Shure Beta 57A user reviews ( 8/10) - 12 user reviews

• 12/04/12

  stompboxjon's review "Universal"

  Characteristics

  The Shure Beta 57A is a very rugged mic, the transients with the 57A are clean and very fast. This microphone will sound awesome with no matter what you put it in front of. I have used it on guitars, vocals, drums, and even horn instruments. I feel like it sounds the best with a snare drum though and toms. The frequency response is just tweaked for the snare drum to me. This microphone is beyond durable, it reminds me a lot of the SM57 because of how tough it is with the steel mesh grille.

  Overall Opinion

  You can say this microphone is a great all around microphone and it is if you need it to be. It is definitely a microphone that you need to have around because you never know when you will have a use for it but I would not use it for vocals if you do not have to. It only cost 170 dollars now brand new, it is very affordable and you can purchase it and keep it for your drums and guitars. If you can stay away from using it with vocals I would. Not that it would record you cleanly, but that you can get a much cleaner vocal with a different Shure microphone like the SM57 and that microphone can be used just for your vocals. When it comes to vocals you need to have 1 designated microphone for that.
  
  If you must use the Beta 57A for vocals and instruments then don’t be afraid to. It will handle the task with a doubt. This microphone is one of my favorite ones that Shure has made because it is very affordable, it is built to last a long time (like most Shure mics are) and it is awesome on drums. The polar pattern is supercardioid and the frequency range is 50Hz-16kHz giving it just the right touches to be a universal microphone for your home studio.
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• 01/29/12

  James...'s review "Great for everything"

  Characteristics

  Microphone Type Dynamic
  
  Polar Pattern Supercardioid
  
  Frequency Response 50Hz016kHz
  
  Impedance 150 ohms
  
  Length 6.23"
  
  Width 1.69"
  
  Depth 1.69"
  
  Weight .6 lbs.
  
  Manufacturer Part Number BETA 57A

  Overall Opinion

  I actually bought this mic to use as a guitar cab mic initially. I was micing in a live situation with a Suhr Badger amp and a Bogner 1x12 cube cab. Nothing really fancy. It works wonderfully for that purpose. It doesn't have the awkward midrange that the sm57 and beta 58 do. But as I have owned this mic over the years I've learned that it does a lot more than speaker micing. One day I was having problems with my beta 58 picking up tons of stage noise. Tried an sm58. Didn't sound right with my voice. Tried a couple of Cad dynamic mics. Sounded good but they fed back some. Finally, given no other choices I decided to put my Beta 57 up there for kicks. Not only is it impervious to stage noise but I didn't have to eq it at all. It just naturally sounds very good on my voice. Since then I've tried it on about everything. Female singers? Great. Snare drum? Suprisingly awesome and puts an sm57 to shame. Sax? Yes it does that too.
  
  
  
  I would go as far to say that if I had to choose one mic to have for the rest of my live show career, it would be this one. I'm serious about that. It just excels in so many applications. It never ever peaks out from high volumes and it always seems to sound very wide and open no matter what.
  
  
  
  My only complaint is that it isn't terribly useful in the studio, outside of tracking very aggressive vocals and maybe some super loud guitar parts. But everything else about it is tops. Never had any technical issues despite really abusing a few of these.
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• 07/18/11

  Anonymous 's review "And the winner is:"

  Characteristics

  The Shure Beta 57A is a dynamic supercardioid microphone touted by Shure as the successor to the fantastically versatile SM57. It boasts an extended frequency response of 50-16,000 Hz.
  
  
  
  I wrote a review earlier about the Shure Beta 58A and said that it was not necessarily an improvement on Shure's own vaunted SM58. It just offered a different flavor to the magical original. That being said, the Shure Beta 57A gleans the same comparison to the also legendary Shure SM57. Touted, as an instrument microphone, the Shure SM57 performs majestically in that role. The Beta 57A is the same; it works wonderfully on instruments, but it gets a pronounced increase in the high frequency response, as its response is indeed extended.
  
  
  
  What makes the Beta 57A a more significant improvement over the old SM57 than the Beta 58A is over the SM58, is this: The SM58 and Beta 58A are both vocal microphones; they are capable of instrument work, but aren't ideal. However, knowing that the old SM57 is great on instruments, and also usable on vocals, Shure managed to create a microphone in the Beta 57A that not only continues to excel in its advertised function, but because of the extended response and altered frequency curve, also seems to, on vocals, blow not only the SM57, but also the SM58!, and at times the Beta 58A!!! absolutely Out Of The Water.

  Overall Opinion

  Now I've had a bizarre obsession with finding an instrument microphone that would kick butt on vocals, and the Shure Beta 57A has made that dream come true. I do not own them yet, but after trying them out, if I'm ever in the market for a live microphone, this is near the top of the list, just because I know that I would also be able to use it as a studio workhorse. This microphone blows, in my opinion, all of the other live dynamics out of the water, except at times, the Beta 58A.
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• 02/03/09

  moosers's review

  Characteristics

  The Shure Beta 57A is a dynamic microphone that can be used in both the recording studio and on the stage. I have primarily used it in the studio, as that is where I do most of my work, but have also used it and seen it used on stage. It is built very sturdy and definitley has a make up of live microphone. It is very similar to an SM57, but has a slightly different look to it and has a grill on top of the microphone, which makes it a better vocal microphone than the SM57 and the stronger enclosure makes it good candidate to be used in a live setting.

  Overall Opinion

  I've had my Shure Beta 57A for two years. I also have a Shure SM57 and I basically use these mics interchangeably. I use it primarily on top of the snare drum as the sturdy grill helps to prevent the mic getting damaged from any wailing drum sticks. I believe it has a very similar internal make up to SM57 and they sound pretty similar. The Beta 57A is a bit more expensive but is probably worth the investment if you are bringing the mic on the road or something like that. That being said, I'm not saying that the SM57 isn't a sturdy mic as well, but the Beta 57A seems to have a more secure casing to it. I have also used this microphone on a guitar amp and live vocals. It is an all around good sounding microphone and has a number of useful applications. Shure is a reliable company that has a great reputation for making great sounding, reasonably priced, well-built microphones, and the Beta 57A definitley fits the bill! While I would never advise anyone against buying an SM57, I would definitley suggest checking out both microphones and seeing what works best for what you are trying to achieve.
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• 09/30/08

  afterglow479's review

  Characteristics

  This mic by Shure is a dynamic capsule. It has a grille with a slight pop filter, so if you're singing into one your plosives will be reduced slightly. The pickup pattern on this mic is a cardioid, so the sides and back are going to be rejected pretty well. This mic doesn't have any other options on it like a polar pattern switch or a pad. Since it is a dynamic mic you won't need any phantom power to use it. The frequency response seems to have a big presence peak to aid in the source cutting through a mix. There is also a low frequency roll-off, so that can help with dealing with any handling noise or extra lows caused by the proximity effect. The sound of this mic is really a lot like the classic SM57, except this one sounds, to put it simply, better. This mic sounds crisper and clearer than the somewhat hollow sound of the SM57. This has sounded better for me on guitar cabs and snare drums than the SM57, which is usually the kind of those sources.

  Overall Opinion

  I have had one of these for a couple years. I'm not sure if they were trying to issue this as an improvement to the SM57, but I feel that's what it accomplishes. In every shootout I have done with the original 57, I have preferred this one. The added clarity just benefits it as a whole, unless you are looking for a slightly dirtier sound. It is more expensive than the 57, but I feel you are getting a better mic, and that you would be getting your money's worth from Shure. I think it's a good value for the price point. I would get it again, I like to use this on a lot of guitar cabs, and I'd miss it if it broke!
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• 12/28/04

  MGR/Tim's review "Shure Beta 57A"

  Characteristics

  Overall Opinion

  I bought this mic from Guitar Center for $99.00 after very extensive research. I found this price on the internet and Guitar Center matched it. In fact, they were only able to match it down to $99.99 and had to take the extra $.99 off of the table stand I bought with it! That's how good a price I got it for. It was a good deal...
  
  
  
  Welp, quite honestly, I like everything about this product. I am very satisfied with it. This thing is built like a tank with classic Shure heft, so durability is absolutely no problem here. It sounds so clear and so natural too. I use it primarily to mic my 30 watt amp, but it has so many other applications as well. I know that my drummer plans on getting one for his snare and it is used to mic anything from vocals to harmonicas aside from these applications! Pretty cool...
  
  Also, I should mention that this mic has completely eliminated feedback as well. I was afraid this would be a problem, but it really isn\'t. I guess that this is due to this mic\'s supercardioid design and superior gain before feedback...
  
  Another thing is that I am able to get so many different sounds depending on how I place this mic in relation to my amp. At first, I had it -center and was met with a sharp aggressive sound. By moving it a mere 2.5\" down to the left, however, I found that it was a much smoother, natural sound. It\'s fun... I love this mic!
  
  
  
  There\'s nothing that I dislike about this microphone. I have been unable to find any faults as of yet. I am very satisfied.
  
  
  
  Again, this is a Shure and built like a tank. I expect this mic to outlive me!
  
  
  
  I am very satisfied with this and would recommend it to anyone. In my opinion, this is the ultimate instrument mic and every musician should own one. Go for it!
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 09/07/04

  miramadar's review "Shure Beta 57A"

  Characteristics

  Overall Opinion

  Bought this mic on Ebay for $100.00. I needed a better mic for instrument/vocal recording.
  
  
  
  The Beta 57A is a great sounding mic for both instrument and vocal applications. It offers plenty of gain and doesn\'t feedback easily. I\'ve used it to record acoustic guitar, vocals and used it in live performance to mic fiddle, saxophone, harmonica and vocals. In all applications, it performed great.
  
  
  
  This particular mic is a little heavy on the mid-range. Some folks like that and for certain instruments it\'s really called for. I\'m not a huge fan of strong mid-range, but I\'ve been able to set the EQ to get a really sweet sound anyway.
  
  
  
  It\'s a Shure! Rock solid. Solid metal...heavy construction. And unlike the standard 57\'s, this mic has a metal grill for added ruggedness.
  
  
  
  Great mic for recording or live performance. A true asset to have in your mic lineup.
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 11/05/12

  chavilbus's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Shures dynamic microphone, apparently related building very strong, the color changes but it has the look of the classic SM57.
  
  I use it for miking acoustic intruments: guitars, banjo, whisle, dobro, percussion and soon in front of a guitar amp
  
  To realize one compooù acoustic instruments are taken with beta 57: http://www.riffworld.com/Members/chavilbus/lightofmylife

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 3 months, I hesitated with the SM57 but I found beta 57A brighter on acoustic strings (matter of taste).
  
  I love the bright sound. I compared with equivalent settings with beta 58A (I know it is not sold for that) on guitars there is no picture, there are more bright in the upper midrange without too aggressive and less bass. ON has virtually no equalization to do: to realize a piece all acoustic guitars with enregitéres: http://www.riffworld.com/Members/chavilbus/lembranca
  
  I had a PG57 before there is no picture, the price difference is justified
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• 03/24/09

  Bischop's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Micro dynamite
  
  
  
  It's the bomb

  Overall Opinion

  Hi, sondiers,
  
  
  
  Well, yes if I had to choose one from a microphone on an island dserte to add sound
  
  Nana Mouskouri Michel Portal and I know what I mean, I would take the Beta 57A and I mean the A, not THE FIRST version.
  
  You can do anything with, vocals, instrumentals, the bass drum through the flute and the Oud and the whole nine yards. All you need is a real Systm in faade and back.
  
  Go chao and thank you for the wonderful Mr Shure Swiss army knife.

  N / A

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• 10/28/05

  docjamel's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Used for both transplants amps electric guitar (good dynamic)
  
  percussions and other vocals, he wants to be very versatile and indispensable on stage and in studio.
  
  Not great for capturing acoustic guitar
  
  Frequency: 50Hz to 16,000 Hz

  Overall Opinion

  Good microphone
  
  
  
  Easily reject the feedback.
  
  very versatile, little brother of BETA58,
  
  worthy successor to the 57 beta,
  
  
  
  it is clear, you have to like the pate Shure
  
  but to finish what my children's!

  N / A

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