Shure Beta 52A
Dynamic Microphone
- Polar pattern: Supercardioid
- Frequency response optimised especially for bass drum (kick) and other low-frequency instruments
- Excellent feedback resistance with minimal lateral noise
- Adjustable mic stand adapter with integrated XLR socket for easy setup, especially inside a bass drum
- Mesh head made of hardened steel to reduce wear and tear
- Pneumatic shock absorber reduces handling noise and vibrations
- Neodymium magnet delivers very high output levels
- Not sensitive to variations in input impedance
- Frequency range: 20 – 10,000 Hz
- Maximum SPL: 174 dB (calculated at 1 kHz)
- Output impedance: 45 ohms
- Open circuit sensitivity: -64 dBV/Pa (0.63 mV)
- Weight: 605 g
- Mic stand thread: 3/8", with 5/8 adapter included
- Includes bag
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Item number 105760
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Condenser Microphone No
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Polar Pattern Supercardioid
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Microphone Clamp Yes
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Dynamic Microphone Yes
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A low-end pro
In the Beta 52A, Shure created a truly classic microphone that excels at picking up bass drums, with a dynamic construction that's made for these very low, loud sources, and a supercardioid polar pattern that effectively suppresses unwanted background noise. Built with a solid metal housing, it's plenty rugged enough for the road, meaning the Shure Beta 52A is often found on technical riders. The Beta 52A also has an integrated 5/8"–27 threaded mount (and comes with a 3/8" adapter), so it can be attached directly to any mic stand without a separate microphone clip. Once mounted, the built‑in swivel joint makes it easy to position the mic precisely toward the sound source.
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At home in the studio and on stage
Equally suited for studio and stage use, the Beta 52A is highly valued by professionals for its rugged construction and impressive ability to handle extreme sound pressure levels – up to 174dB SPL – without distortion, making this microphone a dependable choice even for close-miking an Ampeg 8x10 at full blast. While its primary strength remains in capturing the powerful thump of a bass drum, its frequency response, which emphasises the 50Hz to 4kHz range, also brings out the kickdrum's attack and presence with precision. An air-suspended shock mount effectively minimises interference from impact noise and vibrations, so seasoned sound engineers know they can count on the Shure Beta 52A to deliver consistently reliable results in any setting, reinforcing its status as a true classic in professional audio.
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Drum specialist
The Shure Beta 52A is ideal for drum kits and percussion setups where professional low-frequency reproduction is essential, and thanks to its rich, engaging sound, the microphone will suit a wide range of musical styles both live and in the studio. Beyond drums, it is also a popular choice for capturing bass amplifiers or even instruments like the tuba; however, its substantial weight does call for a stable microphone stand. On large stages and at festivals, the combination of the Beta 52A with the Beta 91A boundary microphone is especially favoured, with the 52A typically handling the low-end while the 91A captures the attack, resulting in a full and balanced bass drum sound.
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About Shure
The American company Shure began developing microphones during the early 1930s and is one of the pioneers of the audio engineering sector. Models such as the 55 Unidyne – known to many as the "Elvis microphone" – and the SM57 and SM58 which appeared in the mid-1960s are still ubiquitous in live sound production today. They enjoy cult status among musicians and technicians alike. In the 1990s, Shure introduced the first wireless microphones and in-ear monitoring systems and became a market leader in this field. In addition to microphones, Shure offers a wide range of earphones and headphones for studio and live use, as well as various accessories.
Maximum versatility
The Shure Beta 52A offers maximum versatility with a built-in pre-equalisation that emphasises both the low-frequency range and the crucial 3 to 4kHz attack zone of a bass drum, while remaining moderate enough to perform well in more subtle musical styles like Jazz. In Rock and Metal, the microphone will shine even more when paired with dynamic processing such as gating and compression, along with EQ adjustments like a boost at 8kHz and a cut at 300Hz. This microphone will also deliver impressive results when recording instruments like the tuba or bass saxophone, provided a sturdy microphone stand is used to support its weight. Thanks to its very powerful neodymium magnet, the Beta 52A requires minimal gain from the microphone preamp, making this workhorse both powerful and efficient across a wide range of applications.
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