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)
$132.61 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

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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
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 52 Ratings

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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 Jay Reatard uses Shure Beta 57A

Jay Reatard

Singer, Guitarist

Reatards

...
Verified via Photo

When he couldn't get an SM58, he would usually use a Beta 57A. Here he is pictured using one the 13th of January, 2010.

See how Tom Petersson uses Shure Beta 57A

Tom Petersson

Bassist

Cheap Trick

...
Verified via Shure

According to Shure's artist page, Cheap Trick uses Shure's Beta 57A microphone for their guitar cabinet.

See how Mike Kroeger uses Shure Beta 57A

Mike Kroeger

Bassist

Nickelback

...
Verified via Shure

Shure endorsed Nickelback's Mike Kroeger uses Shure's Beta 57A, according to Shure's artist page.

See how Justin Sane uses Shure Beta 57A

Justin Sane

Guitarist

Anti?Flag

...
Verified via Shure

Shure endorsed band, Anti-Flag's lead vocalist, Justin Sane, uses Shure's Beta 57A, according to Shure's artist page.

See how Lewis Evans uses Shure Beta 57A

Lewis Evans

Singer, Composer

Black Country, new road

...
Verified via YouTube

For BCNR's Glastonbury 2023 set Lewis can be seen using two Shure Beta 57a microphone, one for flute and the other for saxophone. This can be seen more clearly on the videos thumbnail, and also during video at 5:19 and 7:54 respectively.

See how Tove Lo uses Shure Beta 57A

Tove Lo

Singer, Composer

...
Verified via Shure

According to Shure's artist page, Tove Lo uses Shure's Beta 57A mic to mic her band's snare top.

See how Eric Cannata uses Shure Beta 57A

Eric Cannata

Guitarist

Young the Giant

...
Verified via Shure

Shure endorsed Young the Giant's Eric Cannata uses Shure's Beta 57, according to Shure's artist page.

See how Joe Talbot uses Shure Beta 57A

Joe Talbot

Singer

IDLES

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see it as they perform and even in the still-image from the youtube-vid.

See how Paul Epworth uses Shure Beta 57A

Paul Epworth

Keyboardist

Band Aid 30

...
Verified via Miloco

According to the "equipment list" found on Church Studios, owned by Epworth, one of the things listed is the Shure Beta 57A.

See how Robbie Chater uses Shure Beta 57A

Robbie Chater

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Avalanches

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Recording & Monitoring

Genelec 1027 active monitors. Mackie 1642 mixer. Mirage OM9 active monitors. Rode NT2 mic. Samson Servo 250 power amp. Shure Beta 58a, Beta 57a, Beta 52a, Beta 56a, SM81 and KSM44 mics. Technics SHDX1200 mixer. Yamaha 02R mixer. Yamaha NS10M speakers.

See how Brandon Fried uses Shure Beta 57A

Brandon Fried

Drummer

The Neighbourhood

...
Verified via YouTube

this microphone can be seen at the Lollapalooza festival performance and other concerts

https://youtu.be/sQXeYy_stGo

See how Daniel Adair uses Shure Beta 57A

Daniel Adair

Drummer

Nickelback

...
Verified via Shure

Shure endorsed Nickelback uses Shure's Beta 57A to mic their snare, according to Shure's artist page.

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 58A
Shure Beta 58A Dynamic Microphones
5
Sennheiser MD 421-II
Sennheiser MD 421-II Dynamic Microphones
5
Shure Beta 91A
Shure Beta 91A Condenser Microphones
5
Shure SM7B
Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphones
4
Shure KSM137
Shure KSM137 Condenser Microphones
4

Community setups

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harlynvega

harlynvega

Gear IQ 79

mattyrayson

mattyrayson

Gear IQ 174

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