Shure BETA 57A, Dynamic Instrument Microphone

The Shure BETA 57A (Beta57A) is a supercardioid dynamic instrument microphone for snare, toms, guitar and bass amps, brass, woodwinds and vocals, on stage and in the studio. It covers 50 Hz to 16 kHz with a response tailored for drums, guitars and vocals, and its tight supercardioid pattern gives high gain before feedback with greatest rejection at 120 degrees toward the rear.

A neodymium magnet gives it high output, an advanced pneumatic shock mount cuts handling and stand noise, and a hardened steel mesh grille on a die-cast metal body stands up to daily use and lets you use proximity effect for extra bass when you work in close.

BETA 57A specifications

Type	Dynamic (moving coil)
Polar pattern	Supercardioid
Frequency response	50 Hz to 16 kHz
Sensitivity	-51 dBV/Pa (2.8 mV) at 1 kHz, open circuit
Output impedance	290 ohm
Connector	3-pin XLR, male, balanced
Housing	Silver blue enamel-painted die-cast metal, hardened matte steel mesh grille
Weight	0.6 lb (275 g)
In the box	A25D stand adapter (mic clip), 95A2050 5/8 in to 3/8 in (Euro) thread adapter, storage bag
Optional accessories	A57AWS locking foam windscreen, A55HM Shock Stopper isolation mount
Replacement parts	R174 cartridge, RK320 grille

Where should I place a BETA 57A on a snare drum?

About 1 to 3 in (2.5 to 7.5 cm) above the rim of the top head, aimed at the drum head. Shure says this placement gets the most snap from the stick. Toms take the same distance, one mic per drum or one between each pair.

How do I mic a guitar amp with it?

Start 1 in (2.5 cm) from the speaker, on-axis with the center of the speaker cone, for sharp attack and emphasized bass. Move toward the edge of the cone for a brighter sound, or back 6 to 12 in (15 to 30 cm) for a fuller, balanced tone.

Where do I put the stage monitors?

Off to the sides at about 120 degrees from the front of the mic, not directly behind it. A supercardioid rejects the most sound at those rear angles.

Can I use the BETA 57A for vocals?

Yes. Shure lists vocals alongside drums, guitar amps, brass and woodwinds. Its bass response rolls off gradually during close-up use, which keeps proximity effect under control.

BETA 57A, SM57 or BETA 56A?

Pick the BETA 57A over the SM57 dynamic instrument mic when you want a supercardioid pattern for tighter isolation on a crowded stage, plus a neodymium magnet for higher output and a hardened steel grille. The BETA 56A uses the same R174 cartridge in a swivel-mount body. The R174 replacement cartridge fits the BETA 56, BETA 56A and BETA 57A.