Shure BETA 52A, User Manual

Model BETA 52

®

A User Guide

27D2799 (Rev. 5)

Printed in U.S.A.

©2005, Shure Incorporated

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 

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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 

Placement

Tone Quality

Kick Drum

5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in.) away 
from beater head, slightly 
off-center from beater.

Sharp attack; maximum 
bass sound, highest sound 
pressure level.

20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.) 
from beater head, on-axis 
with beater.

Medium attack; balanced 
sound.

20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.) 
from beater head, 15 to 20 
cm (6 to 8 in.) from edge 
of head.

Medium attack; thin, re-
duced bass sound.

5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in.) away 
from outside head, on-axis 
with beater (double head 
kickdrum only). 

Softer attack; balanced, 
resonant sound.

NOTE: To “tighten” the 
beat, place a pillow or 
blanket on bottom of drum 
against beater head.

Electric 
Bass Ampli-
fier

2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker, 
on-axis with center of 
speaker cone.

Sharp attack; emphasized 
bass.

2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker, 
at edge of speaker cone.

Sharp attack; higher fre-
quency sound.

10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in.) from 
speaker, on-axis with center 
of speaker cone.

Sharp attack; full, balanced 
sound.

60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft.) from 
speaker, on-axis with center 
of speaker cone.

Soft attack; mellow, higher 
frequency sound.

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: 

Screw the integral stand adapter onto the end of a micro-

phone stand (see Figure 3). Adjust the stand height and 

position as necessary. 
Pivot the BETA 52A until it is in the desired position rela-

tive to the drum head or loudspeaker. 
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. 
If necessary, make minor adjustments to the microphone 

position without loosening the adjustment knob. 
Connect an audio cable to the integral XLR connector. 

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MODEL BETA 52

®

A