Shure BETA57A - Instrument Microphone Manual

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 offaxis 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.

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.
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]
[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL

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

Overall Dimensions

Typical Frequency Response

Typical Polar Pattern

Wiring Diagram

Accessories

Furnished Accessories

Optional Accessories

Replacement Parts

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