Shure BETA 58A – Dynamic Vocal Microphone

Shure BETA 58A

The Shure BETA 58A is the choice of professional vocalists all over the world. It provides a brightened midrange and bass roll-off with frequency response to control the proximity effect. The hardened steel mesh grille will stand up to some of the roughest sweat drips, mic drops and van rides, without so much as a dent to show for it. A shock mount for low unwanted noise is present with the neodymium magnet providing higher output levels, so your sound is clear. It also makes sure that everything else stays in the background. The BETA 58A is a single-element, dynamic microphone, and you can see it on stages all around the globe.

Overall, the 58A is a superb choice for audio professionals looking to perform live or include it in their studio.

Professional Sound Reinforcement

The BETA 58A is a high-output, Super-Cardioid dynamic vocal microphone for professional sound reinforcement and project studio recording. It maintains a true Super-Cardioid pattern throughout its frequency range. This ensures high gain before feedback, maximum isolation from other sound sources, and minimum off-axis tone colouration. The BETA 58A has a shaped frequency response that is ideal for close-up vocals. This superb performance microphone can withstand rough handling because of its rugged construction. It offers a shock-mount system, and hardened steel mesh grille. Typical applications for the BETA 58A include lead vocals, backup vocals and speech.

The BETA 58A Proximity Effect

Unidirectional microphones such as the BETA 58A progressively boost bass frequencies by 6 to 10 dB at 100 Hz when the microphone is at a distance of about 6 mm (1/4 in.) from the sound source. This phenomenon, known as the proximity effect, can be used to create a warmer, more powerful sound. To prevent explosive low-frequency sound during close-up use, the BETA 58A bass response gradually rolls off.  This provides greater control and helps the user takes advantage of the proximity effect.

Application and Placement

The BETA 58A is designed for close-up vocals and can be handheld or mounted on a stand. Some of the most common applications and placement techniques are as follow. Lips less than 15 cm (6 in.) away or touching the windscreen, on-axis to the microphone will produce a robust sound, emphasized bass, maximum isolation from other sources. 15 to 60 cm (6 in. to 2 ft.) away from the mouth, just above nose height will produce a natural sound with reduced bass. 20 to 60 cm (8 in. to 2 ft.) away from the mouth, slightly off to one side offers a natural sound, reduced bass and minimal “s” sounds. 90 cm to 1.8 m (3 to 6 ft.) away will result in thinner, distant sounds with noticeable levels of ambient noise.

Keep in mind that microphone technique is largely a matter of personal taste; there is no one “correct” microphone position. A super-cardioid microphone has the greatest sound rejection at points 120° toward the rear of the microphone. Place the BETA 58A so that unwanted sound sources, such as monitors and loudspeakers, are at these angles, not directly behind them. To minimize feedback and ensure optimum rejection of unwanted sound, always test microphone placement before a performance.

Also on offer is a wide selection of Shure Microphones, Head Phones and Accessories at your local or online DJ City store.

You can also find the best frequency for your location with the Shure Frequency Calculator.

Features

• Frequency response tailored for vocals, with brightened midrange and bass roll-off to control proximity effect
• Uniform super cardioid pattern for high gain before feedback and superior rejection of off-axis sound
• Neodymium magnet for high signal-to-noise output
• Hardened steel mesh grille that resists wear and abuse
• Advanced pneumatic shock mount system that minimizes transmission of mechanical noise and vibration
• Minimally effected by varying load impedance
• Legendary Shure quality and reliability

Spec

Type: Dynamic (moving coil)

Frequency Response: 50 to 16,000 Hz

Polar Pattern: Supercardioid

Output Impedance: EIA rated at 150  Ω (290  Ω actual)

Sensitivity at 1kHz, open circuit voltage: -51.5  dBV/Pa (2 .6  mV)[1]

Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3

Weight Net: 0.278 kg (0.62 lbs)

Connector: Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male, balanced

Housing: Silver blue enamel-painted die-cast metal with a hardened, matte-finished steel mesh grille

[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL