Shure Beta 56a

Essential Information About the Shure Beta Dynamic Microphone for Snare Drum and Toms

• Compact format designed for close miking: ideal on snare drum, toms, and percussion, even in tight setups.


• Supercardioid polar pattern for excellent isolation: limits bleed and helps maintain precise sound despite stage noise.


• Integrated swivel joint: quick setup and easy positioning without the need for multiple accessories.


• Beta signature: presence, warmth, and optimized response to stand out in demanding live mixes.

The Beta Series: Shure's DNA Tailored for the Stage

Developed as a performance-focused range, the Shure Beta series has established itself on numerous stages thanks to an approach centered on reliability, sensitivity, and a frequency response tailored for live use. This microphone family is known for its ability to maintain minimal off-axis coloration and optimal isolation, two essential criteria when multiple sources are playing simultaneously at high levels. In this spirit, this dynamic "instrument-specific" microphone is a top choice for capturing the impact and attack of drums while maintaining control over the sound environment.

Who Is It For and What Are Its Uses?

This microphone is aimed at drummers, sound engineers, and studios seeking an efficient and robust solution for close-miking a drum kit. Its size facilitates placement on a kit, especially on the snare drum and toms when space is limited. It is also well suited for other dynamic and powerful sources: congas, brass instruments, and guitar amps. In concert settings, its directivity helps improve clarity in the mix and reduce bleed from cymbals, stage monitors, or other nearby instruments.

Designed for Proximity: Precision, Placement, and Control

Supercardioid Polar Pattern: A Tighter Capture

The supercardioid polar pattern favors capturing the targeted source and enhances protection against unwanted stage noise. The result: a more defined snare, clearer toms, and better separation between kit elements, particularly useful when the drum kit is very open or the cymbal setup is dense.

Swivel Joint: Time-Saving Setup

Thanks to its swivel joint, positioning becomes intuitive: you quickly adjust the orientation to find the right balance between attack, body, and bleed control. This design also simplifies managing angles around hoops, stands, and clamps, which can make a difference during quick changeovers.

Optimized Response for Live Use

With a frequency response from 50 Hz to 16 kHz, this microphone is designed to reproduce transient impact and the presence needed to cut through a mix, while maintaining a solid low-end foundation. Its behavior suits percussive sources where a sharp attack, good high-level handling, and consistency when placed very close to the drumhead or amplifier are expected.

Technical specifications

Frequency response - start	50 Hz	Nominal impedance	150 Ω
Frequency response - end	16 kHz	Connection	XLR
Sensitivity	-51,5 dBV/Pa (2,7mV)	Clamp included	No
Category	wired microphone	Included accessories	carrying pouch, multi-step fitting
Type	instrument	Color	Green
Directivity	supercardioid	Weight	468 g
Capsule	dynamic	Dimensions (mm)	Ø 40 x 102 x 128

Polar pattern	supercardioid	Impedance	150 Ohms
Frequency response	50 Hz - 16 kHz	Dimensions	40 mm (diameter) x 102 x 128 mm