Model BETA 58A® User Guide
MODEL BETA 58A® SUPERCARDIOID DYNAMIC VOCAL MICROPHONE
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 applications and placement techniques are listed in the following table. Keep in mind that microphone technique is largely a matter of personal taste; there is no one "correct" microphone position.
SUGGESTED MICROPHONE PLACEMENT Lips less than 15 cm (6 in.) away or touching the windscreen, on axis to microphone. 15 to 60 cm (6 in. to 2 ft.) away from mouth, just above nose height. 20 to 60 cm (8 in. to 2 ft.) away from mouth, slightly off to one side. 90 cm to 1.8 m (3 to 6 ft.) away. TONE QUALITY Robust sound, emphasized bass, maximum isolation from other sources. Natural sound, reduced bass.
GENERAL The Shure BETA 58A is a high-output, supercardioid dynamic vocal microphone for professional sound reinforcement and project studio recording. It maintains a true supercardioid pattern throughout its frequency range. This ensures high gain before feedback, maximum isolation from other sound sources, and minimum offaxis 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. Typical applications for the BETA 58A include lead vocals, backup vocals 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
Natural sound, reduced bass and minimal "s" sounds. 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.
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PROXIMITY EFFECT Unidirectional microphones such as the BETA 58A progressively boost bass frequencies by 6 to 10 dB at 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 BETA 58A bass response gradually rolls off. This provides greater control and helps the user take advantage of proximity effect.
