Shure BETA 57A Supercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone
The Shure BETA 57A is a supercardioid dynamic instrument microphone designed for professional sound reinforcement and studio recording. Its tight pattern gives it plenty of gain before feedback and keeps the snare, amp or horn it is aimed at well isolated from the other sources on stage.
What sets it apart
- Supercardioid pattern that stays consistent across the range, for high gain before feedback
- Neodymium magnet: higher sensitivity and output
- 50 to 16,000 Hz response suited to guitars, drums, brass and vocals
- Hardened steel mesh grille that resists dents and lets you use proximity effect
- Advanced pneumatic shock mount against mechanical noise and vibration
Supercardioid: monitors go off to the sides
A supercardioid microphone rejects sound best at 120° toward the rear, not directly behind it. Shure's guide therefore asks for stage monitors and loudspeakers to be set at those angles, then for the placement to be checked before the performance. Aimed properly, this narrower pattern makes the BETA 57A less prone to feedback and limits how much each drum mic picks up from its neighbours.
What sets it apart from the SM57
Shure compares the two models itself. The SM57 is cardioid and has no full protective grille. The BETA 57A is supercardioid and carries a grille of a particular shape: it protects the cartridge like a ball grille while still letting you work very close. This grille is also harder, so it is more difficult to dent on tour. Its response is extended in the lows and highs, its neodymium magnet raises the output, and its shock mount further reduces handling noise.
Brass and woodwinds, head-on or off to the side
For brass, the guide places the mic 30 to 90 cm from the bell, on axis: the sound is bright and clear. For woodwinds, move in to 2.5 to 15 cm. Turning the bell 90° from the front of the mic gives a softer, mellower sound. On a snare, the starting point remains 2.5 to 7.5 cm above the rim, aimed at the head.
Specifications
| Type | Dynamic (moving coil) |
|---|---|
| Polar pattern | Supercardioid |
| Frequency response | 50 to 16,000 Hz |
| Output impedance | 290 Ω |
| Sensitivity (1 kHz, open circuit) | -51 dBV/Pa (2.8 mV) |
| Connector | 3-pin male XLR, balanced |
| Housing | Silver-blue enamelled die-cast metal, hardened matte-finish steel mesh grille |
| Dimensions | 38 mm wide, 160 mm long |
| Net weight | 275 g |
| Included | A25D clip, 5/8 in. to 3/8 in. thread adapter, storage bag |
What it's for
- Snare and toms on a loud stage
- Guitar and bass amps
- Trumpet, trombone, saxophone and other brass or woodwinds
- Vocals, on stage or in a home studio
Compared with other manufacturers
Other tight-pattern dynamic instrument microphones from other manufacturers. Data as published by each manufacturer.
| Model | Polar pattern | Frequency response | Use intended by the manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shure BETA 57A | Supercardioid | 50 to 16,000 Hz | Drums, guitar amps, brass, woodwinds and vocals |
| Sennheiser e 609 Silver | Supercardioid | 40 to 15,000 Hz | Guitar amp speakers and toms, flat capsule |
| Electro-Voice ND46 | Supercardioid | 70 to 18,000 Hz | Instruments on stage, locking pivoting head |
| Audix D2 | Hypercardioid | Not stated on the manufacturer's page | Toms, congas, saxophones, guitar amps and brass |
| beyerdynamic M 201 TG | Hypercardioid | 40 to 18,000 Hz | Snare, guitar amps, acoustic guitar and brass |
Frequently asked questions
- BETA 57A or SM57: which one should I choose?
- Shure's answer is that it depends on the use. The BETA 57A adds a tighter supercardioid pattern, higher output, an extended response, a more protective grille and less handling noise. The SM57 keeps the classic cardioid character of close miking.
- Can you sing into a BETA 57A?
- Yes. Shure describes it as excellent for instruments and vocals alike, and notes that it can be heard on many vocal recordings. It does not, however, have the built-in pop filter of the BETA 58A.
- What is the difference between the BETA 57A and the BETA 58A?
- The BETA 58A is a vocal mic: brightened midrange, bass rolloff to control proximity effect and a built-in pop filter, under a ball grille. The BETA 57A, with its compact grille, has a response shaped for guitars, drums, brass and vocals.
- Where should stage monitors go with a supercardioid mic?
- At about 120° from the front of the mic, on either side, not directly behind it: that is where the BETA 57A rejects sound best. Shure advises testing the placement before every performance.
- Is there a windscreen for the BETA 57A?
- Yes. Shure offers the optional A57AWS black locking foam windscreen, made for the BETA 57 and the BETA 57A. The guide recommends one for any outdoor use.
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