Shure Beta 52A Kick Drum and Bass Microphone

With a supercardioid pickup pattern, a response tailored for kick and bass, and huge 174 dB SPL handling, this is a serious and seriously good-sounding mic.

Overview

When you want to capture those punchy thumps and critical bass lines, turn to the Shure Beta 52A as your recording weapon of choice. Designed specifically for use on kick drums and other bass-heavy instruments, the dynamic Beta 52A microphone offers a low-end-loving frequency response, incredibly high 174 dB SPL handling, a modified supercardioid pickup pattern, and more. Take this hardy mic on tour for Shure-quality sound every time you perform.

Tailor-Made for Kick Drums and Bass

Your kick drums and bass instruments will thank you when you introduce Shure's Beta 52A to your setup. A frequency response of 20 Hz to 10 kHz allows the high-output dynamic microphone to convey the true punch and attack of kicks and bass instruments, while its supercardioid pattern ensures that you hear exactly what's placed in front of the mic, and nothing else. High gain before feedback and excellent rejection of unwanted sound are just a couple of the highlights you'll get to know when you work with a supercardioid microphone like the Beta 52A.

Simple Live Sound Setup

With Shure's Beta 52A, setup happens in a matter of seconds. A built-in dynamic locking stand adapter with an integral XLR connector makes installation a breeze, especially when placing the mic inside a kick drum or in another difficult to reach space. The mic performs as it should no matter what, thanks to a hardened steel mesh grille that protects sensitive internal circuitry from all the wear and tear… read more that comes with touring and gigging.

Reliable Performance

The Beta 52A's innovative stand adapter keeps the microphone in place so that during a live show, you can play as aggressively as you want without having to worry about screwing up your tech's perfect positioning. The stand adapter works in concert with a pneumatic shock mount system to keep the mic fully functional even when it's subjected to sharp blows, vibrations, and other unwanted noises or assaults.

Features:

- Dynamic (moving coil) kick drum and bass microphone
- Frequency response of 20 Hz to 10 kHz shaped specifically for kick drums and bass instruments
- Built-in dynamic locking stand adapter with integral XLR connector for easy setup, especially inside a kick drum
- High 174 dB SPL handling for optimal performance in demanding situations
- Supercardioid pattern for high gain before feedback and superior rejection of unwanted noise
- Hardened steel mesh grille resists wear and abuse
- Advanced pneumatic shock mount system minimizes transmission of mechanical noise and vibration
- Neodymium magnet for high signal-to-noise ratio output
- Low sensitivity to varying load impedance
- 3-pin male XLR connector

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

Specifications
- Type: Dynamic (moving coil)
- Frequency Response: 20 to 10,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid, rotationally symmetrical about microphone axis
- Output Level (at 1,000 Hz): Open Circuit Voltage: 64 dBV/Pa* (0.6 mV)
*1 Pa = 94 dB SPL
- Impedance: Rated impedance is 150 ohms (45 ohms actual) for connection to microphone inputs rated low Z
- Phasing: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
- Maximum SPL: 174 dB at 1000 Hz (calculated)
- Connector: Threepin professional audio connector (male XLR type)
- Case: Silver blue enamel painted die cast metal with hardened, matte-finished steel grille
- Adjustable, Locking Stand Adapter: Integral, dynamic locking, adjustable through 180 degrees, with standard 5/8 in. -27 thread
- Net Weight: 605 grams (21.6 oz)
- Certification: Eligible to bear CE Marking. Conforms to European EMC Directive 89/336/EEC. Meets applicable tests and performance criteria in European Standard EN55103 (1996) parts 1 and 2, for residential (E1) and light industrial (E2) environments.
- Furnished Accessories: Storage Bag, 5/8 in. to 3/8 in. (Euro) Thread Adapter

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item: Shipping Weight: 2.25 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 10 x 6 x 4 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): SHU BETA52A

Documents and Manuals

Shure Warranty

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: (800) 516-2525
Email: service@shure.com

Owner's Manual

Shure's Description

Shure Beta 52A Microphone

The Shure Beta 52A is a high output dynamic microphone with a tailored frequency response designed specifically for kick drums and other bass instruments. It provides superb attack and 'punch', and delivers studio quality sound even at extremely high sound pressure levels. The Beta 52A features a modified supercardioid pattern throughout its frequency range to insure high gain before feedback and excellent rejection of unwanted sound. A built-in dynamic locking stand adapter with an integral XLR connector simplifies installation, particularly if the microphone is to be placed inside a kick drum. The stand adapter keeps the microphone position fixed and resists slipping, even when subjected to sharp blows and strong vibrations. A hardened steel mesh grille protects the Beta 52A from the abuse and wear associated with touring.

Features:

- Frequency response shaped specifically for kick drums and bass instruments
- Built-in dynamic locking stand adapter with integral XLR connector simplifies setup, especially inside a kick drum
- Studio quality performance, even at extremely high sound pressure levels
- Supercardioid pattern for high gain before feedback and superior rejection of unwanted noise
- Hardened steel mesh grille that resists wear and abuse
- Advanced pneumatic shock mount system that minimizes transmission of mechanical noise and vibration
- Neodymium magnet for high signal-to-noise ratio output
- Low sensitivity to varying load impedance
- Legendary Shure quality and reliability

Reviews

(11 ratings)

Submitted June 16, 2005 by a customer from yahoo.com

Shure Beta 52A Mic Customer Review

Overall:

(see rating details)

It's definately my favorite kick drum mic.

Sound

Thicker and more responsive my AKG D112 it works great for a solid low-end boom.

Features

They could have included a nice case.

Quality