Shure BETA 52 manual Supercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone General, Features

Model BETA 52®A User Guide

MODEL BETA 52®A

SUPERCARDIOID DYNAMIC INSTRUMENT MICROPHONE

GENERAL

The Shure BETA 52®A is a high output dynamic microphone with a tailored frequency response designed specifically for kick drums and other bass instruments. It provides superb attack and “punch,” and delivers studio quality sound even at extremely high sound pressure levels.

The BETA 52A features a modified supercardioid pattern through- out its frequency range to insure high gain before feedback and excellent rejection of unwanted sound. A built–in dynamic locking stand adapter with an integral XLR connector simplifies installa- tion, particularly if the microphone is to be placed inside a kick drum. The stand adapter keeps the microphone position fixed and resists slipping, even when subjected to sharp blows and strong vibrations. A hardened steel mesh grille protects the BETA 52A from the abuse and wear associated with touring.

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 that resists wear and abuse

•Advanced pneumatic shock mount system that 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

APPLICATIONS AND PLACEMENT

The most common BETA 52A applications and placement tech- niques are listed in the following table. Keep in mind that micro- phone technique is largely a matter of personal taste– there is no one “correct” microphone position.

Application	Suggested Microphone	Tone Quality
	Placement
Kick Drum	5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in.) away	Sharp attack; maximum
	from beater head, slightly	bass sound, highest sound
	off-center from beater.	pressure level.
	20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.)	Medium attack; balanced
	from beater head, on-axis	sound.
	with beater.
	20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.)	Medium attack; thin, re-
	from beater head, 15 to 20	duced bass sound.
	cm (6 to 8 in.) from edge
	of head.
	5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in.) away	Softer attack; balanced,
	from outside head, on-axis	resonant sound.
	with beater (double head
	kickdrum only).
		NOTE: To “tighten” the
		beat, place a pillow or
		blanket on bottom of drum
		against beater head.
Electric	2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker,	Sharp attack; emphasized
Bass Ampli-	on-axis with center of	bass.
fier	speaker cone.
	2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker,	Sharp attack; higher fre-
	at edge of speaker cone.	quency sound.
	10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in.) from	Sharp attack; full, balanced
	speaker, on-axis with center	sound.
	of speaker cone.
	60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft.) from	Soft attack; mellow, higher
	speaker, on-axis with center	frequency sound.
	of speaker cone.

MOUNTING THE BETA 52A ON A MICROPHONE STAND

The built–in stand adapter features a dynamic locking system that permits adjustments to the microphone’s position, but resists slipping when struck or bumped. To mount the BETA 52A on a stand and adjust its position, proceed as follows:

1.Screw the integral stand adapter onto the end of a micro- phone stand (see Figure 3). Adjust the stand height and position as necessary.

2.Pivot the BETA 52A until it is in the desired position rela- tive to the drum head or loudspeaker.

3.Lock the BETA 52A in place by rotating the adjustment knob on the stand adapter clockwise until it is tight. Do NOT overtighten the knob with tools.

4.If necessary, make minor adjustments to the microphone position without loosening the adjustment knob.

5.Connect an audio cable to the integral XLR connector.

27D2799 (Rev. 5)	Printed in U.S.A.
©2005, Shure Incorporated