MODEL BETA 52®A
Model BETA 52®A User Guide
APPLICATIONS AND PLACEMENT
The most common BETA 52A applications and placement techniques are listed in the following table. Keep in mind that microphone technique is largely a matter of personal taste– there is no
one “correct” microphone position.
SUPERCARDIOID DYNAMIC INSTRUMENT
MICROPHONE
GENERAL
The Shure BETA 52®A 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 through
out 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 installa
tion, 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
•
Application Suggested Microphone
Kick Drum
-
Electric
Bass Amplifier
Placement
5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in.) away
from beater head, slightly
off-center from beater.
20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.)
from beater head, on-axis
with beater.
20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.)
from beater head, 15 to 20
cm (6 to 8 in.) from edge
of head.
5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in.) away
from outside head, on-axis
with beater (double head
kickdrum only).
2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker,
on-axis with center of
speaker cone.
2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker,
at edge of speaker cone.
10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in.) from
speaker, on-axis with center
of speaker cone.
60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft.) from
speaker, on-axis with center
of speaker cone.
Tone Quality
Sharp attack; maximum
bass sound, highest sound
pressure level.
Medium attack; balanced
sound.
Medium attack; thin, reduced bass sound.
Softer attack; balanced,
resonant sound.
NOTE: To “tighten” the
beat, place a pillow or
blanket on bottom of drum
against beater head.
Sharp attack; emphasized
bass.
Sharp attack; higher frequency sound.
Sharp attack; full, balanced
sound.
Soft attack; mellow, higher
frequency sound.
MOUNTING THE BETA 52A ON A MICROPHONE STAND
The built–in stand adapter features a dynamic locking system
that permits adjustments to the microphone’s position, but resists
slipping when struck or bumped. To mount the BETA 52A on a
stand and adjust its position, proceed as follows:
Screw the integral stand adapter onto the end of a micro-
1.
phone stand (see Figure 3). Adjust the stand height and
position as necessary.
Pivot the BETA 52A until it is in the desired position rela
2.
tive to the drum head or loudspeaker.
Lock the BETA 52A in place by rotating the adjustment
3.
knob on the stand adapter clockwise until it is tight. Do
NOT overtighten the knob with tools.
If necessary, make minor adjustments to the microphone
4.
position without loosening the adjustment knob.
Connect an audio cable to the integral XLR connector.
5.
-
27D2799 (Rev. 5) Printed in U.S.A.
©2005, Shure Incorporated
SPECIFICATIONS
20 200001000 1000050 100
98765432 98765432
+1
0
0
–10
Hz
dB
-20
+2
0
3 mm
(1/8 in.)
25 mm
(1 in.)
51 mm
(2 in.)
.06 m
(2 ft)
150°
120°
150°
120°
180°
30°
60°
90°
30°
60°
0
90°
–10 dB
–20 dB
–15 dB
–5 dB
150°
120°
150°
120°
180°
30°
60°
90°
30°
60°
0
90°
–10 dB
–20 dB
–15 dB
–5 dB
500 Hz
1000 Hz
250 Hz 2500 Hz
Type
Dynamic (moving coil)
Frequency Response
20 to 10,000 Hz
NOTE: The curve below shows on–axis response at a distance
of 2 feet from a uniform sound source. Your response may vary,
depending on microphone position
FIGURE 1
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid, rotationally symmetrical about microphone axis
Adjustable, Locking Stand Adapter
Integral, dynamic locking, adjustable through 180°, with standard 5/8”-27 thread
STAND
ADAPTER
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
MICROPHONE
STAND
FIGURE 3
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.
FIGURE 2
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 Ω (45 Ω 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
Three–pin professional audio connector (male XLR type)
Case
Silver blue enamel–painted die cast metal with hardened,
matte-finished steel grille
FURNISHED ACCESSORIES
Storage Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26A25
5/8” to 3/8” (Euro) Thread Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . .95A2050
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
7.6 m (25 ft) Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C25E, C25F
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .R175
Screen and Grille Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RK321
Plug (connector) Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90F1984
NOTE: Use care when removing the cartridge holder from the base
to prevent breakage of the lead wires.
For additional Service or parts information, please contact Shure’s
Service department at 1–800–516–2525. Outside the United
States, please contact your authorized Shure Service Center.
2