Shure BETA 53-54 User Manual

© 2015 Shure Incorporated
27A28418 (Rev. 1)

WIRED MICROPHONE

BETA 53-54
USER GUIDE

Le Guide de l’Utilisateur

Guia del Usuario

Guida dell’Utente

Руководство пользователя

Bedienungsanleitung

日本語

繁體中文

Manual do Usuário

사용자 가이드

Printed in U.S.A.

2

Headworn Vocal Microphones

General Description

Shure models BETA53 and BETA54 are subminiature, electret condenser headworn microphones. They provide uncompromised sound quality and reliability
with minimal visibility in applications such as broadcast, theater, and touring. Despite their small size, each microphone’s condenser element delivers full,
clear, and natural reproduction of speech and vocals. The microphone features a durable, low-profile wire frame headband which is fully adjustable for stabil­ity and comfort. A plastic carrying case protects the microphone and its accessories.

BETA53 Features

• Omnidirectional polar pattern for minimal handling noise and flexible
microphone placement

• Extended, flat frequency response provides accurate speech and vocal
reproduction

• Two interchangeable protective caps for response shaping

• Foam windscreens minimize breath noise and “popping”

• Available with an in-line preamp or with a TA4F connector for wireless
applications

• Choice of black or tan finish to suit your performance environment

BETA54 Features

• Supercardioid polar pattern provides maximum gain-before-feedback and
ambient rejection

• Extended frequency response tailored for vocal performances

• Able to handle extremely high sound pressure levels (SPL)

• Snap-fit foam windscreens stay in place during intensive movement

• Available with an in-line preamp or with a TA4F connector for wireless
applications

• Choice of black or tan finish to suit your performance environment

3

Available Models

Beta53 Models

• Omnidirectional

• For broadcast and stage

• Black finish

• Detachable in-line preamp for
wired applications

• Requires phantom power

Wireless Models

These models are for use with Shure wireless microphone systems. TA4F
connector attaches to wireless bodypacks (in-line preamp not included).

• WBH53B (black)

• WBH53T (tan)

Accessories

All models include:

Microphone and headband 1 each

Foam windscreens 2

Standard protective cap 2

Filtered protective cap 2

Swiveling lapel clip 1

Boom holder 2

Logo pad 1

Plastic carrying case 1

Beta54 Models

• Supercardioid

• For stage and vocal performance

• Black finish

• Detachable in-line preamp for
wired applications

• Requires phantom power

Wireless Models

These models are for use with Shure wireless microphone systems. TA4F
connector attaches to wireless bodypacks (in-line preamp not included).

• WBH54B (black)

• WBH54T (tan)

Accessories

All models include:

Microphone and headband 1 each

Snap-fit foam windscreens 2

Standard protective cap 2

Swiveling lapel clip 1

Boom holder 2

Logo pad 1

Plastic carrying case 1

4

Adjusting the Headband and Microphone

➀ Adjust headband width

➁ Adjust boom height

➂ Adjust boom length

➃ Do not attempt to bend the microphone boom!

➄ "Roll" the boom for subtle adjustments of microphone position

Windscreens

Care and Maintenance

• Foam windscreens may be cleaned with soap and water.

• For the best sound quality, replace damaged or clogged protective caps and
windscreens.

Windscreen

Grip the internal frame of the windscreen firmly when connecting or removing.
Do not pull on the foam itself.

• To connect, push the windscreen until it snaps into place over the cartridge.

• To remove, pull the windscreen directly off of the cartridge.

Protective Caps

Standard protective cap:

• Gold mesh

• No attenuation

Filtered protective cap:

• Silver mesh

• Attenuates high frequencies

Always use the BETA54 with the
standard protective cap only.
Using the microphone with no cap,
or with the filtered cap, will de­grade sound quality and alter the
microphone's polar pattern.

5

Positioning the Microphone

BETA53/54

• Position the omnidirectional BETA53 or directional BETA54 microphone
near the corner of the mouth

• If necessary, roll the boom to avoid contact with skin and facial hair

Reversing the Boom

The microphone boom may be reinstalled to position it on the left or right
side of the head.

• Carefully detach the boom holder ①, logo pad ②, and microphone cable

③ from the headband.

• Reattach the boom holder to the opposite side of the wire frame ④.

• Reattach the logo pad ⑤ and microphone cable ⑥.

1

2

3

Specifications

BETA 53 / WBH53 / RPM627

Type

Electret Condenser

Frequency Response

20 to 20,000 Hz

Polar Pattern

Omnidirectional

Output Impedance (RPM627)

160 Ω

Sensitivity

at 1kHz, open circuit voltage

BETA 53 -54.0 dBV/Pa (3.16 mV) [1]

WBH53 -54.0 dBV/Pa (2.0 mV) [1]

Maximum SPL

1 kHz at 1% THD [2]

BETA 53 139.4 dB

WBH53 150.5 dB

Signal-To-Noise Ratio [3]

55.0 dB

Dynamic Range

at 1kHz

BETA 53 96.9 dB

WBH53 108 dB

Self Noise

equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical

42.5 dB

6

Certifications

This product meets the Essential Requirements of
all relevant European directives and is eligible for
CE marking.

The CE Declaration of Conformity can be ob­tained from: www.shure.com/europe/compliance

Authorized European representative:
Shure Europe GmbH
Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa
Department: EMEA Approval
Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12
75031 Eppingen, Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Power Requirements

BETA 53 11–52 V DC phantom power [4], 2 mA

WBH53 +5 V DC

Polarity

BETA 53 Positive pressure on diaphragm produc-

es positive voltage on pin 2 with respect
to pin 3

WBH53 Positive pressure on diaphragm produc-

es positive voltage on pin 3 with respect
to pin 1

Weight

BETA 53 135 g (4.75 oz.)

WBH53 35 g (1.25 oz.)

Cable

1.5 m (5 ft)

[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL

[2] THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal
level is equivalent to cartridge output at specified SPL

[3] S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent
SPL of self-noise, A-weighted

BETA 54 / WBH54 / RPM627

Type

Electret Condenser

Frequency Response

50 to 20,000 Hz

Polar Pattern

Supercardioid

Output Impedance (RPM627)

160 Ω

Sensitivity

at 1kHz, open circuit voltage

BETA 54 -56.0 dBV/Pa (2.51 mV) [1]

WBH54 -56.0 dBV/Pa (1.58 mV) [1]

Maximum SPL

1 kHz at 1% THD [2]

BETA 54 141.4 dB

WBH54 152.5 dB

Signal-To-Noise Ratio [3]

55.0 dB

Dynamic Range

at 1kHz

BETA 54 98.3 dB

WBH54 109.4 dB

Self Noise

equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical

43.1 dB

Power Requirements

BETA 54 11–52 V DC phantom power [4], 2 mA

WBH54 +5 V DC

Polarity

BETA 54 Positive pressure on diaphragm produces

positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to
pin 3

WBH54 Positive pressure on diaphragm produces

positive voltage on pin 3 with respect to
pin 1

Weight

BETA 54 135 g (4.75 oz.)

WBH54 35 g (1.25 oz.)

Cable

1.5 m (5 ft)

[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL

[2] THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal
level is equivalent to cartridge output at specified SPL

[3] S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent
SPL of self-noise, A-weighted

7

Accessories

BETA53

Component Black Tan

1 Foam Windscreen (5 pieces) RPM304 RPM306

2 Standard Protective Cap (gold mesh) (5

pieces)

RPM208 RPM212

Filtered Protective Cap* (silver mesh) (5
pieces)

RPM220 RPM214

3 Microphone/Boom Assembly with TA4F

Connector (1 piece)

RPM132 RPM134

4 Swiveling Lapel Clip (5 pieces) RPM510 RPM512

5 Boom Holder and Logo Pad (2 each) RPM570 RPM580

6 Headband (1 piece, with boom holder and

logo pad)

RPM550 RPM560

7 4-Pin Mini Connector (TA4F) (1 piece) WA333

8 In-Line Preamp (1 piece) RPM627

BETA54

Component Black Tan

1 Microphone/Boom Assembly with TA4F

Connector (1 piece)

RPM646 RPM648

2 Standard Protective Cap (gold mesh) (5

pieces)

RPM208 RPM212

3 Snap-fit Foam Windscreen (4 pieces) RPM316 RPM318

4 Swiveling Lapel Clip (5 pieces) RPM510 RPM512

5 Boom Holder and Logo Pad (2 each) RPM570 RPM580

6 Headband (1 piece, with boom holder and

logo pad)

RPM550 RPM560

7 4-Pin Mini Connector (TA4F) (1 piece) WA333

8 In-Line Preamp (1 piece) RPM627

Microphone Cartridge

5

Case (ground)

4

Shield (ground)

3

Red1 (+5Vdc)
Black (audio out)

2

Wireless Test Circuit

6

+5Vdc

100k

20k

1.0 uf

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

2SK1109

1. Rouge

2. Noir (sortie audio)

3. Blindage (masse)

4. Corps (masse)

5. Capsule de microphone

6. Circuit d’essai sans l

+

–

1. Rot

2. Schwarz (Audioausgang)

3. Abschirmung (Masse)

4. Gehäuse (Masse)

5. Mikrofonkapsel

6. Prüfkreis des Drahtlossystems

1. Rojo

2. Negro (salida de audio)

3. Blindaje (tierra)

4. Chasis (tierra)

5. Cápsula de micrófono

6. Circuito de prueba de sistema inalámbrico

1. Rosso

2. Nero (uscita audio)

3. Schermatura (massa)

4. Involucro (massa)

5. Capsula

6. Circuito per test wireless

1. 赤色

2. 黒色 (音声出力)

3. シールド（アース）

4. ケース（アース）

5. マイクロホンカートリッジ

6. ワイヤレス試験回路

BETA 53 BETA 54

20 200001000 1000050 100

98765432 98765432

+10

0

–10

Hz

dB

–20

+20

20 200001000 1000050 100

98765432 98765432

+10

0

–10

Hz

dB

15 mm (.6 in)
606 mm (2 ft)

+20

–20

–30

0º

125º

Standard Cap

1

Filtered Cap

2

1

Capuchon standard

2

Capuchon à ltre

1

Standardmäßige Kappe

2

Gelterte Kappe

–5 dB

–10 dB

–15 dB

–20 dB

500 Hz

1000 Hz

250 Hz

–5 dB

–10 dB

–15 dB

–20 dB

2.5 kHz

6.3 kHz

10 kHz

1

Tapa estándar

2

Tapa con ltro

1

Cappuccio standard

2

Cappuccio dotato di ltro

標 準 キャップ

1

フィル タ付 きキャップ

2

–5 dB

–10 dB

–15 dB

–20 dB

500 Hz

1000 Hz

250 Hz

–5 dB

–10 dB

–15 dB

–20 dB

2.5 kHz

6.3 kHz

10 kHz

Patent Notice: Patent Des. 451,902