Shure
Shure Beta 52A
Dynamic (moving coil), supercardioid, kick-drum mic with built-in locking stand adapter
Power None: a dynamic mic needs no power. Low output: it needs a lot of preamp gain.
- Type
- Dynamic
- Pattern
- Supercardioid
- Sensitivity
- −64 dBV/Pa
- Among 78 dynamics: more output than 4%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 2%
- Max SPL
- 174 dB SPL
- Among 36 dynamics: takes louder sound than 100%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 100%
- Rated range
- 20 – 10k Hz
- Released
- 2002
vs 44 end-address dynamics
More output than 7% of 44 end-address dynamics.
Each stripe is one end-address dynamic with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 19 end-address dynamics
Takes louder sound than 100% of 19 end-address dynamics.
Each stripe is one end-address dynamic with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Instruments sources recommend it for most
4 of 6; all under Recommended for.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the manual (Recording Hacks copy), p. 2.
Figure 1, "on-axis response at a distance of 2 feet from a uniform sound source"; relative dB. Room and smoothing not stated.
That unit is from the Multi-Angle, Multi-Distance Microphone Impulse Response Dataset (CC BY 4.0), measured at 1.25 m and set to 0 dB at 1 kHz, from 136 Hz up. Not the manufacturer's curve.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the manual (Recording Hacks copy), p. 2.
Figure 2, "Polar Pattern"; two circles (250 Hz to 1 kHz, and 2500 Hz), 0° at the bottom, 5 dB per ring.
In practice
All specs
| From the manual (Recording Hacks copy) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | −64 dBV/Pa1 kHz, open circuit. "–64 dBV/Pa (0.6 mV)". | p. 2 |
| Max SPL | 174 dB SPL1 kHz, calculated. The 2010 sheet adds "1% THD, 1k ohms load". | |
| Output impedance | 150 ohmrated; 45 ohm actual | |
| Rated frequency range | 20 Hz to 10 kHz | |
| Connector | XLR-3 male, built into the stand adapter | |
| Weight | 605 gnet | |
| Supplied accessories | 26A25 storage bag; 95A2050 5/8" to 3/8" thread adapterThe 2010 sheet lists the storage bag as 95A2398. | |
| Stand adapter | Integral, dynamic locking, adjustable through 180°, 5/8"-27 thread | |
| Case | Silver blue enamel-painted die-cast metal, hardened matte steel mesh grille | |
| Shock mount | Pneumatic shock mount system | p. 1 |
| Replacement parts | Cartridge R175; screen and grille RK321; connector 90F1984 | p. 2 |
| PlacementShure | Kick drum: 5-7.5 cm from the beater head slightly off-centre for the sharpest attack and most bass; 20-30 cm for a balanced sound | p. 1 |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 2002 | |
Documents
- Model BETA 52A User Guide27D2799 Rev. 5
- Beta 52A Supercardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone, Product Specifications
- Multi-Angle, Multi-Distance Microphone Impulse Response DatasetJuan Carlos Franco Hernández, Bogdan Bacila, Tim Brookes, Enzo De Sena, University of Surrey
- Shure Beta 52A | RecordingHacks.com
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © Shure, unchanged, with its original address.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.