The SM98 is a miniature electret condenser microphone with a unidirectional (cardioid) pickup pattern. A smooth wide frequency response from 40 to 20,000 Hz allows the microphone to be extremely well adapted to pick up all kinds of musical instruments. The unidirectional pattern of the SM98 discriminates against sounds coming from the rear, permitting higher gain before feedback in sound reinforcement applications. The SM98 is an ideal spot microphone to highlight individual instruments in a performance. A very high maximum sound pressure level allows use of the SM98 with all acoustic instruments including drum kits and other percussion as well as brass, reed, wind, string, and keyboard instruments. The SM98 can also be used with amplified guitars and keyboards. The low-distortion, high-clipping-level preamplifier provides switch-selectable Flat or Low-Cut response to suit pickup characteristics needed for various instruments. The Low-Cut position is also useful when it is necessary to filter out low-frequency noise from such sources as wind noise or air conditioning equipment. The SM98 is powered either by two readily available 9-volt alkaline batteries (300 hours continuous battery life) or by an 11-to-52 Vdc simplex (phantom) supply from sound reinforcement, recording or broadcast equipment. The preamp is designed so that the battery supply will automatically switch in should the simplex power fail. However, no battery drain will occur as long as the simplex voltage exceeds the battery voltage.