Shure RPM89M – Medium Shotgun Microphone Capsule for VP89, No Preamp

Product Overview

The Shure RPM89M is the medium shotgun microphone capsule assembly for the VP89 modular shotgun microphone system, sold without the preamp. Providing a balance of directional reach and flexible positioning, the RPM89M is the most versatile capsule in the VP89 line and is suited for broadcast production, A/V media applications, government recording, and commercial meeting space capture where the operator needs directionality without the physical length constraints of the long capsule. Compatible with camera shoe mounts (A89M-SH), pistol grip (A89M-PG), and camera clamp (A89M-CC) Rycote mounting accessories, the RPM89M is optimized for on-camera and handheld boom deployment.

Product Description

The RPM89M uses an electret condenser element with a hypercardioid/lobar polar pattern and a frequency response of 50–20,000 Hz. Self-noise is 15 dB SPL-A, SNR is 79.0 dB, and maximum SPL handling is 132 dB (2500 Ω load, 1% THD), with a 117 dB dynamic range. The medium capsule housing provides a tighter acceptance angle than the RPM89S while remaining more compact and camera-mountable than the RPM89L, making it suitable for environments where a balance of reach and physical form factor is needed. Net weight is 138 g (4.9 oz.). Compatible with the RPM89/PRE preamp and legacy SM89 preamplifiers. Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction for durability across field production and fixed installation use.

Key Features

• Medium Capsule — Versatile Directionality — Provides a tighter pickup angle than the short capsule with greater flexibility in mounting and positioning than the long capsule, making it suitable for camera-mounted, boom-pole, and pistol-grip deployment.
• 50–20,000 Hz Frequency Response — Captures full-spectrum audio from 50 Hz through 20 kHz with the natural reproduction and low self-noise characteristic of the VP89 system.
• 15 dB Self-Noise — Low noise floor appropriate for quiet environments and critical audio capture where signal-to-noise performance is a priority.
• Camera and Boom Mount Compatibility — Compatible with Rycote InVision Video shoe mount (A89M-SH), Camera Clamp Adapter (A89M-CC), and Pistol Grip (A89M-PG) for versatile production deployment.
• SM89 Preamp Compatibility — Backward compatible with Shure SM89 preamplifiers in addition to the RPM89/PRE, providing flexibility in mixed system environments.
• 132 dB Maximum SPL — High SPL handling and 117 dB dynamic range support use in demanding acoustic environments.
• Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Housing — Durable field-production construction; operating temperature range −18°C to 57°C (−0°F to 135°F).

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio — camera-mounted or boom-pole shotgun capsule for television and video production requiring directional pickup with moderate reach
• Government space — directional audio capture for official proceedings and A/V media production where camera-mount compatibility is required
• Training room — boom or camera-mounted capture for distance learning, video production, and presentation recording
• Multi-purpose room — versatile directional microphone capsule for commercial AV production and recording workflows

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a preamp included with the RPM89M?
No. The RPM89M is the capsule assembly only. The RPM89/PRE preamplifier is required for a complete system and is sold separately.

What camera mounting accessories work with the RPM89M?
The RPM89M is compatible with the Rycote InVision Video shoe mount (A89M-SH) for standard camera shoe attachment, the Camera Clamp Adapter (A89M-CC), and the Pistol Grip (A89M-PG) for handheld production use.

How does the medium capsule compare to the long capsule?
The RPM89M provides a wider acceptance angle than the RPM89L, making it more forgiving in positioning while still delivering superior off-axis rejection relative to the short capsule. For maximum directionality and distant capture, choose the RPM89L.

Is this compatible with SM89 preamplifiers?
Yes. VP89 capsules and SM89 preamplifiers are forward/backward compatible and can be used interchangeably.