Shure Beta 58A
our rating
4.3
(out of 5)
Specs
- Frequency Response – 50 Hz to 16 kHz
- Polar Patterns – Supercardioid
- Sensitivity – 2.82 mV/Pa
- Self-noise – n/a
- Max SPL– not specified
- Impedance – 150 ohms
- Weight – 278 g
- Attenuation Pad – none
- Onboard Filter – none
Pros
- Better vocal detail and intelligibility than the SM58
- Superior Feedback Rejection
- Higher Output
- Durable
Cons
- An SM58 might be sufficient depending on your needs
- Alternatives like the Sennheiser e935, Telefunken M80, and Beyerdynamic M88 offer comparable or superior sound quality
Bottom Line:
A reliable tool for live vocals with improved detail, feedback rejection, and lower handling noise.
Beta 58A Wired
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ULXD2/B58 Wireless
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Introducing the Shure Beta 58A
Although the SM58 is still the iconic vocal mic, Shure continues to try improvements upon it. (the Nexadyne being the latest incarnation)
Shure released its Beta series mics in 1989, offering a refined alternative to their classic models. The Beta 58A represents a significant evolution in Shure’s dynamic microphone lineup, offering enhanced clarity, higher output, and superior feedback rejection.
The Beta 58A has now earned a place in the shortlist of quality live vocal mics. We got our hands on the Beta 58A and put it through our tests to hear first hand how it performs.
Who is this mic for?
The Shure Beta 58A is ideal for vocalists and performers who need a durable, high-output microphone for clarity in live performances. It is a reliable tool to manage feedback and isolate vocals in loud stage environments.
Recommended Applications
The Shure Beta 58A is recommended for the following applications:
- Live Vocals and Spoken Word
- Close-miked Studio Applications
Alternatives to the Shure Beta 58A
Beyerdynamic M88
One of the best handheld dynamic mics out there. With quick transients, detail, and thicker lower-mids, the result is silky and full.
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Shure Nexadyne
A new elite live vocal mic. Delivers detailed, clear vocals with a controlled proximity effect.
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Who is this mic NOT for?
The Shure Beta 58A is not suitable for the following applications:
- Capturing Subtle, High-Frequency Details: Its upper-end frequency range (up to 16kHz) lacks the ultra-high detail capture of condenser microphones, making it less ideal for recording cymbals, strings, or nuanced audio textures.
- Room or Ambient Recording: The supercardioid polar pattern isolates sound and rejects room noise, which is great for focused vocals but unsuitable for capturing ambient or environmental sound.
- Low-SPL Instruments: The Beta 58A isn’t well-suited for capturing very quiet sources, as dynamic microphones typically require louder input levels to perform optimally.
Check out our gear category page for more on live mics and audio gear.
What’s in the box?
The Shure Beta 58A box arrived with the following:
- Beta 58A Microphone
- Adjustable Stand Adapter (A25D): A swiveling stand mount
- 5/8″ to 3/8″ Thread Adapter (95A2050): Facilitates compatibility with various microphone stands by adapting different thread sizes.
- Storage Bag (26A21): A zippered vinyl pouch
Build / Design
The Beta 58A, like its brother the SM58, is as rugged as they come. The die-cast metal body and enamel coating give it a tank-like feel, and the hardened steel grille can take a beating.Inside, the Beta 58A features a neodymium magnet in its dynamic capsule, which results in a higher output (4 dB more than the SM58) and a more sensitive response compared with the standard SM58. This is a big deal for feedback rejection. (more on that later…)
Shure Beta 58A vs SM58
While both the Beta 58A and SM58 are dynamic microphones designed for vocal use, several key differences set them apart: namely, their polar pattern, output level, handling noise, and grille design.
As I said, the Beta 58A has a 4dB higher output than the SM58, which gives you greater sensitivity and higher signal-to-noise output.
The SM58 utilizes a cardioid pattern, whereas the Beta 58A employs a supercardioid pattern, offering tighter sound pickup and better isolation from ambient noise. As you can hear in our tests below, the Beta 58A also has fantastic off-axis rejection, making it a great choice for loud stages with feedback issues.
The Beta 58A incorporates an advanced pneumatic shock mount system that minimizes the transmission of mechanical noise and vibration, reducing handling noise compared to the SM58.
Finally, the grille design on the Beta 58A is made of hardened steel mesh. Apparently, it is more resistant to dents and damage than the grille of the nearly indestructible SM58. (I didn’t test this claim.)
Shure Beta 58A Tests – Audio Clips
We used a Universal Audio Apollo Solo Interface recorded with Logic Pro X. There is no EQ or compression applied to any of the audio clips here. We adjusted the gain from the audio interface to taste. As a reminder, we test everything on this site ourselves.
We include the results from spoken word tests, sung vocals, and acoustic instruments here as they reveal the subtleties of the mics most clearly.
We acknowledge that there is not one way to use a microphone. Mic placement, how you play or sing, not to mention EQ, compression, Impedance, and preamp settings can all have dramatic effects on the final result.
Spoken Vocals Tests
Shure Beta 58A
Sung Vocals Test
Shure Beta 58A
Acoustic Guitar Test
Shure Beta 58A
Conclusions about the Sound: Shure Beta 58A
The Beta 58A offers a frequency response ranging from 50 Hz to 16 kHz, with a tailored presence boost in the upper midrange around 4 kHz and 10 kHz.
In general, you’re getting more detail and less mud in the midrange than the SM58. In our tests, I liked this mic more than I thought I would. Let’s get into the details…
Plosives, Sibilance, Proximity Effect
In our tests, the Beta 58A effectively minimizes plosive sounds (such as ‘p’ and ‘b’ consonants). The built-in pop filter is doing its job.
With a nice little dip around 6-7 kHz in its frequency response, the Beta 58A also handles sibilance (’s’ sounds) very well. You’re getting more detail and presence up here than the SM58 without going too far.
In our tests, the mic’s proximity effect was about the same as an SM58.
Handling Noise
Shure upped the game with handling noise on this mic. In our tests, it was much quieter than the SM58. Maybe it’s not a game changer, especially if you’re using a stationary setup, but there is noticeable improvement.
Feedback Handling Compared to the SM58
The supercardioid polar pattern of the Beta 58A offers a tighter pickup area than the SM58’s cardioid pattern, leading to superior off-axis sound rejection and higher gain before feedback.
The higher output of the Beta 58A means the mic needs less amplification, which results in fewer feedback problems. On top of that, the mic has improved internal isolation to eliminate low-frequency feedback.
In the Studio?
I liked the performance of the Beta 58A as a utlity mic for recording vocals and other close-miked applications in the studio. Obviously it won’t pick up ambience or a massive amount of detail, but for toms, snares, and amps it certainly does the job. Even on acoustic guitar it’s not bad. (check out our test above)
Shure Beta 58A Frequency Response Diagram
Final Thoughts: Is the Shure Beta 58A Worth It?
The Beta 58A is a great microphone that has earned a place on the list of quality live vocal mics. It is absolutely worth the price if it suits your voice. With more clarity and presence, better feedback rejection, and lower handling noise, it is a significant upgrade over the standard SM58.
It is worth noting that the magic of an SM58 is how its lack of detail is sometimes a good thing. I liked how the Beta 58A performed with my voice, but that doesn’t mean you’ll like it with yours—the detail brought out by the Beta 58A might not be flattering.
In terms of clarity, the Beta 58A is very close to that of the Sennheiser e935 (full review) and e945. The Telefunken M80 is a step up from this mic in this regard, while the Beyerdynamic M88, Shure Nexadyne, and Neumann KMS 105 (full review) are in the elite category.
Shure Beta 58A Wired
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Shure ULXD2/B58 Wireless
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Questions or Comments?
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FAQ
Can the Beta 58A be used with wireless systems?
Yes, the Beta 58A is available in wireless configurations through Shure’s wireless microphone systems, such as the BLX and QLX-D series. The sound quality is consistent with the wired version, offering the same clarity and feedback resistance.
Does the Beta 58A require phantom power?
No, the Beta 58A is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power. This makes it compatible with a wide range of mixers, interfaces, and sound systems without the need for additional power sources.
How Do dynamic Microphones Work?
Dynamic microphones operate through a process called magnetic induction.
Inside a dynamic mic’s capsule, there are three key components: a thin metal diaphragm, a coil, and a magnet. When sound waves hit the diaphragm, it begins to vibrate, causing the coil to move as well. This movement of the coil within the magnetic field converts the sound waves into electrical signals.
For a deeper dive on how dynamic microphones work, see our guide 3 Types of Microphones and How They Work.
