This mic is a moving coil dynamic from Shure. It looks and feels like an updated version of Shure's SM58. It's a dynamic, so you don't need any phantom power. The pickup pattern on this is cardioid. The primary use you'll find for this mic is on stage for vocalists. The frequency response is tailored to this usage. There is a peak around 3k for added clarity and sharpness on the voice, and there is a generous roll-off on the bottom to compensate for boominess from the proximity effect, or from someone handling the mic as singers often do. There is a built-in mesh pop filter to aid in cutting back on plosive sounds. This mic offers very good side and back rejection, which is great in a live situation where you want to minimize your bleed - especially on the lead vocal. There isn't an on/off switch like there are on a lot of hand-held vocal mics, which is unfortunate because those can definitely come in handy when the mic suddenly starts a feedback loop.

OVERALL OPINION

I have owned one of these for a couple of years. It really is very similar to the Shure SM58. I honestly don't really find a huge difference in the sound quality. The Beta does look a little nicer and flashier, but that doesn't warrant the large price difference. The Beta does sound just a little bit crisper, but I feel that the difference that does exist would easily get lost in a live setting because it is so small. For that reason I really think most people should just stick with the cheaper, dependable SM58 for live vocals. They will do pretty much the same exact job. I probably wouldn't get one again, since the SM58's I have are almost just as good.