SHURE BETA 52A Dynamic Kick Drum and Bass Amp Microphone User Guide

June 10, 2024
Shure

SHURE BETA 52A Dynamic Kick Drum and Bass Amp Microphone

SUPERARDIOID DYNAMIC INSTRUMENT MICROPHONE

Product Information

The SUPERARDIOID DYNAMIC INSTRUMENT MICROPHONE is a moving coil microphone with a supercardioid polar pattern. It has a frequency response range of 20 to 10,000 Hz and a net weight of 605 grams (21.6 oz). This microphone is suitable for use in various applications such as kick drums and electric bass amplifiers.

Specifications

  • Type: Dynamic (moving coil)
  • Frequency Response: 20 to 10,000 Hz
  • Polar Pattern: Supercardioid, rotationally symmetrical about microphone axis
  • Net Weight: 605 grams (21.6 oz)
  • Impedance: Rated impedance is 150 Ω (45 Ω actual) for
    connection to microphone inputs rated low Z

Optional Accessories

  • Storage Bag: 26A25
  • 5/8 to 3/8 (Euro) Thread Adapter: 95A2050
  • 7.6 m (25 ft) Cable: C25E, C25F

Replacement Parts

  • Cartridge: R175
  • Screen and Grille Assembly: RK321
  • Plug (connector) Assembly: 90F1984

Product Usage Instructions

Application: Kick Drum

Suggested Microphone Placement:

  • 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in.) away from the beater head, slightly off-center from the beater. Tone Quality: Sharp attack; maximum bass sound, highest sound pressure level.
  • 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.) from the beater head, on-axis with the beater. Tone Quality: Medium attack; balanced sound.
  • 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.) from the beater head, 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in.) from the edge of the head. Tone Quality: Medium attack; thin, reduced bass sound.
  • 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in.) away from the outside head, on-axis with a beater (double head kickdrum only). Tone Quality: Softer attack; balanced, resonant sound.

Application: Electric Bass Amplifier

  • 2.5 cm (1 in.) from the speaker, on-axis with the center of the speaker cone. Tone Quality: Sharp attack; emphasized bass.
  • 2.5 cm (1 in.) from the speaker, on edge of the speaker cone. Tone Quality: Sharp attack; higher frequency sound.
  • 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in.) from the speaker, on-axis with center of speaker cone. Tone Quality: Sharp attack; full, balanced sound.
  • 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft.) from speaker, on-axis with center of speaker cone. Tone Quality: Soft attack; mellow, higher frequency sound

Usage Steps:

  1. Screw the integral stand adapter onto the end of a microphone stand (see Figure 3).
  2. Adjust the stand height and position as necessary.
  3. Pivot the BETA 52A until it is in the desired position relative to the drum head or loudspeaker.
  4. Lock the BETA 52A in place by rotating the adjustment knob on the stand adapter clockwise until it is tight. Do NOT overtighten the knob with tools.
  5. If necessary, make minor adjustments to the microphone position without loosening the adjustment knob.
  6. Connect an audio cable to the integral XLR connector.

Note: To tighten the beat, place a pillow or blanket on bottom of drum against beater head.

Printed in U.S.A.

SUPERCARDIOID DYNAMIC INSTRUMENT MICROPHONE GENERAL

The Shure BETA 52®A is a high output dynamic microphone with a tailored frequency response designed specifically for kick drums and other bass instruments. It provides superb attack and “punch,” and delivers studio quality sound even at extremely high sound pressure levels.
The BETA 52A features a modified supercardioid pattern through-out its frequency range to insure high gain before feedback and excellent rejection of unwanted sound. A built–in dynamic locking stand adapter with an integral XLR connector simplifies installa-tion, particularly if the microphone is to be placed inside a kick drum. The stand adapter keeps the microphone position fixed and resists slipping, even when subjected to sharp blows and strong vibrations. A hardened steel mesh grille protects the BETA 52A from the abuse and wear associated with touring.

FEATURES

  • Frequency response shaped specifically for kick drums and bass instruments
  • Built-in dynamic locking stand adapter with integral XLR connector simplifies setup, especially inside a kick drum
  • Studio quality performance, even at extremely high sound pressure levels
  • Supercardioid pattern for high gain before feedback and superior rejection of unwanted noise
  • Hardened steel mesh grille that resists wear and abuse Advanced pneumatic shock mount system that minimizes transmission of mechanical noise and vibration
  • Neodymium magnet for high signal–to–noise ratio output
  • Low sensitivity to varying load impedance
  • Legendary Shure quality and reliability

APPLICATIONS AND PLACEMENT

The most common BETA 52A applications and placement techniques are listed in the following table. Keep in mind that microphone technique is largely a matter of personal taste– there is no one “correct” microphone position.

Application Suggested Microphone Placement Tone Quality
Kick Drum 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in.) away from beater head, slightly off-
center from beater. Sharp attack; maximum bass sound, highest sound pressure

level.
 | 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.) from beater head, on-axis with beater.| Medium attack; balanced sound.
 | 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.)

from beater head, 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in.) from edge of head.

| Medium attack; thin, re- duced bass sound.
 | 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in.) away from outside head, on-axis with beater (double head kickdrum only).| Softer attack; balanced, resonant sound.
 |  | NOTE: To “tighten” the beat, place a pillow or blanket on bottom of drum against beater head.
Electric Bass Ampli- fier| 2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker, on-axis with center of speaker cone.| Sharp attack; emphasized bass.
 | 2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker, at edge of speaker cone.| Sharp attack; higher fre- quency sound.
 | 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in.) from speaker, on-axis with center of speaker cone.| Sharp attack; full, balanced sound.
 | 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft.) from speaker, on-axis with center of speaker cone.| Soft attack; mellow, higher frequency sound.

MOUNTING THE BETA 52A ON A MICROPHONE STAND
The built–in stand adapter features a dynamic locking system that permits adjustments to the microphone’s position, but resists slipping when struck or bumped. To mount the BETA 52A on a stand and adjust its position, proceed as follows:

  1. Screw the integral stand adapter onto the end of a micro-phone stand (see Figure 3). Adjust the stand height and position as necessary.
  2. Pivot the BETA 52A until it is in the desired position rela-tive to the drum head or loudspeaker.
  3. Lock the BETA 52A in place by rotating the adjustment knob on the stand adapter clockwise until it is tight. Do NOT overtighten the knob with tools.
  4. If necessary, make minor adjustments to the microphone position without loosening the adjustment knob.
  5. Connect an audio cable to the integral XLR connector.

Product SPECIFICATIONS

Type
Dynamic (moving coil)

Frequency Response 20 to 10,000 Hz

NOTE: The curve below shows on–axis response at a distance of 2 feet from a uniform sound source. Your response may vary, depending on microphone position

SHURE-BETA-52A-Dynamic-Kick-Drum and-Bass-Amp-
Microphone-1

Polar Pattern
Supercardioid, rotationally symmetrical about microphone axis

SHURE-BETA-52A-Dynamic-Kick-Drum and-Bass-Amp-
Microphone-2

Adjustable, Locking Stand Adapter
Integral, dynamic locking, adjustable through 180°, with stan-dard 5/8”-27 thread

Net Weight
605 grams (21.6 oz)

CERTIFICATION

Eligible to bear CE Marking. Conforms to European EMC
Directive 89/336/EEC. Meets applicable tests and performance criteria in European Standard EN55103 (1996) parts 1 and 2,for residential (E1) and light industrial (E2) environments.

FURNISHED ACCESSORIES

  • Storage Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26A25
  • 5/8” to 3/8” (Euro) Thread Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . .95A2050

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

  • 7.6 m (25 ft) Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C25E, C25F

REPLACEMENT PARTS

  • Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .R175
  • Screen and Grille Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RK321
  • Plug (connector) Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90F1984

NOTE: Use care when removing the cartridge holder from the base to prevent breakage of the lead wires.
For additional Service or parts information, please contact Shure’s Service department at 1–800–516–2525. Outside the United States, please contact your authorized Shure Service Center.

SHURE Incorporated http://www.shure.com

United States, Canada, Latin America, Caribbean:
5800 W. Touhy Avenue, Niles, IL 60714-4608, U.S.A.
Phone: 847-600-2000 U.S. Fax: 847-600-1212 Int’l Fax: 847-600-6446
Europe, Middle East, Africa:
Shure Europe GmbH, Phone: 49-7131-72140 Fax: 49-7131-721414

Asia, Pacific:
Shure Asia Limited, Phone: 852-2893-4290 Fax: 852-2893-4055

References

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