Shure Beta 52A

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Dynamic Microphone

The Shure Beta 52A is a dynamic microphone with high output power and a transmission range specially optimised for maximum bass drum punch and accommodating other low-frequency instruments.

It offers a very good response, excellent punch and delivers studio quality even at extreme volume. The superheterodyne characteristics of the Beta 52A ensure maximum isolation of the sound source and high feedback while considerably diminishing background noise.

The adjustable tripod adapter with integrated XLR connector simplifies the positioning of the microphone, especially when used inside the bass drum. At the same time the snap-in tripod adapter holds the Beta 52A securely in place even in hard shocks and strong vibrations. The basket made of hardened steel provides protection against the stresses of the rough stage.

Super-cardioid
Optimized frequency response especially for bass drum kick and low-frequency instrument pickup
High feedback with minimal background noise
Portable stand adapter with integrated XLR connector for easy installation, especially in the bass drum
Basket made of hardened steel protects against wear and damage
Air-sprung vibration absorber protects against impact sound and vibrations
Neodymium magnet for high output levels
Low sensitivity against different connection impedances
Transmission range: 20 - 10,000 Hz
Maximum sound pressure: 174 dB SPL (up to 1 kHz, calculated)
Output Impedance: 45 Ohm
Noise Sensitivity: -64 dBV / Pa (0.63 mV)
Weight: 605 g
Tripod mount
Including bag

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

3-Year Thomann Warranty

Item number 105760
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Condenser Microphone No
Polar Pattern Supercardioid
Microphone Clamp Yes
Dynamic Microphone Yes

€195

All prices incl. VAT

Sales Rank

in Microphones for Bass Drum

Information on the disposal of old devices

Bundles & offers

Shure Beta 52 Bundle

€209

A low-end pro

With the Beta 52A, Shure delivers a truly classic microphone that excels in bass drum applications and features both a dynamic design and a supercardioid polar pattern which effectively suppresses unwanted background noise. Built with a solid metal housing, it is rugged enough for the road, making the Shure Beta 52A a reliable choice often found on technical riders, and the shaft is already fitted to accept a reducing screw thread, eliminating the need for an additional microphone clamp. A screw clamp in turn allows for flexible alignment with the sound source, ensuring precise placement with minimal hassle.

At home in the studio and on stage

Equally suited for studio and stage use, the Beta 52A is highly valued by professionals for its rugged construction and impressive ability to handle extreme sound pressure levels - up to 174 dB SPL - without breaking a sweat, making this microphone a dependable choice even for close-miking an Ampeg 8x10 at full blast. While its primary strength remains in capturing the powerful thump of a bass drum, its frequency response - which emphasises the 50Hz to 4kHz range - brings out the punch and presence of any bass drum with precision. An air-suspended shock mount effectively minimises interference from impact noise and vibrations, and seasoned sound engineers know they can count on the Shure Beta 52A to deliver consistently reliable results in any setting, reinforcing its status as a true classic in professional audio.

Drum specialist

The Shure Beta 52A is ideal for drum kits and percussion setups where professional low-frequency reproduction is essential, and thanks to its rich, engaging sound, the microphone will suit a wide range of musical styles both live and in the studio. Beyond drums, it is also a popular choice for capturing bass amplifiers or even instruments like the tuba; however, its substantial weight does call for a stable microphone stand. On large stages and at festivals, the combination of the Beta 52A with the Beta 91A boundary microphone is especially favoured, with the 52A typically handling the low-end while the 91A captures the attack, resulting in a full and balanced bass drum sound.

About Shure

The American company Shure began developing microphones during the early 1930s and is one of the pioneers of the audio engineering sector. Models such as the 55 Unidyne – known to many as the "Elvis microphone" – and the SM57 and SM58 which appeared in the mid-1960s are still ubiquitous in live sound production today. They enjoy cult status among musicians and technicians alike. In the 1990s, Shure introduced the first wireless microphones and in-ear monitoring systems and became a market leader in this field. In addition to microphones, Shure offers a wide range of earphones and headphones for studio and live use, as well as various accessories.

Maximum versatility

The Shure Beta 52A offers maximum versatility with a built-in pre-equalisation that emphasises both the low-frequency range and the crucial 3 to 4kHz attack zone of a bass drum, while remaining moderate enough to perform well in more subtle musical styles like Jazz. In Rock and Metal, the microphone will shine even more when paired with dynamic processing such as gating and compression, along with EQ adjustments like a boost at 8kHz and a cut at 300Hz. This microphone will also deliver impressive results when recording instruments like the tuba or bass saxophone, provided a sturdy microphone stand is used to support its weight. Thanks to its very powerful neodymium magnet, the Beta 52A requires minimal gain from the microphone preamp, making this classic both powerful and efficient across a wide range of applications.

This is what customers who viewed this product bought

794 Customer ratings

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4.8 / 5

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327 Reviews

Smith Smith 21.03.2020

I have used this mic in the studio with good results for kick drum, floot tom, electric bass cabinet.

Kick drum:
I had trouble recording kick drums at first. I've read that this mic has a mid scope and thought it sounds kind of flat and lacking punch of a "real kick sound"
Long story short... I tried buying new heads and started experimenting with positioning. I found that tuning my drums was the main issue. I do use a kickport in rear and Remo CS clear (going for EQ3 or something smilar next time) with my 22"x18" and a small pillow.

With this setup i found tuning my kick drum without the need of black belt in tuning drums. Just a tip that worked well for me. So now it sounds better than the weaker papery "plack"-sound that I got before. Now it's definitivly a "boom" when placing the BETA 52A inside an inch or two aiming a bit above dead centre. I do use the Autix D6 in addition for kick drum recording. I place the D6 halfway in and get boomier kick with high frequency click. I like the D6 more, but that's another story to tell.

Pros
Legendary mic. Good starting point if buying first kick drum mic if you don't know what to aim for. This mic is great with floor tom if upgrade the kick drum mic to something else.
Cons
- Has mid scope. You should'nt be afraid to use heavy EQ to shape the sound. Consider Audix D6 if you think or know you want more low end, less mids and bit high frequency click out of the box. They are both excellent and in the same price range.

Floor tom
SM 57 is the mic i usually end up using. If i have a spare SM52 i definitivly want it with floor tom. The Beta 52A sounds great on floor compared with sm57 and the low end it lacks. The Beta 52A just adds a lot more "punch in your face"-lows compared to a SM57.
Pros
- First and only mic i used with Beta 52A
Cons
- None so far

Electric bass guitar cabinet
Beta 52A is the mic i usually end up using. It delivers good low end sound. I do sometimes use additional SM57 for a track with overdrive. I found line in more useful fot that purpose.
Pros - Gives great low end and sounds good when recording in high volume situations.
Cons - I usually need additional track from line or SM57 when recording bass for a fuller sound in the hi-end depending on music style and taste at the moment.

Overall
Great for kick drum, floor tom and electric bass cabinet. The mid scope is an issue for me with kick drum, but can easily be eq:d to sound more youi want it to. Sounds amazing in combination wuth Audix D6. I would choose Beta52A as a first kick drum mic to buy and try it out since it is a great mic as floor tom in case you buy another one. Tuning might be a problem regardless of mic used and should be a concerm to fix before recording and jiugdning, specially if there is no power in the sound.. Audix D6 is a heavy pre-EQd mic and might suit you betterif you know you more low end and a bit high freq click. Beta 52A ijs a safe bet and worth trying if you are unsure of what you want. It's built to last.

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Awesome

Drumperson 17.12.2021

Do you want to record your bass drum? Do you want to record a bass amp? Buy this microphone. Captures full, thick sounds without coloring them which lets you have a field day mixing later.

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Bass drum king

STEFANOS TZOVARAS 26.12.2021

The king of bass drum mics. Extremely low frequencies . The built quality is unbelievable. Highly recommended

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Great Mic

Sciortie 29.05.2024

Makes the drum kit sound excellent, perfect for the bass drum

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Shure Beta 52A

Dynamic Microphone