SHURE BETA57A Instrument Microphone Instruction Manual

SHURE BETA57A Instrument Microphone

Specifications

• Type: Dynamic (moving coil)
• Frequency Response : 50 to 16,000 Hz
• Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
• Output Impedance: 290
• Sensitivity: -51 dBV/Pa (2.8 mV) at 1kHz, open circuit voltage
• Weight: Net 0.275 kg (0.6 lbs)
• Connector: Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male, balanced
• Housing: Silver blue enamel-painted die cast metal with hardened, matte-finished steel mesh grille

Product Usage Instructions

General Description
The BETA57A is a supercardioid dynamic microphone designed for instrument applications. It offers a sharp attack and emphasized bass for optimal tone quality.

Features
Supercardioid polar pattern for focused sound capture – Dynamic moving coil design for durability and reliability – Wide frequency response for accurate sound reproduction

Applications
The BETA57A can be used in various applications, including:

• Guitar and Bass Amplifiers
• Snare Drum
• Tom
• Toms
• Brass and Woodwinds

General Rules for Use
When using the BETA57A, keep the following rules in mind

• Experiment with microphone placement to find the desired sound.
• Avoid placing the microphone too close to the sound source to prevent explosive low-frequency sounds.
• Take advantage of the proximity effect to create a warmer and more powerful sound.

Applications and Placement
The table below provides suggested microphone placement for different applications:

speaker
cone| Sharp attack; emphasized bass
Snare Drum| 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in.) above rim of top head of drum. Aim
mic at drum head.| Medium attack; full, balanced sound
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 microphone at top drum
heads. On double-head toms, you can also remove the bottom head and
place a mic inside pointing up toward the top drum head.| Medium attack; full, balanced sound
Brass & Woodwinds| Brass: 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 ft.) away, on-axis with bell of
instrument. Woodwinds: 2.5 to 15 cm (1 to 6 in.) away, on-axis with
bell of instrument.| Bright, clear sound (brass) / Softer, mellow sound
(woodwinds)

Avoiding Pickup of Unwanted Sound Sources
To avoid picking up unwanted sound sources, consider the recommended loudspeaker locations for supercardioid microphones.

Proximity Effect
The BETA57A exhibits proximity effect, which means it progressively boosts bass frequencies by 6 to 10 dB below 100 Hz when the microphone is close to the sound source. This can be used to create a warmer and more powerful sound. However, to prevent explosive low-frequency sound, the bass response gradually rolls off when used in close proximity.

FAQ

Q: What accessories are included with the BETA57A?
A: The BETA57A comes with a microphone clip for SM58, SM57, SM87A, BETA87A, BETA87C, PGA57, PGA58, PGA48, and PGA81. It also includes a 5/8 to 3/8 (Euro) threaded adapter and a zippered carrying bag.

• The Shure supercardioid dynamic microphone, BETA57A, user guide.
• Version: 3.0 (2023-C)

BETA57A   Instrument Microphone

General Description
The Shure BETA 57 A is a precision-engineered, dynamic microphone designed for professional live sound reinforcement and studio recording. A tight, supercardioid pattern delivers high gain before feedback, maximum sound isolation, and minimum off-axis tone coloration.
The tailored frequency response of the versatile Beta 57A accentuates the fine details of amplified and acoustic instruments, especially in high sound pressure level(SPL) environments. A proven shock mount system, hardened steel- mesh grille, and superior build quality withstand the rigors of daily sound reinforcement.

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 guitars, drums and vocals
• 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

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.

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.

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.
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 microphone 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.
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 super cardioid 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.

Recommended Loudspeaker Locations for Supercardioid Microphones

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.

Specifications

• Type Dynamic (moving coil)
• Frequency Response 50 to 16,000 Hz
• Polar Pattern Supercardioid
• Output Impedance 290 Ω
• Sensitivity at 1kHz, open circuit voltage -51 dBV/Pa (2 .8 mV) [1]
• Weight Net 0.275 kg (0.6 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

• Overall Dimensions

• Typical Frequency Response

• Typical Polar Pattern

• Wiring Diagram

Accessories

Furnished Accessories

Microphone Clip for SM58, SM57, SM87A, BETA87A, BETA87C, PGA57, PGA58, PGA48, PGA81| ****

A25D

---|---
5/8″ to 3/8″ (Euro) Threaded Adapter| 95A2050
Zippered Carrying Bag| 95A2314

Optional Accessories

25 foot (7.5m) Triple-Flex ® Microphone XLR Cable with Switchcraft connectors| C25E

Replacement Parts

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

References

• Documentation Finder - Shure Europe

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