Shure RPM89L – Long Shotgun Microphone Capsule for VP89, No Preamp

Product Overview

The Shure RPM89L is the long shotgun microphone capsule assembly for the VP89 modular shotgun microphone system, sold without the preamp. Providing the narrowest acceptance angle of the three VP89 capsule options, the RPM89L is designed for distant pickup in broadcast, A/V media production, and government recording applications where maximum off-axis rejection is required. It is compatible with the RPM89/PRE preamp and legacy SM89 preamplifiers, making it the preferred capsule upgrade or replacement for integrators working with modular Shure VP89 shotgun systems in auditoriums, broadcast studios, and large-format production environments.

Product Description

The RPM89L uses an electret condenser element with a hypercardioid/lobar polar pattern, providing a frequency response of 40–20,000 Hz and a self-noise floor of 15 dB SPL-A — among the lowest in its class for a shotgun capsule. Maximum SPL handling is 132 dB (2500 Ω load, 1% THD), with a dynamic range of 117 dB and a sensitivity of −33.5 dBV/Pa (21.1 mV). The elongated long capsule housing provides the tightest pickup angle in the VP89 line, optimized for capturing sound sources at distance with minimal room ambience contamination. Compatible Rycote boom adapter for the long capsule is the A89L-BA. Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction matches the RPM89/PRE preamp housing for a unified, field-durable assembly.

Key Features

• Long Capsule — Tightest Pickup Angle — The narrowest acceptance angle in the VP89 line provides maximum off-axis rejection, ideal for distant source capture in broadcast and production environments with complex acoustic backgrounds.
• 40–20,000 Hz Frequency Response — Widest low-frequency extension of the VP89 capsule range, capturing full-spectrum audio from 40 Hz with natural reproduction through 20 kHz.
• 15 dB Self-Noise — Low noise floor suitable for quiet environments and critical audio capture applications requiring high sensitivity without added noise artifacts.
• 132 dB Maximum SPL — Handles high-pressure sources without distortion; 117 dB dynamic range at 2500 Ω load.
• SM89 Preamp Compatibility — Backward compatible with Shure SM89 preamplifiers in addition to the RPM89/PRE, protecting existing SM89 system investments.
• Rycote Wind and Suspension Accessory Ecosystem — Supported by Shure-offered Rycote Softie Windshield (A89LW-SFT), Suspension Windshield Kit (A89LW-KIT), Windjammer (A89LW-JMR), and Boom Adapter (A89L-BA).
• Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Housing — Durable construction for field production and fixed installation use across a wide temperature range (−18°C to 57°C).

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio — long-reach boom microphone capsule for television and film production where camera-mounted or boom-pole distance capture is required
• Government space — directional audio capture for official proceedings, press briefings, and official A/V media production
• Auditorium — distant-source reinforcement and recording capture where maximum off-axis rejection is needed to isolate specific sound sources
• Training room — distance learning and video production capture using boom-mounted shotgun systems

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a preamp included with the RPM89L?
No. The RPM89L is the capsule assembly only. The RPM89/PRE preamplifier is sold separately and required for a complete VP89 system.

Is this compatible with SM89 preamps?
Yes. The VP89 capsule and preamplifier system is designed for forward and backward compatibility with the SM89. RPM89L capsules can be used with SM89 preamplifiers.

What Rycote wind protection accessories are available for the RPM89L?
Shure offers the A89LW-KIT (Suspension Windshield Kit, up to 38 dB wind attenuation), A89LW-SFT (Softie Windshield), A89LW-JMR (Windjammer), and A89L-BA (Softie Lyre Mount with Boom Adapter) for the long capsule.

Does capsule length affect polar pattern tightness?
Yes. Longer capsules provide a tighter (more directional) acceptance angle. The VP89L with the RPM89L capsule is the most directional configuration in the VP89 line.