high intensity wind and speaking conditions.

A low-frequency rolloff (12 dB per octave cut below 80 Hz) rolloff can be useful in reducing pickup of low-frequency noise and vibration. Set the upper control switch on the VP88 to either of the two low-frequency rolloff positions, depending on whether phantom or battery power is being used. See Figure 2.

OUTPUT MODE

The lower control sets the VP88 to either MS Mode, or one of three Stereo modes. (L, M, or H). See Figure 3.

OUTPUT MODE SELECTION SWITCH FIGURE 3

Stereo Output Mode

In Stereo Mode, the VP88 uses its internal matrix to mix the Mid and Side signals and provide Left and Right stereo outputs. The three settings (H, M, and L), determine the strength or width of the stereo effect, as described below. Nominal Left and Right pickup patterns are shown in the following series.

NOTE: The mono sum (Left + Right) in any Stereo position is always equal to the Mid signal, ensuring mono compatibility.

L (Low): Figure 4. Side level 6.0 dB lower than Mid level. The stereo image spread of the stereo images is small. Use this setting for distant miking, or in situations where the microphone directionality cannot be well controlled, such as hand-held use. In the L position, the microphone also picks up the least amount of ambient sound from the side, and can be used to reduce high ambient noise or reverberation. The L setting can be useful if the area being miked is already very wide. However, the degree of stereo effect may be compromised in narrow performing areas.

M (Medium): Figure 5. Side level is 1.9 dB lower than Mid level. The increased side ambience pickup and stereo spread make the M setting ideal for most applications.

H (High): Figure 6. Side level is 1.6 dB higher than Mid level. The H position provides the most side ambience pickup and the greatest amount of stereo spread. This setting is only appropriate if a high degree of ambience pickup is acceptable and the performing area is not excessively wide.

MS Output Mode. Figure 7. In MS mode, the VP88's internal stereo matrix is bypassed. The signal from the mid cartridge is sent to the red connector on the Y-splitter cable (M) and the side cartridge output is sent to the green connector (S). The Side on-axis sensitivity (90° from the front axis of the microphone) is 1.6 dB higher than the on-axis sensitivity of the Mid output. The sensitivities of the Mid and Side outputs are equal at 45° off the front axis of the microphone.

The polarity of the left lobe of the Side output matches the polarity of the Mid output. The right lobe of the Side output is opposite polarity.

LOW STEREO (L) FIGURE 4

MEDIUM STEREO (M) FIGURE 5

HIGH STEREO (H) FIGURE 6

MS OUTPUT MODE FIGURE 7

EXTERNAL MATRIXES

When using an external stereo matrix, such as a matrix transformer or active matrix circuitry, set the VP88 to MS mode (refer to the Output Mode paragraph). The Mid and Side outputs can be processed through a sum-and-difference matrix to produce Left and Right stereo signals as follows:

Left = Mid + Side

Right = Mid - Side

A 1:1 ratio of Mid to Side produces stereo signals identical to those obtained with Stereo Output switch set to High (H). Results similar to the Medium (M) and Low (L) settings can be obtained by attenuating the side signal before matrixing.

NOTE: An external matrix can be useful when recording, because decisions on stereo imaging are deferred to the post-production stage.

Two suggested matrix boxes:

• Model MS38 DM Dual-Mode Line-Level MS Matrix

- Model MS380 TX Stereo Microphone Preamplifier with Dual-Mode MS Matrix and Line Driver.

Both are manufactured by Audio Engineering Associates, 1029 N. Allen Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104 U.S.A.

FREQUENCY RESPONSE AND POLAR PATTERNS

TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE OF MIDDLE CARTRIDGE FIGURE 8

TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE OF SIDE CARTRIDGE FIGURE 9

TYPICAL MIDDLE CARTRIDGE POLAR PATTERN FIGURE 10

TYPICAL SIDE CARTRIDGE POLAR PATTERN FIGURE 11

CABLE CONNECTIONS FIGURE 12

graph TD
    A["MID CARTRIDGE"] --> B["FET IMPEDANCE CONVERTER"]
    B --> C["LF RESPONSE FILTER"]
    C --> D["BUFFER/INVERTER"]
    D --> E["+"]
    E --> F["OUTPUT AMPLIFIER"]
    F --> G["MS/STEREO CONTROL"]
    G --> H["POWER SUPPLY CONTROL/REGULATION"]
    H --> I["RFI FILTER"]
    I --> J["MID/LEFT"]
    K["SIDE CARTRIDGE"] --> L["FET IMPEDANCE CONVERTER"]
    L --> M["SIDE LEVEL CONTROL / INVERTER"]
    M --> N["LF RESPONSE FILTER"]
    N --> O["OUTPUT AMPLIFIER"]
    O --> P["MS/STEREO CONTROL"]
    P --> Q["RFI FILTER"]
    Q --> R["SIDE/RIGHT"]
    S["BATTERY ON/OFF"] --> T["BATTERY INDICATOR"]
    T --> U["Power Supply CONTROL/REGULATION"]
    U --> V["Power SUPPLY CONTROL/REGULATION"]
    V --> W["RFI FILTER"]
    W --> X["MID/LEFT"]

VP88 CIRCUIT BLOCK DIAGRAM FIGURE 13

SPECIFICATIONS

Type

Single-point stereo (MS configuration) condenser

Frequency Response (See Figures 9 and 10)

40 to 20,000 Hz

Polar Pattern (See Figures 11 and 12)

Mid Cartridge: Cardioid (unidirectional)

Side Cartridge: Bidirectional

Output Impedance

Rated at 150 (100 W actual). Recommended minimum load impedance: 800 W (may be used with loads as low as 150 W with reduced clipping level)

Sensitivity (1 kHz, MS mode)

Open Circuit Voltage: -66 dB (0.5 mV) Mid. (Side level 1.6 dB higher than Mid level) (0 dB=1 V/Pa)

Side Level

(Stereo mode; relative to Mid level)

Low: -6.0 dB; Medium: -1.9 dB; High: +1.6 dB

Clipping Level (1 kHz)

800 W Load (less than 1% THD)

-12 dBV (0.25 V)(Mid output, 1% THD)

-10 dBV (0.30 V)(Side output, 1% THD)

150 W Load (less than 3% THD)

-25 dBV (0.06 V)(Mid output)

-19 dBV (0.11 V)(Side output)

Maximum SPL

800 W Load: 129 dB

150 W Load: 119 dB

Hum Pickup

-4 dB equivalent SPL in 1 millioersted field (60 Hz)

Self Noise

(Mid, Side, Left and Right outputs; equivalent sound pressure levels)

24 dB typical, A-weighted

28 dB typical, weighted per DIN 45405

Dynamic Range

105 dB (maximum SPL to A-weighted noise level)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio\*

70 dB (IEC 651) at 94 dB SPL

*S/N ratio: difference between microphone output at 94 dB SPL and microphone self-noise A-weighted.

Overvoltage Protection

Maximum External Voltage applied to Pins 2 through 5 with respect to Pin 1: ±75 Vdc

Polarity

Positive pressure applied from any direction to the Mid cartridge or from the left to the Side cartridge in the MS mode, or applied from the front in the Stereo mode produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3 (Mid/Left) and pin 4 relative to pin 5 (Side/Right).

Power

Phantom:

Supply Voltage: 9 to 52 Vdc

Current Drain: 1.3 mA/output; 2.6 mA total

Battery:

Type: 6 V cylindrical*; Life: 70 hours**

Current Drain: 2.4 mA total

Environmental Conditions

Operating: -18× to 57× C (0× to 135× F)

(Relative Humidity <90%)

Storage: -29× to 74× C (-20× to 165× F)

(Relative Humidity <80%)

Cables (see Figure 10)

Y-Splitter Cable (supplied): 0.76 m (30 in.) vinyl-jacketed, dual-shielded, 2-conductor with 5-pin female XLR connector on microphone end and two 3-pin male XLR connectors on equipment ends.

Microphone Extension Cable (Model C110; optional): 7.6 m (25ft.) vinyl-jacketed, shielded, 4-conductor with 5-pin male XLR connector on one end and 5-pin female XLR connector on other end.

Case

Brass and nickel-plated aluminum construction with stainless steel grille. Finished in satin black vinyl enamel

Dimensions

Length: 11-7/16 in.; 290mm. Front Diameter: 1-9/16 in. 39.7mm; Diameter at Cable connection: 1-1/16 in.; 27mm.

Net Weight

417 grams (14.7 oz) less battery and cable

Certifications

Eligible to bear CE Marking. Conforms to European EMC Directive 89/336/EEC. Meets applicable tests and performance criteria in European Standard EN55103 (1996) parts 1 and 2, for residential (E1) and light industrial (E2) environments.

FURNISHED ACCESSORIES

Battery 80A463

Carrying/Storage Bag.... 26A14

Foam Windscreen (see Figure 2).... 49A91

Swivel Adapter 90B4046

0.76 m (30 in.) Y-Splitter Cable 90A4148

REPLACEMENT PARTS

Control Knob 65A1218B

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

7.6 m (25 ft.) Extension Cable (4 conductor, shielded) ...... C110

Isolation Mount...... A88SM

Phantom Power Supply....PS1A

4.3 m (14 ft.) Microphone Stand S15

*Silver oxide (NEDA 1406SOP), lithium (NEDA 5005L), alkaline (NEDA 1414A)

**Fresh silver oxide or lithium battery; 40 hours with alkaline

DESCRIPTION GÉNÉRALE

Clipping-Pegel (1 kHz)

Schwenkadapter 90B4046

SHURE Incorporated http://www.shure.com

United States, Canada, Latin America, Caribbean:

5800 W. Touhy Avenue, Niles, IL 60714-4608, U.S.A.

Phone: [phone] U.S. Fax: [phone] Intl Fax: [phone]

Europe, Middle East, Africa:

Shure Europe GmbH, Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Asia, Pacific:

Shure Asia Limited, Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]