VP83F
LensHopper™ Camera-Mount Condenser Mi-
crophone with Integrated Flash Recording
The Shure professional shotgun microphone, VP83F, user guide.
Version: 1.1 (2020-H)
Shure Incorporated
Table of Contents
Recording Audio 11
VP83F LensHopper™ Camera-Mount Condenser Micro- Adjusting Settings While Recording 12
phone with Integrated Flash Recording 3
Managing Tracks 12
General Description 3
Track Playback 12
Features 3
Deleting Tracks 13
VP83F 3 Exporting Tracks 13
Accessories 4 Utilities 13
SD CARD 13
Installing the Memory Card and Batteries 4
BACKLIGHT 13
Mounting the Microphone 5 TIME/DATE 13
On a Camera: 5 BATTERY TYPE 14
On a Tripod: 6 CAMERA OUT 14
CONTRAST 14
Audio Connections 6
RESTORE DEFAULTS 14
Camera Output (Red) 6
DEVICE DATA 14
Headphone Output (Black) 7
UPDATE FW 14
Control Panel 7 Battery Life 14
Home Screen Indicators 8 Memory Card Requirements 14
Menu Navigation 9 Troubleshooting 15
Audio Path 9 Accessories and Replacement Parts 16
Format The Memory Card Before Use 10
Camera and Headphone Output Pin Configuration 16
Adjusting Microphone Gain 10
Specifications 16
Headphone and Camera Output Volume 11
Information to the user 20
Low-Cut Filter 11
Certifications 21
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VP83F
LensHopper™ Camera-Mount Condenser Microphone with
Integrated Flash Recording
General Description
The Shure VP83F is a professional-quality condenser microphone designed for use with DSLR and video cameras. The VP83F
features built-in flash recording and captures crystal-clear, high definition audio, completely independent from other hardware.
The intuitive menu makes configuration fast and simple for use in almost any sonic environment.
Features
Exceptional Audio Quality
• High-resolution recording (24 Bit/48khz sampling, WAV format)
• Supercardioid/lobar pickup pattern rejects unwanted sounds
• Interference tube for increased directionality
• RF Immunity
Built-in Flash Recording
• Records directly to microSD card (32 GB maximum)
• Intuitive menu for easy microphone configuration and track management
• Separate outputs for headphone monitoring and camera input with independent volume adjustment
Rugged and Reliable
• Durable, all-metal housing
• Integrated shockmount
• Shoemount adapter for easy installation
VP83F
① Windscreen
② Camera audio output
③ Camera shoe mount
④ Battery and memory card compartment
⑤ Integrated shockmount
⑥ Control panel
⑦ Headphone audio output
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Accessories
• Foam windscreen
• 3.5 mm coiled audio cable
• (2) AA batteries (except in Argentina)
®
• Rycote Windjammer™ (optional)
Installing the Memory Card and Batteries
The VP83F requires two AA batteries to operate (compatible with Alkaline, NiMH, or Lithium). Installing a MicroSD memory
card enables recording functionality.
Audio is still passed through to the camera and headphone outputs if there is no memory card installed.
① Opening the front panel
Squeeze the latches on each side and open the front panel to access the memory card and battery compartment.
② Installing the memory card
Always turn the power off before removing or installing a memory card.
To Install: Insert the card into the slot located above the battery door, with the contacts facing up. When fully inserted, the
card locks into place.
To Remove: Press the card to unlock it, then pull it from the device.
Note: Format the memory card in the device prior to first use. Refer to the memory card requirements section in the user guide for additional information.
③ Installing and replacing batteries
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Open the battery door located inside the front panel by pressing the fastener down. Insert the batteries according to the po
larity indicators.
Note: The battery door must be closed and latched before closing the front panel.
Mounting the Microphone
On a Camera:
1. Slide the microphone onto the camera shoe.
2. Tighten the knurled ring to secure.
Tip: In addition to the vibration isolation provided by the shock mount, the lowcut filter can be used to further eliminate han
dling noise and low frequency rumble.
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On a Tripod:
The 1/4 inch screw hole at the base of the shoe mount is compatible with tripods that have a 1/4 inch center column. Carefully
rotate the microphone clockwise to tighten onto a tripod. For other mounting solutions, such as microphone stands or boom
poles, an adapter may be required.
Audio Connections
Camera Output (Red)
The camera output passes the audio signal for recording a backup track on the camera. Use the 3.5 mm coiled cable to con
nect the VP83F camera output to the camera's audio input.
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Headphone Output (Black)
Connect a pair of headphones to the headphone output for monitoring recordings and listening during playback.
Important: Never use the microphone gain to adjust the headphone volume, as this may result in poor signal quality or distor
tion.
Control Panel
① Menu Display
Displays menu information and settings.
② Power Button
Turns the unit on and off.
③ Five-Position Joystick
Navigates through the menu. Push the center of the joystick to make a selection.
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④ Record Button
◦ Press to begin and pause recording
◦ Press and hold to stop recording
◦ When in the menu, press to return home
⑤ LED Record Indicator
◦ Solid red = recording
◦ Flashing red = paused
Home Screen Indicators
① Track information
Displays track title and duration
② Low-cut filter icons
On:
Off:
③ Remaining recording time
Displays time remaining on the memory card
④ Headphone volume
⑤ Battery meter
⑥ Audio meter (Gain)
Displays microphone signal level, with range indicator for suggested peak levels
⑦ Microphone gain value
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Quick adjustments from the home screen
The following settings are adjustable when highlighted in the homescreen:
• Headphone volume
• Microphone gain
• Low-cut filter
Press the joystick left or right to highlight an icon for adjustment, and use up/down to change the value.
Menu Navigation
Open menu: Press the joystick to the right to open the main menu and to proceed into submenu screens.
Return to previous screen / select homescreen icons: Press the joystick to the left to back out of the menu. In the home
screen, pushing left will highlight the gain, headphone volume, or low-cut filter and allow them to be adjusted.
Enter: Press the joystick center button.
Scroll / adjust parameters: Press the joystick up or down to scroll through menu items, or to change parameters when select
ed.
Audio Path
The following diagram shows how audio flows through the device:
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Important: Follow the directions on setting the gain for the best signaltonoise performance. Since it is first in the signal path, the gain affects everything fol
lowing it. The gain should never be used to boost or attenuate the headphone signal; use the headphone volume to adjust monitoring levels. The headphone
and camera output level adjustments occur after the signal has reached the recording section of the device, and should not be used to compensate if the gain
setting is too low or is clipping.
Format The Memory Card Before Use
Format the memory card in the device prior to first use for best recording performance. Formatting the card after tracks have
been exported is recommended.
To format the card, enter the menu and select UTILITIES > SD CARD > FORMAT CARD.
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Adjusting Microphone Gain
In order to capture the highest quality audio signal, the microphone gain must be set at the appropriate level. Press the joystick
up or down to adjust levels in the MIC GAIN screen in the menu, or from the home screen when the mic gain icon is highlight
ed. Use the following guidelines to achieve the best results:
• Adjust the gain to correspond to the highest anticipated sound level. The loudest sounds should peak between -12 dB and
-6 dB.
• Setting the gain too low will result in more noise in the recording. If set too high, the signal will clip and become distorted.
The audio meter will indicate that the signal is clipping when the level reaches the highest bar.
Tip: For higher resolution metering, adjust the gain in the MIC GAIN screen to see more precisely where the signal is peaking.
Headphone and Camera Output Volume
Headphone Volume: Accessible in the menu by selecting HEADPHONE, or in the playback, recording, and home screens by
selecting the headphone icon and pressing the joystick up or down.
Camera Output Volume: Accessible in the menu by selecting UTILITIES > CAMERA OUT. Level is selectable (LOW,
MEDIUM, or HIGH) to accommodate different camera preamp sensitivities.
Note: Always set the gain to the appropriate level prior to adjusting the headphone or camera output volume.
Low-Cut Filter
Rolls off low frequencies 170 Hz and below (12 dB per octave) in order to reduce low frequency rumble caused by camera
®
handling and other environmental factors. A custom Rycote Windjammer (A83-FUR) can be used to further reduce wind noise.
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Recording Audio
Record: Press the record button to begin recording. The LED indicator illuminates while recording. Pressing record always cre
ates a new track, unless resuming a paused recording.
Pause: Press the record button to pause the recording. The LED flashes while recording is paused. Press record again to re
sume.
Stop: Press and hold the record button (2 seconds).
Adjusting Settings While Recording
If necessary, audio settings (Microphone gain, Headphone volume, and Low-cut filter) can be adjusted while recording to
compensate for unexpected changes, such as a volume increase that results in clipping. Press the joystick to the left to high
light an item, and then press the joystick up or down to change the value. For best results, configure all settings prior to record
ing.
Note: The menu is not accessible during recording.
Managing Tracks
Track Playback
To listen to recorded tracks, select FILE LIST from the menu screen. Highlight a track and select PLAYBACK to open it.
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Playback Controls
Function Joystick action
Previous / next track Press left / right
Rewind / fast forward Hold left / right
Play / pause Center push
Return to track list Press left while paused
Return to home screen Press record button
Deleting Tracks
To delete audio tracks, select FILE LIST from the menu screen and open the track you would like to delete, and select
DELETE.
Note: Once tracks have been deleted, they cannot be recovered.
Exporting Tracks
To export .WAV audio files, turn the device off and remove the MicroSD memory card. Transfer files to a computer using an SD
card adapter or USB adapter. All imported tracks include a title and timestamp.
Tip: For best performance, format the memory card in the device every time after exporting tracks.
Utilities
SD CARD
Remaining recording time is displayed and the following settings can be accessed:
FORMAT CARD
Formatting the microSD card will erase all data and should be done before first use.
MAX FILE TIME
Adjusting the maximum file size determines the partitioning of longer tracks. If the maximum file size is set to 1GB (2
hours), a 6 hour recording will be divided into three separate WAV files.
SET FILE NAME
The file name is set to TRACK by default, but can be changed by selecting a character and scrolling up or down to change
it. This feature is useful for identifying different sessions or projects.
BACKLIGHT
Adjusts the duration that the LED screen backlight will remain on.
TIME/DATE
Set the time and date so that tracks include a timestamp when exported.
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BATTERY TYPE
Select the appropriate battery type for the meter to read accurately.
CAMERA OUT
Adjusts the volume of the audio signal that is sent to the camera.
HIGH (0 dB)
For cameras with a low-gain preamp.
MEDIUM (-20 dB)
Appropriate for most cameras.
LOW (-40 dB)
For cameras with a sensitive preamp.
CONTRAST
Adjust the contrast value to change the ratio of light to dark on the display screen.
RESTORE DEFAULTS
Restores all default factory settings except for the time and date.
DEVICE DATA
Displays technical device information.
UPDATE FW
Enables firmware updates from the memory card. Having the latest firmware installed on the unit is recommended. Please visit
www.shure.com for details.
Battery Life
Use the following information for reference when considering which battery type to use with the device. Actual runtime may
vary depending on the brand of memory card and batteries, output volume levels, and the type of headphones used.
Battery Runtime (Hours)
Battery Type (AA)
When Recording Passing Audio Only
Alkaline 9.5 10.5
NiMH 12 15
Lithium 17.5 22.5
Note: The battery icon will begin flashing when the battery has approximately 15 minutes of run time remaining.
Memory Card Requirements
The VP83F requires a MicroSD card rated class 6 or higher. Always format new memory cards in the device prior to recording.
Shure recommends using name brand memory cards, as lower quality or slower memory cards may have a negative effect on
performance.
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Note: If using a UHS-1 microSDHC memory card, format the card from a computer to FAT32 file system, and the allocation size to DEFAULT.
Memory Card Recording Capacity
Memory Approximate Recording Time
4 GB 8 Hours
8 GB 16 Hours
16 GB 32 Hours
32 GB (maximum card size) 64 Hours
Troubleshooting
Issue Resolution
Unit does not turn on Replace batteries and make sure that the batteries are installed correctly.
Microphone gain may be set too high, resulting in clipping. Try lowering the gain.
If gain appears to be adjusted properly, try lowering the headphone output volume or using
Sound is distorted
a different pair of headphones.
Make sure headphone and/or camera outputs are plugged in all the way.
If the audio meter doesn’t register a signal, try increasing the microphone gain.
If the audio meter indicates a signal, check the headphone output level and the headphone
No sound connection.
If gain is adjusted correctly with the headphone output turned up and there is still no
sound, try a different pair of headphones.
Ensure the MicroSD memory card is installed correctly.
Sound is not being recorded Try formatting the card in the device and ensure the memory card meets listed require
ments. Use a new memory card if problem persists.
Wind noise Use A83-FUR windscreen and engage low-cut filter
Audio dropouts Use a memory card with a higher speed class rating or a different brand
Notification screen: SD Format the memory card or try a new card that meets the requirements. Be sure to export
CARD ERROR any tracks before formatting the card.
Set the time and date and keep the device on for 30 minutes upon initial power-up to
Notification screen: SET charge the internal clock (RTC) battery.
TIME/DATE? Note: The RTC battery may lose the ability to hold a charge after approximately ten years, in which case the time
and date settings will not be saved. This does not affect any other functionality of the device.
Notification screen:
Formatting the memory card and updating the firmware cannot be done when the battery is
BATTERY LOW CANNOT low. To perform these functions, install a new battery.
FORMAT
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Issue Resolution
BATTERY LOW CANNOT UP-
DATE
The .wav file may be corrupted, or the file format is not supported. Files ripped from a CD
Notification screen: WAV that include metadata or files with a sampling rate greater than 48 KHz will not play in the
FILE ERROR VP83F. Export .wav files to a computer if they are not backed up and remove them from
the memory card.
Accessories and Replacement Parts
Replacement foam windscreen A83W
®
Rycote Windjammer™ A83-FUR
Camera and Headphone Output Pin Configuration
The camera and headphone outputs send identical, mono audio signals on the tip and ring portions of the connector. Head
phones and stereo inputs, which typically use the tip as the left channel and the ring as the right channel, receive the same au
dio on both channels.
Tip Ring Sleeve
Audio (mono 1) Audio (mono 2) Ground
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Specifications
Type
Electret Condenser
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid/Lobar
Recording Format
WAV, 24-bit, 48 kHz Sampling Rate
Frequency Response
50 to 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity
open circuit voltage, @ 1 kHz, typical
0 dB Gain -35.8 dBV/Pa [1] (16.2 mV)
+30 dB Gain -5.8 dBV/Pa [1] (512.9 mV)
Maximum SPL
0 dB Gain Setting, 1 kHz at 1% THD [2], 1000 Ω load
129.2 dB SPL
Signal-to-Noise Ratio [3]
+30 dB Gain Setting
78.4 dB
Self Noise
equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical, +30 dB Gain Setting
15.6 dB SPLA
Environmental Conditions
Operating Temperature Range -18°C (0°F) to 60°C (145°F)
Storage Temperature Range -29°C (-20°F) to 74°C (165°F)
Operating Relative Humidity 0 to 95%
Housing
Cast aluminum
Power Requirements
2 AA batteries (Alkaline, NiMH, Rechargeable Li-Ion)
Weight
215 g (7.6 oz.)
[1]1 Pa=94 dB SPL[2]
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THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal level is equivalent to cartridge output at specified SPL
[3]
S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self noise, A-weighted
Connector Type
3.5 mm (1/8") dual mono, Unbalanced
Output Impedance
47 Ω
Connector Type
3.5 mm (1/8") dual mono
Output Impedance
5Ω
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Information to the user
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installa
tion. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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Industry Canada ICES-003 Compliance Label: CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
Note: Testing is based on the use of supplied and recommended cable types. The use of other than shielded (screened) cable types may degrade EMC per
formance.
Certifications
Following the European Union rule General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC: By the inherent nature of its design, this
product does not present a safety risk to the user.
This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is eligible for CE marking.
The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from Shure Incorporated or any of its European representatives. For contact
information please visit www.shure.com
The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from: www.shure.com/europe/compliance
Authorized European representative:
Shure Europe GmbH
Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa
Department: EMEA Approval
Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12
75031 Eppingen, Germany
Phone: +49-7262-92 49 0
Fax: +49-7262-92 49 11 4
Email: [email protected]
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