Shure Vocal Mic instruction

Model BETA 58A® User Guide

MODEL BETA 58A® SUPERCARDIOID DYNAMIC VOCAL MICROPHONE

GENERAL

The Shure BETA 58A is a high-output, supercardioid dynamic vo- cal microphone for professional sound reinforcement and project studio recording. It maintains a true supercardioid pattern through- out its frequency range. This ensures high gain before feedback, maximum isolation from other sound sources, and minimum off- 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. Typ- ical applications for the BETA 58A include lead vocals, backup vo- cals 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 affected by varying load impedance

•Legendary Shure quality and reliability

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 applica- tions and placement techniques are listed in the following table.

Keep in mind that microphone technique is largely a matter of per- sonal taste; there is no one "correct" microphone position.

SUGGESTED MICROPHONE	TONE QUALITY
PLACEMENT

Lips less than 15 cm (6 in.) away	Robust sound, emphasized bass,
or touching the windscreen, on	maximum isolation from other
axis to microphone.	sources.

15 to 60 cm (6 in. to 2 ft.) away	Natural sound, reduced bass.
from mouth, just above nose
height.

20 to 60 cm (8 in. to 2 ft.) away	Natural sound, reduced bass and
from mouth, slightly off to one side.	minimal "s" sounds.

90 cm to 1.8 m (3 to 6 ft.) away.	Thinner, distant sound; noticeable
	levels of ambient noise.

GENERAL RULES FOR MICROPHONE USE

•Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source and away from unwanted sources. Since supercardioid microphones such as the BETA 58A have narrow pickup patterns and can pick up sounds from the rear, this may not be obvious or intuitive.

•Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired sound source. Refer to the table above.

•Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.

•Use only one microphone to pick up one sound source.

•Keep the distance between microphones at least three times the distance from each source to its microphone.

•Use the fewest number of microphones as is practical.

•Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces.

•Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.

•Avoid excessive handling to minimize pickup of mechanical noise and vibration.

•Do not cover any part of the grille with your hand.

PROXIMITY EFFECT

Unidirectional microphones such as the BETA 58A progressively boost bass frequencies by 6 to 10 dB at 100 Hz when the micro- phone 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 BETA 58A bass re- sponse gradually rolls off. This provides greater control and helps the user take advantage of proximity effect.

Printed in U.S.A.