What is the primary difference between the Beta 57A and the SM57?

The Beta 57A features a supercardioid polar pattern for tighter isolation, whereas the SM57 uses a cardioid pattern. Additionally, the Beta 57A has a neodymium magnet for higher output and a broader frequency response.

Can the Beta 57A be used for vocals?

Yes, the Beta 57A is a versatile microphone that performs well on both instruments and vocals. Its tuned frequency response provides extra clarity and definition that helps voices cut through a mix.

What is included in the Shure Beta 57A Dynamic Microphone Bundle?

The bundle includes the Shure Beta 57A microphone along with a customisable selection of accessories. You can choose to include up to eight microphone stands and XLR cables depending on your needs.

What are the benefits of a supercardioid polar pattern?

A supercardioid pattern provides maximum isolation and high gain-before-feedback. It effectively rejects sound from the sides of the microphone, ensuring the intended source is captured clearly without ambient bleed.

Is the Beta 57A suitable for loud sound sources?

Yes, as a dynamic microphone with a robust design, it is ideal for high-SPL sources such as guitar amplifiers and snare drums. The neodymium magnet helps capture these sounds with great detail.

Does the Beta 57A require phantom power?

No, the Beta 57A is a dynamic microphone. It operates using electromagnetic induction and does not require external phantom power from a mixer or interface.

How does the Beta 57A compare to the Sennheiser e945?

Both are high-quality supercardioid dynamic microphones. However, the Beta 57A's physical design with a smaller grille makes it more versatile for tight instrument placement compared to the vocal-specific e945.

Which famous artists are known for using the Shure Beta 57A?

Prince is a notable artist who utilised the Shure Beta 57A. Its ability to provide character and definition made it a reliable choice for his demanding performance standards.

Is the microphone grille on the Beta 57A different from the SM57?

Yes, the Beta 57A features a hardened steel mesh grille that is more durable than the SM57's plastic cap. The design also allows for closer proximity to the sound source.

What is the typical price for the Beta 57A bundle?

The typical price for this specific microphone bundle is approximately £191.00. This price may vary depending on the specific configuration of stands and cables selected.

Why should I choose the Beta 57A over the Beta 58A?

The Beta 57A is more of an all-rounder due to its compact grille, making it easier to position on instruments. The Beta 58A is primarily designed as a handheld vocal microphone with a larger ball-end grille.

Does the Beta 57A have a high signal output?

Yes, thanks to the integrated neodymium magnet, the Beta 57A provides a higher output level than standard dynamic microphones. This results in a cleaner signal with less gain required from the preamp.

Gear article

Shure Beta 57A Dynamic Microphone

The Shure Beta 57A is a professional dynamic microphone designed for both instrument and vocal applications in live and studio environments. Characterised by its supercardioid polar pattern and neodymium magnet, it provides high gain-before-feedback and exceptional isolation from off-axis sound sources.

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Overview and Bundle Configuration

The Shure Beta 57A Dynamic Microphone Bundle is a comprehensive solution for live sound and recording, offering the core microphone along with customisable accessories. Users can configure the bundle to include up to eight microphone stands and cables, making it a scalable option for stage setups. The microphone itself is built to handle high sound pressure levels while maintaining clarity across a wide variety of sources.

Technical Features

A defining feature of the Beta 57A is its supercardioid polar pattern. This narrow pickup field ensures that the primary sound source is isolated from ambient noise and bleed from other instruments, which is critical in loud stage environments. Internally, the microphone utilizes a powerful neodymium magnet. This component contributes to a high signal-to-noise ratio and a powerful output, reducing the reliance on external preamplification to achieve a usable signal level.

Sound Character and Response

The Beta 57A is engineered with a finely tuned frequency response that provides extra definition and clarity. Unlike standard utility microphones that may require significant equalization, the Beta 57A is designed to offer a specific character that brings the source to the forefront of the mix. This 'shaped' response is particularly effective for adding presence to vocals or grit and detail to instruments without sounding harsh.

Comparison to Industry Standards

Within the Shure ecosystem, the Beta 57A is often compared to the SM57. While the SM57 is a cardioid microphone known for its flat, workhorse reliability, the Beta 57A offers a tighter supercardioid pattern and increased sensitivity due to its neodymium magnet. Compared to vocal-centric models like the Beta 58A or the Sennheiser e945, the Beta 57A features a more compact grille design, allowing for closer placement to instruments like snare drums or guitar amplifiers.

Target Users and Artist Association

Due to its versatility, the Beta 57A is suitable for a wide range of users, from professional touring engineers to home studio enthusiasts. It is capable of capturing almost any sound source, including drums, brass, and high-SPL guitar cabs. Notably, the microphone was a preferred choice for the artist Prince, who utilised its specific tonal characteristics and reliable performance.

Artists who play it

Prince
Singer

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary difference between the Beta 57A and the SM57?: The Beta 57A features a supercardioid polar pattern for tighter isolation, whereas the SM57 uses a cardioid pattern. Additionally, the Beta 57A has a neodymium magnet for higher output and a broader frequency response.
Can the Beta 57A be used for vocals?: Yes, the Beta 57A is a versatile microphone that performs well on both instruments and vocals. Its tuned frequency response provides extra clarity and definition that helps voices cut through a mix.
What is included in the Shure Beta 57A Dynamic Microphone Bundle?: The bundle includes the Shure Beta 57A microphone along with a customisable selection of accessories. You can choose to include up to eight microphone stands and XLR cables depending on your needs.
What are the benefits of a supercardioid polar pattern?: A supercardioid pattern provides maximum isolation and high gain-before-feedback. It effectively rejects sound from the sides of the microphone, ensuring the intended source is captured clearly without ambient bleed.
Is the Beta 57A suitable for loud sound sources?: Yes, as a dynamic microphone with a robust design, it is ideal for high-SPL sources such as guitar amplifiers and snare drums. The neodymium magnet helps capture these sounds with great detail.
Does the Beta 57A require phantom power?: No, the Beta 57A is a dynamic microphone. It operates using electromagnetic induction and does not require external phantom power from a mixer or interface.
How does the Beta 57A compare to the Sennheiser e945?: Both are high-quality supercardioid dynamic microphones. However, the Beta 57A's physical design with a smaller grille makes it more versatile for tight instrument placement compared to the vocal-specific e945.
Which famous artists are known for using the Shure Beta 57A?: Prince is a notable artist who utilised the Shure Beta 57A. Its ability to provide character and definition made it a reliable choice for his demanding performance standards.
Is the microphone grille on the Beta 57A different from the SM57?: Yes, the Beta 57A features a hardened steel mesh grille that is more durable than the SM57's plastic cap. The design also allows for closer proximity to the sound source.
What is the typical price for the Beta 57A bundle?: The typical price for this specific microphone bundle is approximately £191.00. This price may vary depending on the specific configuration of stands and cables selected.
Why should I choose the Beta 57A over the Beta 58A?: The Beta 57A is more of an all-rounder due to its compact grille, making it easier to position on instruments. The Beta 58A is primarily designed as a handheld vocal microphone with a larger ball-end grille.
Does the Beta 57A have a high signal output?: Yes, thanks to the integrated neodymium magnet, the Beta 57A provides a higher output level than standard dynamic microphones. This results in a cleaner signal with less gain required from the preamp.