Shure BETA54 User Manual

Subminiature Condenser Headworn Microphones

Models BETA 53™, BETA 54™ User Guide

BETA 54BETA 53

English: page 1

Français: page 11

Deutsch: Seite 21

Español: Página 31

Italiano: Pagina 41

Introduction

Shure models BETA 53™ and BETA 54™ are subminiature, electret condenser head worn 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-profi le wire frame headband which is fully adjustable for
stability and comfort. A plastic carrying case protects the microphone and its accessories.

BETA 53 Features

• Omnidirectional polar pattern for minimal handling noise and fl exible microphone placement

• Extended, fl at 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 fi nish to suit your performance environment

BETA 54 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-fi t 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 fi nish to suit your performance environment

1

English

2

English

BETA 53 MODELS

• Omnidirectional

• For broadcast and stage

Available Models

BETA 54 MODELS

• Supercardioid

• For stage and vocal performance

WBH53B
WBH53T

BETA 53

BETA 53 • Black fi nish

• Detachable in-line preamp for wired applications

• Requires phantom power

WBH53B • Black fi nish

• TA4F connector for wireless applications

WBH53T • Tan fi nish

• TA4F connector for wireless applications

All models include: microphone and headband (1 each), foam windscreens (2), standard
protective cap (2), fi ltered protective cap (2), swiveling lapel clip (1), boom holder (2),
logo pad (1) and plastic carrying case (1).

WBH54B
WBH54T

BETA 54

BETA 54 • Black fi nish

• Detachable in-line preamp for wired applications

• Requires phantom power

WBH54B • Black fi nish

• TA4F connector for wireless applications

WBH54T • Tan fi nish

• TA4F connector for wireless applications

All models include: microphone and headband (1 each), snap-fi t foam windscreens (2),
standard protective cap (2), swiveling lapel clip (1), boom holder (2), logo pad (1) and
plastic carrying case (1).

1

2

3

4

5

Adjusting the Headband and Microphone

Adjust headband width

1

Adjust boom height

2

Adjust boom length

3

Do not attempt to bend the microphone boom!

4

3

English

“Roll” the boom for subtle adjustments of microphone position

5

4

Using the Windscreens and Protective Caps

BETA 54

English

• Foam windscreens may be cleaned with soap and water.

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

BETA 53

Standard protective cap

• Gold mesh

• No attenuation

Filtered protective cap

• Silver mesh

• Attenuates high frequencies
(see page 52)

Grip the internal frame of the windscreen fi rmly 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.

Always use the BETA 54 with the
standard protective cap only.
Using the microphone with no
cap, or with the fi ltered cap, will
degrade sound quality and alter
the microphone’s polar pattern.

Wearing the BETA 53 and BETA 54

5

English

6

13 mm

(.5 in.)

13 mm

(.5 in.)

English

Positioning the Microphone

BETA 53 BETA 54

• Position the omnidirectional BETA 53 microphone
near the corner of the mouth

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

• Point the unidirectional BETA 54 microphone at
the corner of the mouth

1

2

3

4

5

Wearing the Microphone on Either Side

All models may be worn with the microphone on the left or the right.

7

English

• 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).

6

8

English

Component Black Tan

Foam Windscreen (5 pieces) RPM304 RPM306

1

Standard Protective Cap (gold mesh) (5 pieces)

2

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

Microphone/Boom Assembly with TA4F Con-

3

nector (1 piece)

Swiveling Lapel Clip (5 pieces) RPM510 RPM512

4

Boom Holder and Logo Pad (2 each) RPM570 RPM580

5

Headband (1 piece, with boom holder and

6

logo pad)

4-Pin Mini Connector (TA4F) (1 piece) WA331**

7

In-Line Preamp (1 piece) RPM626**

8

Not

Battery Powered Preamp (1 piece) MX1BP**

Pictured

Not

Phantom Power Supply (1 piece) PS1A**

Pictured

*See the frequency response curve on page 52
**Available in black only

BETA 53 Replacement Parts and Accessories

RPM208 RPM212

RPM220 RPM214

RPM132 RPM134

1

RPM550 RPM560

3

2

4

6

5

7

8

5

3

2

4

7

BETA 54 Replacement Parts and Accessories

Component Black Tan

Microphone/Boom Assembly with TA4F Con-

1

nector (1 piece)

Standard Protective Cap (gold mesh) (5 pieces)

2

Snap-fi t Foam Windscreen (4 pieces) RPM316 RPM318

3

Swiveling Lapel Clip (5 pieces) RPM510 RPM512

4

Boom Holder and Logo Pad (2 each) RPM570 RPM580

5

Headband (1 piece, with boom holder and

6

logo pad)

4-Pin Mini Connector (TA4F) (1 piece) WA331*

7

In-Line Preamp (1 piece) RPM626*

8

Not

Battery Powered Preamp (1 piece) MX1BP*

Pictured
Not

Phantom Power Supply (1 piece) PS1A*

Pictured

*Available in black only

RPM646 RPM648

RPM208 RPM212

RPM550 RPM560

9

English

1

6

8

10

English

Specifications

BETA 53 BETA 54

Specifi cation Wired Wireless Wired Wireless

Type Condenser (electret bias) Condenser (electret bias)

Frequency Response 20Hz to 20KHz (see page 52) 50Hz to 20KHz (see page 52)

Polar Pattern Omnidirectional (see page 52) Supercardioid (see page 52)

Output Noise (equivalent
dBSPL, A-weighted)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio 55 dB at 94 dB SPL 55.0 dB at 94 dBSPL

Recommended Minimum Input
Impedance

Preamp Output Impedance 136Ω 136Ω

Output Level, open circuit, ref.
1v/Pa at 1 kHz

Maximum Sound Pressure
Level

Dynamic Range 108 dB (max. SPL with 1k load, minus

Current Drain 4.6 mA (preamp and microphone) 60-130 μA (microphone only) 4.6 mA (preamp and microphone) 60-130 μA (microphone only)

Output Polarity
Positive pressure on the
diaphragm produces a positive
voltage at:

Power Requirements

Net Weight 135.35 g (4.75 oz.)

Cable 1.5 m (5 ft.), small-diameter, shielded, with mini 4-pin connector (TA4F)

39.0 dB typical; 42.0 dB maximum 39.0 dB typical; 42.0 dB maximum

>1 kΩ 20 kΩ >1 kΩ 20 kΩ

-50.0 ± 3.0dB

3.16mV

147 dBSPL at 1% THD/1 kΩ load 142 dBSPL at 1% THD/20 kΩ load 149 dBSPL at 1% THD/1 kΩ load 144 dBSPL at 1% THD/20 kΩ load

typical A-wt. noise)

Pin 2 relative to pin 3 at the output
connector of the preamp

Phantom power; 11 to 52 Vdc positive
on pins 2 and 3, return on pin 1 (ground)

microphone and in-line preamp

-54.0 ± 3.0dB

2.0mV

103 dB (max. SPL with 20k load,
minus typical A-wt. noise)

Pin 3 (black lead) relative to pin 1
(shield lead) at the output connector
of the microphone

+5 Vdc on pin 2, return on pin 1 (ground) Phantom power; 11 to 52 Vdc positive

35.35 g (1.25 oz.)
microphone only

-52.0 ± 3.0dB

2.51mV

110 dB (max. SPL with 1k load, minus
typical A-wt. noise)

Pin 2 relative to pin 3 at the output
connector of the preamp

on pins 2 and 3, return on pin 1 (ground)

135.35 g (4.75 oz.)
microphone and in-line preamp

-56.0 ± 3.0dB

1.58mV

105 dB (max. SPL with 20k load,
minus typical A-wt. noise)

Pin 3 (black lead) relative to pin 1
(shield lead) at the output connector
of the microphone

+5 Vdc on pin 2, return on pin 1 (ground)

35.35 g (1.25 oz.)
microphone only

Polar Patterns and Frequency Response

20 200001000 1000050 100

9876543298765432

+10

0

–10

Hz

dB

–20

+20

20 200001000 1000050 100

9876543298765432

+10

0

–10

Hz

dB

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

+20

–20

–30

0º

125º

BETA 53 BETA 54

51

1

Capuchon standard

2

Capuchon à fi ltre

–20 dB

–15 dB

–10 dB

–5 dB

250 Hz

500 Hz

1000 Hz

Standard Cap
Filtered Cap

1
2

2

Standardmäßige Kappe
Gefi lterte Kappe

–20 dB

–15 dB

–10 dB

–5 dB

2.5 kHz

6.3 kHz

10 kHz

1

1

Tapa estándar

2

Tapa con fi ltro

1

Cappuccio standard

2

Cappuccio dotato di fi ltro

–20 dB

–15 dB

–10 dB

–5 dB

250 Hz

500 Hz

1000 Hz

–20 dB

–15 dB

–10 dB

–5 dB

2.5 kHz

6.3 kHz

10 kHz

52

2SK1109

Wiring and Certification

Shield (ground)

Red1 (+5Vdc)
Black (audio out)

3

2

3

1

4

2

20k

1.0 uf

3

1

4

2

+
+5Vdc

100k

–

1. Rouge

2. Noir (sortie audio)

3. Blindage (masse)

4. Corps (masse)

5. Capsule de microphone

6. Circuit d’essai sans fi l

Eligible to bear CE marking. Conforms
to European EMC directive 89/336/EEC.
Meets applicable tests and performance
criteria in European EMC Standard EN
55103 (1996) parts 1 and 2, for residential
(E1) and light industrial (E2) environments.
Meets applicable test and performance
criteria in European wireless microphone
EMC standard EN 301 489 Parts 1 and 9.

Case (ground)

Microphone Cartridge

Autorisé à porter la marque CE. Conforme
à la directive CEM européenne 89/336/
CEE. Conforme aux critères applicables
de test et de performances de la norme
CEM européenne EN 55103 (1996)
parties 1 et 2 pour les environnements
résidentiels (E1) et d’industrie légère (E2).
Conforme aux critères applicables de test
et de performances de la norme CEM
européenne EN 301 489 Parties 1 et 9.

4

5

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

Zur CE-Kennzeichnung berechtigt.
Entspricht der EU-Richtlinie über
elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit
89/336/EWG. Erfüllt die Prüfungs- und
Leistungskriterien der europäischen Norm
EN 55103 (1996) für elektromagnetische
Verträglichkeit, Teil 1 und 2, für
Wohngebiete (E1) und Gewerbegebiete
(E2). Erfüllt die Prüfungs- und
Leistungskriterien der europäischen Norm
EN 301 489 Teil 1 und 9.

Wireless Test Circuit

Califi ca para portar la marca CE. Cumple
la directiva europea 89/336/EEC de
compatibilidad electromagnética. Se
ajusta a los criterios correspondientes de
verifi cación y funcionamiento establecidos
en la norma europea de compatibilidad
electromagnética EN 55103 (1996), partes
1 y 2, para zonas residenciales (E1) y zonas
de industria ligera (E2). Se ajusta a los
criterios correspondientes de verifi cación y
funcionamiento establecidos en la norma
europea de compatibilidad electromagnética
EN 301 489 Partes 1 y 9.

6

1. Rosso

2. Nero (uscita audio)

3. Schermatura (massa)

4. Involucro (massa)

5. Capsula

6. Circuito per test wireless

Contrassegnabile con il marchio CE.
Conforme alla direttiva 89/336/CEE
della Comunità Europea, relativa alla
compatibilità elettromagnetica. Soddisfa i
criteri di prestazione e le verifi che pertinenti
nella regolamentazione europea sulla
compatibilità elettromagnetica a norma
EN 55103 (1996) parti 1 e 2, relativa ad
ambienti domestici (E1) ed industriali leggeri
(E2). Soddisfa i criteri di prestazione e le
verifi che pertinenti nella regolamentazione
europea sulla compatibilità elettromagnetica
a norma EN 301 489 Parti 1 e 9.

Patent Notice: Patent Des. 451,902

©2005 Shure Incorporated
27F3115 (Rev. 6)

SHURE Incorporated http://www.shure.com
United States, Canada, Latin America, Caribbean:
5800 W. Touhy Avenue, Niles, IL 60714-4608, U.S.A.
Phone: [phone] U.S. Fax: [phone] Int’l Fax: [phone]
Europe, Middle East, Africa:
Shure Europe GmbH, Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Asia, Pacific:
Shure Asia Limited, Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]