Shure Rolls Out Latest in itsBeta Microphone Line

Shure has unveiled new additions to itsBeta microphone line. The newest models include the Beta 91A boundary microphone, Beta 98A miniature instrument microphone, and Beta 98AMP miniature drum microphone.

“We had three goals in mind when we set out to design these new Beta mics,” says Chad Wiggins, Shure’s Category Director for Wired Products. “To improve sound quality, to improve reliability and durability in the field, and to offer simple, secure mounting and placement. We’ve accomplished all of those goals with these microphones. Engineers will love the functional advantage you get with these mics versus their predecessors.”

The Beta 91A is a half-cardioid condenser boundary microphone for kick-drum and low frequency applications. A new cartridge design provides a smoother, more natural response. The Beta 91A’s low-profile design, with integrated preamplifier and XLR connector requires no external hardware to maximize setup efficiency while minimizing stage clutter.  It also features a low-mid frequency EQ switch that offers additional tonal flexibility.

Rob Mailman, front-of-house engineer for Santana, has been using the Beta 91A for some of his recent performances and says, “I’m certain I’ll use the Beta 91A until I retire.”

The Beta 98A is a miniature cardioid condenser microphone for instrument sound reinforcement and recording applications.  High SPL handling makes the Beta 98A ideal for a variety of acoustic or amplified instruments, including drums, piano, reed, wind, and strings.  The newly-designed cartridge features a uniform cardioid polar pattern and provides a natural musical frequency response.  It is available in two variations with either a gooseneck drum mount (Beta 98AD/C) or with a stand mount (Beta 98A/C).

“While trying the new Beta 98A prototypes on the last Pretenders U.S. tour,” notes renowned front of house engineer Roger Lindsay, “I was delighted to discover that Shure has managed to retain the essential character of the original SM98, which became a benchmark for all drum mics, while also using the latest advances in design and technology to further improve a much-loved model.”

The Beta 98AMP is a new variation of the Beta 98A that combines the new cartridge with a flexible gooseneck and integrated XLR preamplifier. It ships with the new A75M Universal Microphone Mount for simple, accurate placement in any configuration of toms, snares, or percussion. These new features provide increased control and reduce complexity of setup.

“Because the Beta 98AMP is a new design, we didn’t have a way to clamp it onto a drum,” says Wiggins. “We developed this very small, versatile mount that can be attached or removed in seconds. The A75M has almost infinite adjustability – it’s so universal that we’re also selling it as a standalone accessory.” The A75M’s dual-jaw, quick release design offers easy mounting to drums, percussion, drum hardware, and stands.”

Like the other microphones in Shure’s Beta line, such as the new Beta 181 and the 2010 TEC Award-nominated Beta 27, these new additions are precision-engineered for superior sound reproduction, low handling noise, and high gain before feedback.

The Beta 91A Boundary Microphone, Beta 98AD/C Drum Microphone, and Beta 98A/C Instrument Microphone are now shipping.  The Beta 98AMP Miniature Drum Microphone will be available in December. Each will carry a two-year limited warranty and are available for purchase from select retailers. Pricing and Availability are as follows:

  • Beta 91A: $239 retail [$299 MSRP]
  • Beta 98AD/C: $229 retail [$286 MSRP]
  • Beta 98A/C: $199 retail [$249 MSRP]
  • Beta 98AMP/C: $269 retail [$336 MSRP]
  • Beta 98AMP/C-3PK $699 retail [$874 MSRP] (three pack of Beta 98AMP)

Shure Intros Beta 181 Instrument Microphone

Shure has also introduced the Beta 181, a compact, side-address condenser microphone designed for discreet placement and control in live and studio environments. It is the first wired performance microphone from Shure that features interchangeable polar pattern capsules – cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional.

“This mic is aces in tight spaces,” raves Chad Wiggins, Shure’s Category Director for Wired Products. “It’s so compact; it can really fit in anywhere, whether it’s under a piano lid or in, around, and over a drum kit. Paired with the interchangeable capsules, musicians and engineers can get really creative with their mic placement, depending on the sounds they’re trying to achieve.”

The Beta 181’s small diaphragm design provides superior audio with consistent polar responses in a form factor small enough to get close to the source in the tightest conditions.

“In many applications where a large diaphragm side-address condenser might be a desirable, but impractical choice for live music, the Beta 181 offers a fresh solution,” says renowned front-of-house engineer Roger Lindsay. “It gives a full, rich, well-defined sound in a microphone that goes where many others can’t…impeccable performance in a neat, versatile package.”

Like all of the other microphones in Shure’s Beta line, such as the new Beta 91A, Beta 98A, and 2010 TEC Award nominated Beta 27, the Beta 181 is precision-engineered for superior sound reproduction, low handling noise, and high gain before feedback.

The new Beta 181 will ship with a stand adapter, windscreen, and carrying case (that will securely protect up to four polar pattern capsules). The Beta 181 side-address instrument microphone, replacement capsules and preamplifier will be available November 15 and carry a two-year limited warranty. Pricing and availability are as follows:

  • The Beta 181 microphone will be priced at $499 retail [$624 MSRP] in four different variations: Beta 181/C (cardioid), Beta 181/S (supercardioid), Beta 181/O (omnidirectional), and Beta 181/BI (bidirectional).
  • Replacement capsules will also be available, priced at $249 retail [$311 MSRP] in four variations: RPM181/C (cardioid), RPM181/S (supercardioid), RPM181/O (omnidirectional), and RPM181/BI (bidirectional).
  • The Beta 181 preamplifier will also be available alone for $249 retail [$311 MSRP].

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