Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (66)
$169.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (21)
$169.00 $159.00 $10.00
Amazon
4.8 (688)
$159.00
Reverb
5.0 (29)
$132.45 New
$91.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (57)
$159.00
B&H
4.8 (19)
$169.00 $159.00 $10.00
Thomann
4.8 (527)
$155.00 $149.00 $6.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£149.75

Average Price: $147

Standard/Professional

$75

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Shure Beta 57A". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Immerse yourself in the world of music with the Shure Beta 57A Dynamic Microphone, a versatile tool for musicians, studio engineers, and live performers. It's an exceptional microphone designed not only for vocals, but also for capturing the rich sounds of toms and brass instruments.

This dynamic workhorse is well praised for its supercardioid polar pattern, which isolates the main sound source while minimizing background noise, making it perfect for studio recording or live performances. Its wide frequency range of 50 - 16,000 Hz ensures that every note and nuance of your performance is accurately captured.

The Shure Beta 57A is designed to deliver high-quality sound without compromise. It boasts an output impedance of 150 Ohm, ensuring clear and consistent audio reproduction. This microphone comes complete with a microphone clamp and bag, providing you with everything you need to start recording or performing right out of the box.

Key Features:

  • Versatile microphone suitable for vocals, toms, and brass instruments
  • Supercardioid polar pattern for sound source isolation and background noise minimization
  • Frequency range: 50 - 16,000 Hz
  • Output impedance: 150 Ohm
  • Includes microphone clamp and bag for convenience and easy transport

Owner's manual

Shure Beta 57A User Manual

Product specs

Microphone Type Dynamic
Polar Pattern Supercardioid
Frequency Response 50Hz-16kHz
Output Impedance 150 ohms
Connector XLR
Weight 0.6 lbs.

FAQs

What is the Shure Beta 57A primarily used for?

The Shure Beta 57A is a versatile dynamic microphone ideal for miking drums, guitar amplifiers, brass, woodwinds, and vocals, making it a reliable choice for both live performances and studio recordings.

How does the supercardioid polar pattern of the Shure Beta 57A affect its performance?

The supercardioid polar pattern of the Shure Beta 57A provides excellent isolation of the main sound source, reducing background noise and feedback, which is particularly beneficial in live sound environments.

Is the Shure Beta 57A suitable for recording vocals?

Yes, the Shure Beta 57A is suitable for recording vocals, offering warmth and presence that enhance vocal clarity and quality, making it a popular choice for both live and studio settings.

What type of connector does the Shure Beta 57A use?

The Shure Beta 57A uses an XLR connector, which is standard for professional audio equipment, ensuring compatibility with most mixers and audio interfaces.

Can the Shure Beta 57A be used for live performances?

Yes, the Shure Beta 57A is well-suited for live performances due to its robust construction, feedback rejection, and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, making it ideal for dynamic stage environments.

Podcastage

Podcastage

Shure Beta 58A Dynamic Mic Review / Test

Video thumbnail for Shure Beta 58A Dynamic Mic Review / Test by Podcastage

Shure Beta 58A Dynamic Mic Review / Test

Podcastage

Podcastage

Video thumbnail for Shure Beta 57a Dynamic Mic Review / Test by Podcastage

Shure Beta 57a Dynamic Mic Review / Test

Podcastage

Podcastage

Video thumbnail for Fake or Genuine? A Detailed Comparison of Counterfeit and Original Shure BETA 57A Microphones by Chris Spiegl

Fake or Genuine? A Detailed Comparison of Counterfeit and Original Shure BETA 57A Microphones

Chris Spiegl

Chris Spiegl

Video thumbnail for Shure Mic Comparison 🎤 SM58, 57 vs Beta 58a, 57a, & 56a 💥 Shootout by Urban Sound Studio

Shure Mic Comparison 🎤 SM58, 57 vs Beta 58a, 57a, & 56a 💥 Shootout

Urban Sound Studio

Urban Sound Studio

Video thumbnail for The SHURE BETA 57A Microphone at Guitar Center by Guitar Center

The SHURE BETA 57A Microphone at Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Shure Sm57 vs Shure Beta 57a [Guitar] by DraffyTube

Shure Sm57 vs Shure Beta 57a [Guitar]

DraffyTube

DraffyTube

Video thumbnail for Mic Test: Shure SM57 vs Beta 57A (guitar cab) by Alex Nauman

Mic Test: Shure SM57 vs Beta 57A (guitar cab)

Alex Nauman

Alex Nauman

Video thumbnail for SHURE BETA-57A - Review / Vocal Sound Test by ZPJ Studio

SHURE BETA-57A - Review / Vocal Sound Test

ZPJ Studio

ZPJ Studio

Video thumbnail for Shure SM vs. Beta Series: SM-57, SM-58, Beta 57A, Beta 58A - Beta Series worth the money? by Barry Watson

Shure SM vs. Beta Series: SM-57, SM-58, Beta 57A, Beta 58A - Beta Series worth the money?

Barry Watson

Barry Watson

Video thumbnail for Shure Beta 57A Dynamic Microphone by Gear4music Guitars

Shure Beta 57A Dynamic Microphone

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional versatility for both instruments and vocals

  • No phantom power required, easy setup

  • Built sturdy, reliable for live and studio use

  • Superior sound clarity and quality

  • Effective side and back sound rejection

  • Captures a full range of frequencies, especially mid to high

  • Great value for the price

  • Powerful output with good anti-feedback characteristics

  • Can bring out nuanced sounds of various instruments

  • More expressive in high frequencies than SM series

CONS

  • Pop filter design could be improved

  • Lacks the bright snap known to SM57 on guitar amps

  • Can make the 350 - 600 Hz range sound ringy

  • Not the best choice for snare due to lack of punch

  • Some users find alternatives like Senheiser better value

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure Beta 57A.

Features and functionality

  • The Beta 57A has a tighter supercardioid pattern than the Beta 58A, which enhances isolation for live performances, reducing stage bleed and improving monitor clarity.

    Source
  • The Beta 57A's tight pickup pattern makes it suitable for large live stages, effectively minimizing unwanted sound interference.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Beta 57A allows closer proximity to the capsule compared to the Beta 58A, boosting bass due to proximity effect, while maintaining a similar build except for the grille.

    Source
  • The original Beta 57, a precursor to the Beta 57A, is noted for a slightly less brittle top end, appealing to vocal clarity enthusiasts.

    Source
  • The Beta 57A is considered warmer than the Beta 58A due to its closer grill design, which affects the proximity to the capsule, altering the tonal warmth.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for singing drummers, the Beta 57A's tight pattern effectively controls bleed from other stage sounds, making it a versatile option for complex live setups.

    Source
  • The Beta 57A is favored on congested stages for its narrow pattern, reducing bleed and minimizing feedback from monitors.

    Source

User experience

  • Users report that the Beta 57A produces a slightly pinched upper midrange sound, which some prefer over the standard SM57, especially in live settings for a clearer mix.

    Source
  • Some users find the Beta 57A's sound on vocals less complimentary compared to the Beta 58A, suggesting personal voice characteristics play a significant role in mic choice.

    Source
  • A user reported that the Beta 57A can produce unwanted air noise when used for vocals, preferring the Beta 58A for a more natural sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It's crucial to purchase Shure mics from official retailers to avoid counterfeit products, which are prevalent on platforms like eBay and Amazon.

    Source
  • Vintage Beta 57 mics can fetch up to $350 on platforms like Reverb, compared to approximately $150 for a new Beta 57A.

    Source
  • There's a noted premium on vintage USA-made Shure mics, though differences in sound quality compared to modern models are often minimal.

    Source
  • Owners note the Beta 57A as a cost-effective alternative to the Beta 58A, offering similar performance characteristics at a lower price point.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users swap the Beta 58A grill onto a Beta 57A to achieve a different tonal character, effectively creating a hybrid microphone style.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Shure Beta Series

soundonsound.com

The Shure Beta 57A shines as a versatile workhorse, excelling in live and studio settings with its robust build and classic Shure sound. Its supercardioid pattern provides excellent feedback rejection, making it ideal for miking drums, amplifiers, and vocals. While its durable construction promises longevity, the mic's insensitivity to quieter acoustic instruments might detract for some. Overall, the Beta 57A is a reliable choice for those seeking a high-quality all-rounder.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 52 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

Hypercardioid response?!

I have an original Beta 57. I keep it for 1 purpose... TOP OF SNARE. It has an sm57ish voice on snare with a Hypercard response that rejects the hihats well. I usually like to throw a sennheiser E609 side address dynamic gitar amp mic udner the snare to get some extra strainer crack/rattle (that nasal sennheiser really helps the Beta get the job done).

You can use this on other sources where great side and back rejection is needed, but it won't give you precisely what a 57 does. Its a little more hifi, but not in the same way as an Audix i5. These are cheap so its worth having one around.

velibor_nikolic

My microphone.

I just adore this baby. I recorded so much material with it("Covek Peva Posle Rata", "Lov Na Vukove", "Prica O Zeleznickom Mostu" as a whole with this one). It works great with guitar recording, even vocal with some later plugins of course. I even carry it on gigs to sing on it from time to time.

jimmarchi1

great snare mic and has a definite sound as a guitar mic, along with the audix i5 I vastly prefer it to a straightup 57 on a guitar cab

velibor_nikolic

Completely agree :)

yapoomarket

My best choice

I like to use in live stage cause voice spread high point of gain into sound. Emphatise the upper peak of tenor voice

Genres:
dario_venturi

cheap and good for high vocals(tenor)

Not the best Micro. Better other brand as akg,beierdynamic, but in stage live,one cheap solution, good enough for tecnical voices. Different respect SM series, more expressive in high frequencies.

jimmarchi1

try it on snare when recording, straight down at the rim, with something centered on axis on the bottom head like an i5 or a sennheiser 609 maybe and feel the might of the beta series.... the beta has its place. I also kinda prefer it on pinned 50+ watt amps versus a regular 57, if I don't have an sm7 or re20 and the amp is producing enough SPL and power amp distortion to liquefy small animals (as god intended) its between this and the i5.

martin_boesvang

Nice sound

Good mic that's built rugged. Can be used with instruments to

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Wilbur Soot uses Shure Beta 57A

Wilbur Soot

Singer, Guitarist

Lovejoy

...
Verified via Photo

You can see in this photo, originally posted on Ash's Instagram, that Will used the Beta 57a as a vocal mic during Lovejoys first headline show at the Hope & Ruin in Brighton.

See how Van Mccann uses Shure Beta 57A

Van Mccann

Singer, Guitarist

Catfish and the Bottlemen

...
Verified via Photo

In the image, Van McCann is seen using the Shure Beta 57A microphone, with the blue elastic band around the head removed.

See how David Byrne uses Shure Beta 57A

David Byrne

Singer, Guitarist

Talking Heads

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In an article from Soundonsound, David Byrne's use of the Shure Beta 57A dynamic microphone is documented as part of his recording setup.

See how Maynard James Keenan uses Shure Beta 57A

Maynard James Keenan

Singer, Music Producer

Tool

...
Verified via Toolnavy

In discussions on Toolnavy, it is noted that Maynard James Keenan uses the Shure Beta 57A microphone during performances with A Perfect Circle.

See how Glenn Tipton uses Shure Beta 57A

Glenn Tipton

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Judas Priest

...
Verified via Glenntipton

"The mics are very important and ribbon mics in particular sound good for guitar but Sure 57's still take some beating as long as you're prepared to spend a lot of time moving them around combining them eliminating phase problems and adjusting them till you're content. I have a lot of different mics which I use, some powered some not but each one has its own character and the mic pre amps you use in the control room are very important to take what you've got and enhance even further."

See how Liam Gallagher uses Shure Beta 57A

Liam Gallagher

Singer

Oasis

...
Verified via YouTube

As you can see in this video Liam uses a Shure Beta 57!

See how Pete Doherty uses Shure Beta 57A

Pete Doherty

Singer, Guitarist

The Libertines

...
Verified via YouTube

Trough their 2015 Rock en Siene performance, and multiple other gigs, Pete and the rest of the band Use these microphones as their main vocal microphone. They even share them

See how Axl Rose uses Shure Beta 57A

Axl Rose

Singer, Keyboardist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Photo

Thorough the UYI tour, Axl used this Shure Beta. It has a white windscreen and blue foam grip.

See how Conor Oberst uses Shure Beta 57A

Conor Oberst

Singer, Guitarist

The Faint

...
Verified via Shure

Conor Oberst uses the Shure Beta 57A microphone for backing vocals, as noted on Shure's artist page for Dawes.

See how Reggie Watts uses Shure Beta 57A

Reggie Watts

Singer, Keyboardist

Soulive

...
Verified via Gizmodo

In an interview with Gizmodo, Reggie Watts can be seen holding and utilizing a Shure Beta 57 Mic.

See how Jonathan Davis uses Shure Beta 57A

Jonathan Davis

Singer, Guitarist

Korn

...
Verified via Revolver

Jonathan Davis, frontman of Korn, has been observed using a wireless version of the Shure Beta 57A microphone. While Shure doesn't officially offer a wireless Beta 57A, it can be achieved by modifying a wireless Beta 58A with a 57A's grille, as both models share the same capsule. This setup was mentioned in Revolver's article highlighting Davis' top vocal performances.

See how Daniel Lanois uses Shure Beta 57A

Daniel Lanois

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Mixonline

This article, describing Lanois' studio setup. "For microphones, he’s fairly set in his ways: He says he hasn’t seen any improvement in the technology over the years. He listed these time-tested models as favorites: Sony C37A, Neumann U47 and U48, RCA 77 and 44 ribbons, and the more modern Sony 800-T. He also likes dynamic mics such as the Shure Beta 57 and 58, and the Sennheiser 409 and 421"

Album Usage

The Shure Beta 57A has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Shure Beta 57A, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
15
Shure KSM32
Shure KSM32 Condenser Microphones
8
Shure Beta 56A
Shure Beta 56A Dynamic Microphones
6
Shure Beta98A
Shure Beta98A Condenser Microphones
6
Shure Beta 91A
Shure Beta 91A Condenser Microphones
5
Sennheiser MD 421-II
Sennheiser MD 421-II Dynamic Microphones
5
Shure Beta 58A
Shure Beta 58A Dynamic Microphones
5
Shure KSM137
Shure KSM137 Condenser Microphones
4
Shure SM7B
Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphones
4

Community setups

Show yours
harlynvega

harlynvega

Gear IQ 79

mattyrayson

mattyrayson

Gear IQ 174

1 alternative for Shure Beta 57A, curated by the Equipboard community.

More Shure Dynamic Microphones

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides