Shure Beta 52A

Shure Beta 52A

Shure Beta 52A kick-drum microphone

Shure Beta 52A is a dynamic microphone whose response is shaped for kick drums and other bass instruments. Its design emphasises the combination of low-frequency body and attack required when capturing a drum or bass source. It is a different acoustic tool from a general-purpose vocal microphone.

Supercardioid pickup

The modified supercardioid pattern reduces sound arriving from much of the surrounding stage. Its rejection directions differ from those of a cardioid microphone. Shure’s guide places the strongest rejection approximately 120 degrees toward the rear, making the relative position of wedges and loudspeakers relevant during setup. Directionality helps control spill but cannot remove the effect of the room or the drum’s tuning.

Position controls the balance

For a kick drum, moving nearer the beater head produces more attack, while moving away admits more resonance. The manual offers example distances as starting points rather than one compulsory placement. Listening while changing position is useful because the amount of damping, drum-head arrangement and playing style affect the result.

Mechanical arrangement

The Beta 52A has an integrated locking stand adapter and XLR connector. This arrangement allows the capsule to be aimed within or around a drum while keeping the connection close to the mounting point. The model also uses a pneumatic shock-mount system to reduce transmission of mechanical vibration.

Other bass sources

Shure also documents guitar and bass amplifier applications. Moving across the speaker cone or changing distance alters the captured balance before processing is applied. A close position gives a different relationship between direct sound and the room than a more distant position. The microphone should not contact a drum head or damping material inside the shell.

Offered microphone

The exact product is Beta 52A, distinct from the Beta 91A boundary microphone or another Beta-series model. Ten units are available in excellent condition at the displayed price per microphone. Stands, cables, storage bags, adapters or a multi-microphone drum kit are not added to this listing by implication.

Condition, availability and price

Shure Beta 52A is offered in Excellent condition. Available stock: 10. Unit price: €80. The quantity is the available stock count and the price applies to one listed unit.

Manufacturer documentation

Read the official Shure Beta 52A user guide.

Related equipment

Browse Microphones at Bsound Pro Audio.