Description
The Shure Beta 58A is an industry-standard, high-output, supercardioid dynamic vocal microphone. It’s a professional-grade microphone specifically designed for lead and backup vocals in live sound reinforcement and studio recording applications. It’s often considered an upgrade or alternative to the legendary Shure SM58, offering enhanced clarity and feedback rejection.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Microphone Type: Dynamic (moving coil). This type of microphone is extremely rugged, durable, and excellent at handling high sound pressure levels (SPLs) without distortion. It also doesn’t require phantom power.
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid. This is a highly directional pickup pattern. It offers superior rejection of off-axis sound compared to a standard cardioid pattern, meaning it picks up sound primarily from the front, with maximum rejection at 120 degrees off-axis to the rear. This characteristic is crucial for:
- High Gain Before Feedback: Excellent for live stages where monitor speakers are present, as it significantly reduces the likelihood of feedback.
- Maximum Sound Isolation: Minimizes pickup of other instruments or unwanted stage noise, allowing the vocalist’s voice to cut through the mix.
- Frequency Response: 50 Hz to 16 kHz. This response is specifically tailored for vocals, featuring:
- Bass Roll-off: Gently reduces low frequencies to control proximity effect (the increase in bass when a sound source is very close to the mic) and prevent muddiness.
- Brightened Midrange and Presence Boost: Often described as having a natural presence boost around 4 kHz and 9 kHz, which enhances vocal clarity and helps the voice stand out in a mix.
- High Output with Neodymium Magnet: The Beta 58A uses a neodymium magnet in its capsule, which provides a higher output level (often cited as about 4dB hotter) compared to the SM58. This results in greater sensitivity and a stronger signal-to-noise ratio.
- Advanced Pneumatic Shock Mount System: This internal shock mount significantly minimizes the transmission of handling noise and stand-transferred vibrations. This is a noticeable improvement over the SM58 for singers who hold the microphone.
- Hardened Steel Mesh Grille: The grille is designed to be highly dent-resistant and resist wear and abuse, making the Beta 58A extremely durable for touring and demanding live environments. It also has an integrated spherical wind and pop filter.
- Connectivity: Standard 3-pin XLR male output. It connects to any microphone preamp, mixer input, or professional PA system.
- No On/Off Switch: Like most professional live vocal microphones, the Beta 58A does not have an on/off switch. This prevents accidental muting by the performer and allows the sound engineer to control the signal from the mixing board.
- Weight and Construction: It features a silver-blue enamel-painted die-cast metal casing, making it robust yet comfortable to hold at approximately 0.61 lbs (0.278 kg).
- Included Accessories: Typically comes with a microphone clip (A25D), a 5/8″ to 3/8″ threaded adapter, and a zippered storage bag.
Performance and Sound Quality:
- Exceptional Vocal Clarity: The Beta 58A is renowned for its crisp, clear, and present vocal reproduction. The tailored frequency response brings out the nuances of the human voice, helping it to cut through a dense live mix.
- Feedback Rejection: Its supercardioid pattern is highly effective at rejecting unwanted sound from off-axis, especially from stage monitors, which significantly improves gain before feedback.
- Durable and Reliable: Shure microphones are famous for their “bulletproof” construction, and the Beta 58A is no exception. It’s built to withstand the rigors of constant touring and live performance.
- Controlled Proximity Effect: The bass roll-off helps manage the natural bass boost that occurs when a vocalist sings very close to the microphone, providing a more consistent sound.
- Less Handling Noise: The advanced shock mount makes it quieter to handle, which is a major benefit for active performers.
Shure Beta 58A vs. Shure SM58 (Key Differences):
Often compared to its legendary sibling, the SM58, the Beta 58A offers several key differences:
- Polar Pattern: SM58 is Cardioid; Beta 58A is Supercardioid (tighter rejection, better feedback immunity).
- Output Level: Beta 58A has a hotter output (approx. +4dB) due to its neodymium magnet.
- Frequency Response: Beta 58A has a slightly extended high-end and low-end compared to the SM58, resulting in a brighter, more detailed sound, particularly in the upper mids. The SM58 often sounds warmer.
- Handling Noise: Beta 58A has a more advanced shock mount, leading to less handling noise.
- Grille: Beta 58A has a hardened steel mesh grille, which is more dent-resistant than the SM58’s steel mesh grille.
- Price: The Beta 58A is generally more expensive than the SM58.
- Professional Live Vocalists: Its primary design purpose, offering superior feedback rejection and vocal clarity on stage.
- Live Sound Engineers: For miking lead and backup vocals in concerts, public addresses, and houses of worship.
- Studio Vocalists: Can also be used for studio recordings where its unique sound signature is desired.
- Podcasters/Streamers: While often overkill for a stationary setup, its noise rejection can be beneficial in less treated rooms.
