Shure Beta 58A Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone

zZounds' Take on Shure Beta 58A

Shure's SM-series microphones have achieved legendary status in the music industry, offering rugged dependability and pro-quality sound to musicians around the world. The next-generation Beta series builds upon this solid reputation with hotter output, wider frequency response, and more of the rock-solid construction Shure fans have come to expect. Beta 58A microphones in particular are custom-designed for pristine vocal performance both on stage and in the studio.

Hotter Output

While most dynamic microphones use standard magnet material to reproduce audio, the Beta 58A's neodymium magnet produces a much stronger electric current for hotter output voltage and more detailed sensitivity. In fact, the Beta 58A's puts out about 4dB more output than the SM58. This brings focus and articulation to even the quietest vocal lines. You'll have higher gain before feedback on your microphone preamp or mixer channel, letting the singer cut through the instrumental mix with authority and presence. When vocals sit back too far in the mix, the song suffers. Put a Beta 58A on the mic stand, and the lyrics lead while the music follows.

Custom-Tailored Frequency Response

The human voice produces a wide range of tones, and the Beta 58A captures them all with rich warmth and clarity. Wider at both ends of the spectrum than the SM58, the frequency response from 50Hz to 16kHz handles the highest sopranos, the deepest basses, and everything in-between with natural character. Beta 58A's are especially good when used up close to the vocal source, offering enhanced control over the Proximity Effect. Most microphones tend to sound boomy up close, because the Proximity Effect naturally exaggerates the bass response. The Beta 58A has a gradual low-end roll-off, letting you use the Proximity Effect to your advantage. Put your lips right up against the windscreen and you'll hear a deep, mellow resonance that would make Barry White blush. Upper midrange frequencies are custom-tailored to sweeten the natural harmonics that give your voice its unique character. You won't need to spend much time at the board trying to tweak the EQ, because your vocals will already sound fantastic.

Supercardioid Pickup Pattern

The Beta 58A's supercardioid pickup pattern takes much of the guesswork out of your sound-reinforcement layout. In a live setting, this unidirectional aiming control lets you position your Beta 58A away from the monitor output for higher gain before feedback. The intended sound source will ring out strong and clear, without adding that annoying squeal into the signal path. The pickup zone in front of the capsule is a bit wider than standard cardioid microphones, allowing for single-mic pickup of duet performances. In the studio, the Beta 58A can be used to provide superior isolation for recorded tracks. Less bleed from one sound source to another makes editing and mixing much easier. Supercardioid microphones let you record several tracks at once, automatically rejecting anything outside the normal pickup pattern. Recording several sources simultaneously really speeds up the production process and allows the performers to feed off of each other's energy for the tightest possible performance. Once you hear the results, you won't want to record any other way.

Rock-Solid Construction

Those familiar with Shure's legendary quality and durability standards will not be disappointed with the Beta 58A. Their battle-tested pneumatic shockmount system reduces handling noise caused by vibrations traveling through the mic stand, and the rugged steel-mesh grille resists dents and protects the internal components from damage. An integrated windscreen cuts down on breath noise and popping sounds for a clear, focused vocal performance. It has also passed Shure's famous drop test, where the prototype was dropped ten times from a height of ten feet with no loss of performance.

Included Accessories

The package includes a soft storage pouch, and an unbreakable mic clip that swivels 180-degrees

Manufacturer's Description for Shure Beta 58A Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone

The Shure BETA 58A is a high output supercardioid dynamic vocal microphone designed for professional sound reinforcement and project studio recording. It maintains a true supercardioid pattern throughout its frequency range. This ensures high gain before feedback, maximum isolation from other sound sources, and minimum off-axis tone coloration.

The BETA 58A has a shaped frequency response that is ideal for close-up vocals. The superb performance of this microphone is not affected by rough handling because of its rugged construction, proven shock mount system, and hardened steel mesh grille. Typical applications for the BETA 58A include lead vocals, backup vocals, and speech.

Features

- Frequency response tailored for vocals, with brightened midrange and bass rolloff to control proximity effect
- Uniform supercardioid pattern for high gain before feedback and superior rejection of off-axis sound
- Neodymium magnet for high signal-to-noise output zZounds is an authorized dealer of Shure products.

Type: Dynamic (Moving Coil)

Frequency Response: 50 to 16,000 Hz

Case: Silver Blue enamel-painted die-cast metal with hardened, matte-finished, spherical steel mesh grille, adjustable

Stand Adapter: Slip-in microphone mounting, unbreakable, adjustable through 180 degrees with standard 5/8"-27 thread, Black finish

Dimensions: 160 x 50 mm (6.5 x 2 in.)

Net Weight: 278 g (9.92 oz.)

Furnished Accessories: Adjustable Stand Adapter A25D, 5/8 in. to 3/8 in (Euro) Thread Adapter 95A2050, Storage Bag 26A21

Optional Accessories:
Windscreen A58Ws Series (8 Colors Available), Isolation Mount A55M, A55Hm, 7.6 m (25 ft.) cable C25E, C25F

Replacement Parts: Cartridge R176, Grille Assembly Rk265G, Plug (Connector) Assembly 90F1984

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging

Microphone Only

Shipping Weight: 1 lbs

Shipping Dimensions: 11 x 5 x 4 in

with Tripod Boom Stand and Mic Cable (18.5 Foot)

Shipping Weight: 8 lbs