Shure BETA 56 - User Manual

MODEL BETA 56

COMPACT SUPERCARDIOID
DYNAMIC MICROPHONE
GENERAL
The compact Shure BETA 56

is a high output supercar-
dioid dynamic microphone designed for professional sound
reinforcement and project studio recording. Its extremely
uniform supercardioid pickup pattern provides high gain
before feedback and excellent rejection of unwanted noise. A
built–in dynamic locking stand adapter with an integral XLR
connector simplifies installation. The stand adapter keeps the
microphone securely in place, even if it is struck by a
drumstick. Typical BETA 56 applications include close miking
of tom–toms and other percussion instruments, as well as
guitar amplifiers, brass instruments, and woodwinds.
FEATURES
•
Tailored frequency response provides drums, amplified
instruments, and horns with studio quality sound
• Built–in stand adapter with dynamic locking system and XLR
connector simplifies setup and provides greater flexibility
• Uniform supercardioid pattern for high gain before feed-
back and superior rejection of off–axis sound
• Compact design reduces stage clutter
• Hardened steel mesh grille resists wear and abuse
• Neodymium magnet for high signal–to–noise ratio output
• Minimally affected by varying load impedance
• Advanced pneumatic shock mount system that minimizes
transmission of mechanical noise and vibration
• Legendary Shure quality and reliability
GENERAL RULES FOR MICROPHONE USE
1. Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source and
away from unwanted sources. This may not be obvious or in-
tuitive, since supercardioid microphones such as the BETA
56 have narrow pickup patterns and can pick up sounds from
the rear. Refer to Figure 1 on the following page.
2. Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired
sound source (refer to the table in the opposite column).
3. Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
4. Use only one microphone to pick up a single sound source.
5. Use the fewest number of microphones as practical.
6. Keep multiple microphones separated by a distance equal
to at least 3X the distance to the nearest sound source.
7. Place mics as far as possible from reflective surfaces.
8. Use a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.
BETA 56 APPLICATIONS AND PLACEMENT
The most common BETA 56 applications and placement
techniques are listed in the following table. Keep in mind that
microphone technique is largely a matter of personal taste;
there is no one “correct” microphone position.
APPLICATION SUGGESTED MICROPHONE
PLACEMENT
TONE
QUALITY
Tom–Toms One BETA 56 on each tom, or be-
tween each pair of toms, 1 to 3 inch-
es (2.5 to 7.5 cm) above drum
heads. Aim each mic at top drum
heads.
On double head toms, you can also
remove bottom head and place a
mic inside pointing up toward top
drum head.
Medium attack;
full, balanced
sound.
Medium attack;
full, balanced
sound.
Snare Drum 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm) above
rim of top head of drum. Aim mic at
drum head.
If desired, place a second mic just
below rim of bottom head.
Most “snap”
from drumstick.
More “snare”
sound.
Guitar & Bass
Amplifiers
1 inch (2.5 cm) from speaker, on–
axis with center of speaker cone.
1 inch (2.5 cm) from speaker, at
edge of speaker cone.
6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) away
from speaker and on–axis with
speaker cone.
2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) back from
speaker, on–axis with speaker
cone.
Sharp attack;
emphasized
bass.
Sharp attack;
higher frequency
sound.
Medium attack;
full, balanced
sound.
Softer attack;
reduced bass.
Brass &
Woodwinds
Brass: 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm)
away, on–axis with bell of instru-
ment.
Woodwinds: 1 to 6 inches (2.5 to 15
cm) away, on–axis with bell of in-
strument.
Bell of instrument 90° off–axis from
front of mic.
Bright, clear
sound.
Bright, clear
sound.
Softer, mellow
sound.
MOUNTING THE BETA 56 ON A MICROPHONE STAND
The built–in stand adapter features a dynamic locking sys-
tem that permits adjustments to the microphone’s position, but
resists slipping when struck by drumsticks. To mount the BETA
56 on a stand and adjust its position, proceed as follows:
1. Screw the integral stand adapter onto the end of a micro-
phone stand (see Figure 4). Adjust the stand height and
position as necessary. Make sure the adjustment knob on
the adapter is loose.
2. Pivot the BETA 56 until it is in the desired position relative
to the drum head or instrument speaker.
3. Lock the BETA 56 in place by rotating the thumbscrew on
the stand adapter clockwise until it is tight. Do NOT use
tools to overtighten the adjustment knob.
4. If necessary, make minor adjustments to the microphone
position without loosening the adjustment knob.
5. Connect an audio cable to the integral XLR connector.
Shure Brothers Incorporated
222 Hartrey Avenue
Evanston IL 60202-3696 U.S.A.
Model BETA 56

User’s Guide
27A2798 (RL)
E1998, Shure Brothers Incorporated
Printed in U.S.A.

Summary

General Microphone Information

Features of the BETA 56

Highlights include tailored frequency response, built-in stand adapter, uniform supercardioid pattern, and compact design.

General Rules for Microphone Use

Guidance on aiming, placement, proximity effect, and using multiple microphones for optimal sound.

BETA 56 Applications and Placement

Tom-Tom Placement

Recommended placement for tom-toms for optimal sound quality and attack.

Snare Drum Placement

Techniques for placing the microphone on snare drums to capture desired tone.

Guitar & Bass Amplifier Placement

Guidance for miking guitar and bass amp speakers for specific tonal characteristics.

Brass & Woodwind Placement

Placement suggestions for brass and woodwind instruments for clear sound.

Mounting the BETA 56

Stand Adapter Operation

Instructions for mounting and adjusting the microphone on a stand using the built-in adapter.

Stage Monitor & P.A. Loudspeaker Placement

Loudspeaker Positioning

Recommended angles for placing stage monitors and P.A. systems for optimal rejection.

Microphone Specifications and Components

Type and Frequency Response

Details the microphone type and its typical frequency response curve.

Polar Pattern

Describes the supercardioid polar pattern, rotationally symmetrical about the microphone axis.

Output Level

Specifies the open circuit voltage and power level output of the microphone.

Impedance and Phasing

Details the rated impedance and phasing characteristics of the microphone.

Connector and Case

Information on the professional audio connector and the microphone's durable case.

Adjustable Locking Stand Adapter

Description of the integral, dynamic locking stand adapter adjustable through 180 degrees.

Net Weight and Certification

Provides the microphone's weight and its compliance with European Union directives.

Accessories

Lists furnished and optional accessories available for the microphone.

Shure BETA 56 Specifications

General

Brand	Shure
Model	BETA 56
Category	Microphone
Language	English