SHURE BETA56A Instrument Microphone User Manual
- June 10, 2024
- Shure
Table of Contents
SHURE BETA56A Instrument Microphone
General Description
The Shure Beta 56 A dynamic microphone has a frequency response specifically tailored for drums and instruments. An extremely uniform supercardioid pattern provides high gain before feedback and excellent rejection of unwanted noise. An integrated, locking stand adapter, with XLR connector, simplifies mounting and adjustments. Designed for professional sound reinforcement and studio recording, the Beta 56A features a hardened steel mesh grille, diecast metal construction, and pneumatic shock mount system ideal for daily, rough use in performance environments.
Features
- Premier live performance microphone with Shure quality, ruggedness, and reliability
- Uniform supercardioid pick-up pattern for maximum gain before feedback and superior rejection of off-axis sound Tailored frequency response specifically shaped for drums, amplified instruments and horns
- Neodymium magnet for greater sensitivity and higher output
- Advanced pneumatic shock mount system that minimizes transmission of mechanical noise and vibration
- Dent-resistant, steel mesh grille and enamel coated die-cast metal construction resist wear and abuse
- Built-in stand adapter with dynamic locking system and XLR connector simplifies setup and provides greater flexibility Compact design reduces stage clutter.
Applications
General Rules for Use
- Do not cover any part of the microphone grille with your hand, as this will adversely affect microphone performance. Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source (such as the talker, singer, or instrument) and away from unwanted sources.
- Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired sound source.
- Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
- Use only one microphone to pick up a single sound source.
- For better gain before feedback, use fewer microphones.
- Keep the distance between microphones at least three times the distance from each microphone to its source (“three to one rule”).
- Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces.
- Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.
- Avoid excessive handling to minimize pickup of mechanical noise and vibration.
Applications and Placement
The following table lists the most common applications and placement
techniques. 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 |
|---|
Tom- Toms
| One mic on each tom, or between each pair of toms, 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in.) above drum heads. Aim each micro phone at top drum heads. On double head toms, you can also remove bottom head and place a mic inside pointing up toward top drum head.|
Medium attack; full, balanced sound.
Snare Drum
| 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in.) above rim of top head of drum. Aim mic at drum head.|
Most “snap” from drumstick.
Guitar & Bass Ampli
fiers
| 2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker, onaxis with center of speak
er cone.
|
Sharp attack; emphasized bass.
2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker, at edge of speaker cone.
| Sharp attack; higher frequency sound.
15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in.) away from speaker and on- axis with speaker
cone.|
Medium attack; full, balanced sound.
60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft.) back from speaker, on-axis with speaker cone.|
Softer attack; reduced bass.
Brass & Woodwinds
| Brass: 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 ft.) away, on-axis with bell of instrument.|
Bright, clear sound.
Woodwinds: 2.5 to 15 cm (1 to 6 in.) away, on-axis with bell of instrument.|
Bright, clear sound.
Bell of instrument 90° off-axis from front of mic.| Softer, mellow sound.
Avoiding Pickup of Unwanted Sound Sources
A supercardioid microphone has the greatest sound rejection at points 120°
toward the rear of the microphone. Place the microphone
so that unwanted sound sources, such as monitors and loudspeakers, are at
these angles, not directly behind it. To minimize feedback and ensure optimum
rejection of unwanted sound, always test microphone placement before a
performance.
Proximity Effect
Unidirectional (cardioid) microphones progressively boost bass frequencies by 6 to 10 dB below 100 Hz when the microphone is at a distance of about 6 mm (1/4 in.) from the sound source. This phenomenon, known as proximity effect, can be used to create a warmer, more powerful sound. To prevent explosive low frequency sound during close-up use, the bass response gradually rolls off. This provides greater control and helps the user take advantage of proximity effect.
Using the Stand Adapter
The integrated stand adapter resists slipping when struck or bumped, yet
permits adjustments without loosening the knob.
- Thread the microphone onto the stand.
- Before tightening the adjustment knob, adjust the stand height and position as necessary.
- Tighten the adjustment knob to lock the microphone in place. Do NOT use tools or overtighten.
Specifications
- Type: Dynamic (moving coil)
- Frequency Response: 50 to 16,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
- Output Impedance: EIA rated at150 Ω(290 Ωactual)
- Sensitivity: at 1kHz,open circuit voltage 51 dBV/Pa(2.8 mV) [1]
- Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
- Weight: Net 0.468 kg (1.6 lbs)
- Connector: Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male, balanced
- Housing: Silver blue enamel-painted die cast metal with hardened, matte-finished steel mesh grille [1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL
Accessories
Furnished Accessories
| 5/8″ to 3/8″ (Euro) Threaded Adapter | 95A2050 |
|---|---|
| Zippered Carrying Bag | 95A2314 |
Optional Accessories
| Gray Foam Windscreen for all 515 Series, BETA56A and BETA57A | A1WS |
|---|
25 foot (7.5m) Triple-Flex ® Microphone XLR Cable with Switchcraft
connectors| C25E
25 foot (7.5m) Triple-Flex Microphone XLR Cable with chrome connectors|
C25F
Replacement Parts
| Cartridge for BETA56, BETA56A, and BETA57A | R174 |
|---|---|
| Grille for BETA56A and BETA57A | RK320 |
| Plug (Connector) Assembly | 90J1984 |
Certifications
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: 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: info@shure.de.