Features

Overview: The Shure PGA27 is a side-address cardioid condenser microphone. It is ideal for vocals, as well as acoustic and amplified instruments. It comes with a ShureLock Rubber Isolated Shock Mount (A27SM), and a padded, zippered storage case.

Microphone Positioning: The microphone should be placed in an upright position, with the sound being directed toward the side-facing diaphragm. The front of the microphone is marked by the Shure logo. Sounds coming from the opposite side of the diaphragm will be significantly reduced because of the cardioid pickup pattern. A optional pop filter or windscreen should be used when the microphone is used for close-up vocals.

Shock Mount: The PGA27 comes with the A27SM ShureLock Rubber Isolated Shock Mount. The mount features a circular "cup" (where the microphone is placed) which is suspended with elastic bands inside an outer ring. This floating design mechanically isolates the microphone from vibration and shock that may be transmitted through the mic stand, causing unwanted noise in the microphone.

Cardioid Pickup Pattern: The PGA27 has a cardioid polar pattern for maximum gain before feedback, and excellent rejection of off-axis sound.

Phantom Power: The PGA27 is an electret condenser microphone which requires a balanced, microphone-level input that provides phantom power (+48V DC recommended). Phantom power can be supplied by the mixer or audio interface that the microphone is connected to. Usually the mixer has a switch to activate the phantom power.

Applications: The microphone is recommended for the following applications:

• Voice: In voice applications, the singer/speaker should be 1-3" from the microphone. A pop filter should be used.
• Acoustic Guitar: The mic should be positioned near the sound hole (6-12" away) for a full sound. Placement near the 12th fret will give a balanced, natural sound.
• Drums: Placement of the microphone determines which percussion sound you desire. Placing the mic in front of the drum kit (3-6' away) will result in more kick drum, while placement overhead will capture more cymbals.
• Amplifiers: Aiming the microphone toward the center of the speaker (1-6" away) will provide a clear, aggressive sound. Placement toward the edge will deliver a mellower sound.
• Strings/Horns: For a single instrument, the microphone should be placed close to the source (around 1' away). For a horn or string section, the microphone should be placed an equal distance away from all players (3-6' away).
• Full Band: The microphone should be facing the entire group, centered between the instruments, 3-10' away.

Switches: The PGA27 has two switches on the back for setting Attenuation and the Low-Cut Filter:

• Attenuation Switch: The attenuation switch, or "pad" lets you reduce the signal level without altering the frequency response. This prevents extremely loud sounds from overloading the microphone. The two settings are 0dB (no attenuation) and -15dB (attenuation on).
• Low-Frequency Response Switch: The low-frequency response switch, or low-cut filter, changes the frequency response of the microphone. There are two positions:
  • Flat Response (bypass): This setting provides natural sound with no low-frequency reduction. This setting should be used when recording sources that extend into the low-frequency range, such as a piano, bass guitar, percussion, etc.
  • Low Frequency Cutoff: This setting reduces the low frequencies to reduce noise or shape the tone. This setting should be used to reduce floor rumble or low-frequency room noise, shape the tone on sources that don't produce much bass (violins, acoustic guitar, flute), or decrease the low frequencies that cause instruments to sound dull or muffled.

Thread Adapter: A 5/8"-to-3/8" thread adapter is included. This adapter allows the mic clip to be attached to a mic stand with a 3/8" threaded connector.

Specifications: