Shure BETA 57A Supercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone

The Shure BETA 57A is a dynamic instrument microphone for live sound reinforcement and project-studio recording. It is designed for close-miking sources where isolation and controlled pickup are important. Its supercardioid pattern helps focus on the intended instrument or vocal source while reducing off-axis sound.

This microphone is suited to drums, guitar amplifiers, brass, woodwinds, acoustic instruments, and vocals. Its tailored frequency response is voiced to provide warmth and presence across these applications. The high-output design is useful when working with microphone inputs on mixers, audio interfaces, and PA systems.

The BETA 57A uses a moving-coil dynamic element with a neodymium magnet. Its 50 Hz to 16 kHz frequency response captures instrument detail while maintaining the practical durability associated with a dynamic microphone. A 290-ohm output impedance and balanced XLR output support standard professional microphone connections.

A uniform supercardioid pattern provides strong source separation and can help improve gain before feedback when the microphone and monitor placement are set up correctly. Shure notes that the strongest rejection points are about 120 degrees toward the rear of the microphone. Close placement can also be used to take advantage of proximity effect for added low-frequency weight.

The BETA 57A is built for regular stage and recording use with a die-cast metal housing, hardened steel mesh grille, and internal pneumatic shock mount. It fits naturally into a system that already has a microphone stand, XLR cable, and mixer, interface, or PA microphone input. The included stand adapter, thread adapter, and storage bag provide the basic accessories needed to put the microphone into service.

Key Features

• Supercardioid Pickup Pattern: Focuses on the intended source and reduces off-axis sound pickup.
• Dynamic Moving-Coil Element: Supports close-miking of instruments and vocals without external microphone power.
• Neodymium Magnet: Delivers higher output sensitivity for a strong microphone-level signal.
• Tailored Frequency Response: Provides a response shaped for guitars, drums, horns, and vocals.
• Pneumatic Shock Mount: Helps reduce mechanical vibration and handling noise reaching the capsule.
• Hardened Steel Mesh Grille: Protects the microphone while supporting close-placement techniques.

Design & Installation

The BETA 57A has a silver-blue enamel-painted die-cast metal housing and a hardened, matte-finished steel mesh grille. Its net weight is 0.275 kg (0.6 lb), and the body measures 160 mm long by 43 mm in diameter. The internal shock mount is designed to reduce transmission of mechanical noise and vibration.

Connect the microphone's three-pin balanced male XLR connector to a mixer, audio interface, stage box, or PA microphone input using a suitable XLR microphone cable. Use the included A25D stand adapter on a compatible microphone stand; the included 5/8-inch to 3/8-inch adapter supports stands with Euro threads. For best rejection, aim the front toward the desired source and keep monitor loudspeakers near the microphone's rear-side rejection angles rather than directly behind it.