Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I'm a drummer who does a lot of lead vocals in our band. I started out with a beta 58A and it does a great job, but the length of the mic plus the cable means I'm constantly hitting hit with my sticks and having to play around it to get to my toms. I've tried all sorts of headworm microphones and they have all been total failures - way too "live" and breathy, and none of them will stay on your head while you're drumming. I had given up and gone back to the beta 58A and was miserable, but less miserable than with the head mics.
A few weeks ago I saw a drummer in a live performance on TV using what appeared to be a stubby mic with a right-angle bend in it. "Genius", I thought, and immediately set about trying to find it. I went to my local music store and the Pro Audio guy said it sounded like a Beta 56A "instrument mic". I was deflated. He said not to worry - the 56A is an excellent vocals mic, especially for higher-register male vocals. Since I'm often called the "Peter Cetera" of the group, I decided to give it a shot :)
Finally - I am happy!! This mic is SO compact, and sounds great. It's probably a little flatter on the high frequencies than the 58A, but behind a drum kit that is a GOOD thing. I use a spring-arm mic holder mounted to my rack and with the length/weight of the 58A the mic would bounce around and bash me in the teeth/lips, but the 56A has less of a "lever action" being so compact and so the bounce has gone away. Also, I had to put the "wrong" angle on the 58A to keep the cord out of my way, but with the 90 degree connector on the 56A I can get it right up where I need it. On an overhead boom the cable goes *up* not *out*!
OK, so not everyone is a drummer... again, as a vocal mic it is a maybe a little flat on the top end. Also, it is supercardiod which lets in a lot of rear sound - not so good for drums - but that is what a compressor is for.
This mic is identical to the Beta 57A, but the 57A does not have the right angle body. I have been using a 57A to mic our guitarist's cabinet for my in-ear monitors and it sounds great, so I am sure that the 56A is also an excellent choice for mic'ing an electric guitar amp in addition to the "off-label" use as a vocal mic.
It's a Shure, it sounds great, is built like a tank, is versatile, and affordable - what more could you want?
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Shure BETA 56A Supercardioid Dynamic Instrument MicrophoneFeaturing a frequency response specifically tailored for drums and instruments, the Shure Beta 56A microphone offers an extremely uniform supercardioid pickup pattern that provides high gain-before-feedback and excellent rejection of unwanted noise. A successor to the popular Beta 56, the 56A features a redesigned knob and tightening mechanism for more durability and a wider mounting base that can accommodate a larger range of mic stands.
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 56A applications include close miking of tom-toms and other percussion instruments, as well as guitar amplifiers, brass instruments, and woodwinds.
Key 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-feedback 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
Specifications
Polar Pattern: Supercardioid, rotationally symmetrical about microphone axis, uniform with frequency
Output Level (at 1,000 Hz): Open Circuit Voltage -51 dBV/Pa (2.8 mV); (1 Pa = 94 dB SPL)
Impedance: Rated impedance is 150 ohms (290 ohms actual) for connection to microphone inputs rated low Z
Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
Connector: Three-pin professional audio connector (male XLR type)
Case: Silver blue enamel-painted die cast metal with hardened, matte-finished steel mesh grille
Adjustable, Locking Stand Adapter: Integral, dynamic locking, adjustable through 180 degrees with standard 5/8"-27 thread
Weight: 16.7 ounces
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