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Shure BETA 52A Kick Drum Mic
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Description
The Shure BETA 52A is a high-output dynamic microphone specially tailored for kick drums and bass instruments. With a frequency range from 20Hz to 10kHz, this mic captures the thunderous low end of kick drums and bass guitars with professional clarity—even at ear-splitting volumes up to 174dB SPL. Its modified supercardioid polar pattern provides superior isolation, rejecting unwanted bleed from other sound sources on stage.
Custom-Tuned Frequency Response for Powerful Low End
The BETA 52A features a custom frequency response optimized for kick drums and bass instruments, allowing it to capture the powerful low-end thump musicians and engineers crave. The mic's extended low-frequency response reaches down to 20Hz, reproducing the deepest kicks and lowest bass notes with a full tone. A subtle boost around 4kHz provides extra punch and definition.
Road-Ready Build for Reliability
Despite its specialized studio capabilities, the BETA 52A is built to handle the rigors of live performance. Its hardened steel mesh grille protects the mic element from damage, while an integral locking stand mount prevents slipping—even when subjected to the hardest-hitting kick drums. The stand mount's built-in XLR connector also simplifies setup and tear-down.
Versatile Performance for Diverse Applications
While optimized for kick drums and bass instruments, the BETA 52A's full-bodied tone and wide dynamic range also make it a great choice for miking other low-frequency sound sources like floor toms, bass cabinets, and Leslie speaker cabinets. Its high maximum SPL handling allows it to capture transient details at a wide range of volumes without distortion.
Features
- Frequency response shaped specifically for kick drums and bass instruments
- Built-in dynamic locking stand adapter with integral XLR connector simplifies setup, especially inside a kick drum
- Studio-quality performance, even at extremely high sound-pressure levels
- Supercardioid pattern for high gain-before-feedback and superior rejection of unwanted noise
- Hardened steel mesh grille resists wear and abuse
- Advanced pneumatic shockmount system minimizes transmission of mechanical noise and vibration
- Neodymium magnet for high signal-to-noise ratio output
- Low sensitivity to varying load impedance
- Legendary Shure quality and reliability
Specs
- Type: Dynamic (moving coil)
- Frequency response: 20 to 10,000Hz
- Polar pattern: Supercardioid, rotationally symmetrical about microphone axis
- Output Level: (at 1,000Hz)
- Open Circuit Voltage: -64dBV/Pa* (0.6 mV) *1 Pa = 94dB SPL
- Impedance: Rated impedance is 150Hz (45Hz 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
- Maximum SPL: 174dB at 1,000Hz (calculated)
- Connector: Three-pin professional audio connector (male XLR type)
- Case: Silver blue enamel-painted die cast metal with hardened, matte-finished steelgrille
- Adjustable, Locking Stand Adapter: Integral, dynamic locking, adjustable through 180, with standard 5/8"-27 thread
- Net Weight: 605 g (21.6oz.)
Warranty
2 year warranty on wired mics.
Warranty terms vary. Check with manufacturer for specific product warranty.