
Model BETA 58A User Guide
APPLICATION AND PLACEMENT
The BETA 58A is designed for close-up vocals, and can be
hand held or mounted on a stand. Some of the most common
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.
MODEL BETA 58
SUPERCARDIOID DYNAMIC VOCAL MICROPHONE
GENERAL
The Shure BETA 58A is a high-output supercardioid dynamic vocal microphone designed for p rofessional sound reinforcement and project studio recording. It maintains a true
supercardioid pattern throughout its frequency range. This
insures high gain before feedback, maximum isolation from
other sound sources, and minimum of f–axis tone coloration.
The BETA 58A has a shaped frequency response that is
ideal for close–up vocals. The superb performance of this
microphone is not affected by rough handling because of its
rugged construction, proven shock mount system, and hardened steel mesh grille. Typical applications for the BETA 58A
include lead vocals, backup vocals and speech.
FEATURES:
Frequency response tailored for vocals, with brightened
midrange and bass rolloff to control proximity effect
Uniform supercardioid 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
SUGGESTED MICROPHONE
PLACEMENT
Lips less than 15 cm (6 in.) away
or touching the windscreen, on
axis to microphone.
15 to 60 cm (6 in. to 2 ft.) away
from mouth, just above nose
height.
20 to 60 cm (8 in. to 2 ft.) away
from mouth, slightly off to one
side.
90 cm to 1.8 m (3 to 6 ft.) away.
TONE QUALITY
Robust sound, emphasized
bass, maximum isolation from
other sources.
Natural sound, reduced bass.
Natural sound, reduced bass
and minimal ”s” sounds.
Thinner, distant sound; noticeable levels of ambient noise.
GENERAL RULES FOR MICROPHONE USE
1. Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source and
away from unwanted sources. Since supercardioid m icrophones such as the BETA 58A have narrow pickup pat terns and can pick up sounds from the rear, this may not
be obvious or intuitive.
2. Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired
sound source. Refer to the table above.
3. Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
4. Use only one microphone to pick up one sound source.
5. Keep the distance between microphones at least three
times the distance from each source to its microphone.
6. Use the fewest number of microphones as is practical.
7. Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces.
8. Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.
9. Avoid excessive handling to minimize pickup of mechanical noise and vibration.
10. Do not cover any part of the grille with your hand.
PROXIMITY EFFECT
Unidirectional microphones s uch a s t he B ETA 5 8A p rogressively 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 p henomenon, k nown a s p roximity e ffect, can be used to create a warmer, more powerful sound.
To prevent explosive low frequency sound during close–up
use, the B ETA 5 8A b ass r esponse g radually r olls o f f. T his p rovides greater control and helps the user take advantage of
proximity effect.
2000, Shure Incorporated
27B2796 (TF)
Printed in U.S.A.

STAGE MONITOR & P.A. LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT
For maximum rejection of unwanted sound, place the
stage monitor(s) or P.A. system loudspeaker at a 60° angle
from the
of the BETA 58A,
not
directly behind it. See
rear
Figure 1. Always check out the stage setup before a performance to ensure that microphone and monitor placement is
optimum.
MONITOR
LOUDSPEAKER(S)
90°
180°
120°120°
0°
P.A. SYSTEM
LOUDSPEAKER
RECOMMENDED LOUDSPEAKER LOCATIONS
FIGURE 1
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Dynamic (moving coil)
Frequency Response
50 to 16,000 Hz (see Figure 2)
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.
Output Level (at 1,000 Hz)
Open Circuit Voltage: –51.5 dBV/Pa* (2.7 mV)
*1 Pa = 94 dB SPL
Impedance
Rated impedance is 150 (290 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. See Figure 4.
INTERNAL WIRING
FIGURE 4
Case
Silver blue enamel-painted die cast metal with hardened,
matte-finished, spherical steel mesh grille
Adjustable, Stand Adapter
Slip-in microphone mounting, unbreakable, adjustable
through 180° with standard 5/8”-27 thread, black finish
Dimensions (See Figure 5)
+10
3 mm
(1/8 IN.)
25 mm
(1 IN.)
0
51 mm
(2 IN.)
–10
0.6 m
(2 FT)
500 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000 20,00050 100 20020
TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE
FIGURE 2
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid, rotationally symmetrical about microphone
axis, uniform with frequency (see Figure 3)
o
180
o
150
o
120
o
90
o
60
–20 dB
–15 dB
–10 dB
–5 dB
o
30
250 Hz
500 Hz
1000 Hz
150
30
o
o
120
o
90
o
60
o
150
o
120
o
90
o
60
30
o
180
o
–20 dB
–15 dB
–10 dB
–5 dB
o
00
2500 Hz
6300 Hz
10000 Hz
150
30
o
o
TYPICAL POLAR PATTERNS
FIGURE 3
120
60
50 mm
(2 in.)
160 mm
(6.5 in.)
OVERALL DIMENSIONS
FIGURE 5
Net Weight
278 grams (9.92 oz)
Certification
Conforms to European Union directives, eligible to bear
CE marking; meets European Union EMC Immunity Requirements (EN 50 082–1, 1992)
FURNISHED ACCESSORIES
o
Adjustable Stand Adapter A25D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5/8” to 3/8” (Euro) Thread Adapter 95A2050. . . . . . . . . . . .
o
90
Storage Bag 26A21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
o
Windscreen A58WS Series (8 colors available). . . . . . . . . .
Isolation Mount A55M, A55HM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.6 m (25 ft.) Cable C25E, C25F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Cartridge R176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Grille Assembly RK265G. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plug (Connector) Assembly 90F1984. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2