The Shure Beta 56®A dynamic microphone has a frequency response specifically tailored for drums and instruments. An extremely uniform supercardioid pattern provides high gain before feedback and excellent rejection of unwanted noise. An integrated, locking stand adapter, with XLR connector, simplifies mounting and adjustments.
Designed for professional sound reinforcement and studio recording, the Beta 56A features a hardened steel mesh grille, die-cast metal construction, and pneumatic shock mount system ideal for daily, rough use in performance environments.
The following table lists the most common applications and placement techniques. Keep in mind that microphone technique is largely a matter of personal taste; there is no one "correct" microphone position.
Application | Suggested Microphone Placement | Tone Quality |
---|---|---|
Tom-Toms | One mic on each tom, or between each pair of toms, 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in.) above drum heads. Aim each microphone at top drum heads. On double head toms, you can also remove bottom head and place a mic inside pointing up toward top drum head. | Medium attack; full, balanced sound. |
Snare Drum | 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in.) above rim of top head of drum. Aim mic at drum head. | Most "snap” from drumstick. |
Guitar & Bass Amplifiers | 2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker, on-axis with center of speaker cone. | Sharp attack; emphasized bass. |
2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker, at edge of speaker cone. | Sharp attack; higher frequency sound. | |
15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in.) away from speaker and on-axis with speaker cone. | Medium attack; full, balanced sound. | |
60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft.) back from speaker, on-axis with speaker cone. | Softer attack; reduced bass. | |
Brass & Woodwinds | Brass: 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 ft.) away, on-axis with bell of instrument. | Bright, clear sound. |
Woodwinds: 2.5 to 15 cm (1 to 6 in.) away, on-axis with bell of instrument. | Bright, clear sound. | |
Bell of instrument 90° off-axis from front of mic. | Softer, mellow sound. |
A supercardioid microphone has the greatest sound rejection at points 120° toward the rear of the microphone. Place the microphone so that unwanted sound sources, such as monitors and loudspeakers, are at these angles, not directly behind it. To minimize feedback and ensure optimum rejection of unwanted sound, always test microphone placement before a performance.
Unidirectional (cardioid) microphones progressively boost bass frequencies by 6 to 10 dB below 100 Hz when the microphone is at a distance of about 6 mm (1/4 in.) from the sound source. This phenomenon, known as proximity effect, can be used to create a warmer, more powerful sound. To prevent explosive low frequency sound during close-up use, the bass response gradually rolls off. This provides greater control and helps the user take advantage of proximity effect.
The integrated stand adapter resists slipping when struck or bumped, yet permits adjustments without loosening the knob.
Dynamic (moving coil)
50 to 16,000 Hz
Supercardioid
EIA rated at150 Ω(290 Ωactual)
at 1kHz,open circuit voltage
-51 dBV/Pa(2.8 mV)[1]
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
Net
0.468 kg (1.6 lbs)
Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male, balanced
Silver blue enamel-painted die cast metal with hardened, matte-finished steel mesh grille
[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL
5/8" to 3/8" (Euro) Threaded Adapter |
95A2050 |
Zippered Carrying Bag |
95A2314 |
Gray Foam Windscreen for all 515 Series, BETA 56A and BETA 57A |
A1WS |
25 foot (7.5m) Triple-Flex® Microphone XLR Cable with Switchcraft connectors |
C25E |
25 foot (7.5m) Triple-Flex Microphone XLR Cable with chrome connectors |
C25F |
Cartridge for BETA 56, BETA 56A, and BETA 57A |
R174 |
Grille for BETA 56A and BETA 57A |
RK320 |
Plug (Connector) Assembly |
90J1984 |
This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is eligible for CE marking.
The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from: www.shure.com/europe/compliance
Authorized European representative:
Shure Europe GmbH
Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa
Department: EMEA Approval
Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12
75031 Eppingen, Germany
Phone: 49-7262-92 49 0
Fax: 49-7262-92 49 11 4
Email: info@shure.de