Shure Beta 58A Review

Are you looking for a microphone that’s both affordable and durable? Look no further than the Shure Beta 58A.

This supercardioid microphone is renowned for its superior sound quality, with a frequency response ranging from 50 Hz to 16 kHz and presence peaks at 4 kHz and 10 kHz for enhanced vocal clarity.

With its rugged design, it’s perfect for long-term use and can withstand rough handling and impact.

Get ready to learn more about the Shure Beta 58A in this comprehensive review.

Key Takeaways

  • The Shure Beta 58A offers durable quality and great sound like the original SM58.
  • The microphone has a notably harsh upper midrange, which can be fatiguing over time.
  • It can help vocalists and guitarists cut through in a mix.
  • The Beta 58A is rugged and moderately-priced, but may be too bright for some listeners.

Overview

Get an overview of the Shure Beta 58A with this review.

This microphone is a rugged and moderately-priced option that offers durable quality and great sound just like the original SM58. It has a supercardioid polar pattern and a frequency response ranging from 50 Hz to 16 kHz. It also has presence peaks at 4 kHz and 10 kHz to enhance vocal clarity. Its sound quality is notably harsh in the upper midrange, which can be fatiguing over time, but EQ adjustments can mitigate this.

Design features include rugged construction and reliable long-term use. This microphone is suitable for studio and live vocals, as well as electric guitar amps. Acoustic guitars may require other microphone types.

Polar Pattern and Frequency Response

The Shure Beta 58A has a supercardioid polar pattern and a frequency response ranging from 50 Hz to 16 kHz. This polar pattern provides a focused directionality and helps to reduce feedback in live settings. It also has presence peaks at 4 kHz and 10 kHz that increase vocal clarity.

Some find this added boost grating, but EQ adjustments can help to mitigate the harshness in the upper midrange.

In terms of build quality, this dynamic microphone is extremely rugged and reliable for long-term use. It can withstand rough handling and impact, making it an ideal choice for the stage or studio.

Common Uses

You can use the Shure Beta 58A for a variety of applications. Live performances are a great example as its supercardioid polar pattern and presence peaks at 4kHz and 10kHz can help vocalists cut through the mix.

It can also be used for recording techniques to add sparkle or attack to electric guitars, though it’s not recommended for bass amps. For acoustic guitarists, it’s more of a personal preference, as some may prefer other microphone types.

The Beta 58A is durable and can withstand rough handling, making it suitable for long-term use. The sound quality is also great with a frequency response ranging from 50Hz to 16kHz. However, some may find the added boost in the upper midrange grating. With some EQ adjustments, this issue can be mitigated.

Build Quality

Shoring up your sound quality with a reliable microphone, the Shure Beta 58A is designed to stand the test of time. With its impact resistance and durable construction, the Beta 58A offers a long-lasting audio experience. It can withstand knocks and bumps, making it a great choice for live performances.

The rugged design ensures it can withstand the rigors of touring and regular use. Additionally, it features an internal shock-mounted capsule to further protect it from damage. The Beta 58A also features an internal pop filter which helps reduce unwanted background noise, making it great for studio recordings.

Pros and Cons

Discover the pros and cons of the Shure Beta 58A microphone to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.

The Beta 58A offers a rugged build, durable quality and good sound like the original SM58, with a supercardioid polar pattern and a frequency response ranging from 50 Hz to 16 kHz. It also has two presence peaks at 4 kHz and 10 kHz for enhanced vocal clarity.

However, its upper midrange can be quite harsh, making it fatiguing to listen to over time. Additionally, it may be too bright for some listeners and not suitable for bass amps.

Is the Shure Beta 58A worth the price? That depends on your personal preference and the type of sound you’re looking for.

Popular Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternatives to the Shure Beta 58A, there are plenty of other microphone models to choose from.

A popular comparison is the Shure SM58, which is a classic and durable vocal microphone. The SM58 has a cardioid pickup pattern and frequency response ranging from 50 Hz to 15 kHz. It’s a reliable choice for live vocals, but may lack the clarity and presence of the Beta 58A.

Other popular vocal microphones include the Electro-Voice RE20, Neumann U87, and AKG C414. The RE20 has a broader frequency range, the U87 offers a rich and warm sound, and the C414 is suitable for both vocals and instruments.

Ultimately, the best microphone for any situation depends on the desired sound, budget, and application.

Final Thoughts

Often, the choice of microphone comes down to personal preference and budget. The Shure Beta 58A is a solid option for those looking for a durable and moderately-priced microphone that can help vocals and guitars cut through in a mix.

Sound quality-wise, it offers the same durable quality and great sound as the original SM58, but with notably harsh upper midrange that can be fatiguing over time. User reviews are mixed, ranging from those who appreciate the extra presence to those who find it too bright. EQ adjustments can mitigate harshness in the upper midrange.

All in all, the Beta 58A is a reliable choice for those looking for a microphone that can handle rough handling and last for years.

Conclusion

Overall, the Shure Beta 58A is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable, high-quality microphone with great sound. Its rugged construction and durable design make it reliable for long-term use.

Additionally, the wide frequency response and presence peaks of the Beta 58A enhance vocal clarity, making it perfect for live performance and recording applications.

In conclusion, you can’t go wrong with the Shure Beta 58A.

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