The Shure Beta 91A is a condenser boundary microphone that is designed to deliver a powerful kick drum sound. It is specially calibrated to capture the depth and clarity that you hear on modern recordings, making it a gamechanger in the world of microphones. Unlike dynamic microphones, the Beta 91A features a premium condenser capsule that accurately responds to frequencies from 20Hz to 20kHz, providing you with the energy and articulation that is often missing. To add to its versatility, the microphone also offers a tone switch that allows you to choose between two different flavors – full-bodied or scooped, eliminating the need to fix boxy kick drums in the mix. With its finely tuned frequency response, the Beta 91A ensures that you capture the top-end attack and low-end thump that you love to feel, giving your low-end the strong foundation it needs.
The kick drum is the beating heart of a great mix, and Shure knows this. They have worked hard to create the ultimate kick drum microphone, resulting in the Beta 91A. This microphone is built to handle incredibly high sound pressure levels, guaranteeing big, distortion-free drum tones. Its condenser capsule provides superior sensitivity compared to standard drum mics, ensuring that even the quietest nuances are not lost. With its wide frequency response, the Beta 91A can reproduce ultra-low sub-bass and top-end details, eliminating the need for a second microphone. The presence boost around 7kHz adds extra definition, allowing your kick drums to be heard without the need for additional EQ.
The Beta 91A also offers a two-position tone switch that allows you to shape your drum sound instantly. You can choose between round and natural or tight and scooped voices, thanks to the dip switch on the back of the microphone. Engaging the switch creates a 7dB cut around 400Hz, clearing out the clutter in the low mids and transforming your kick sound. Whether you need a soft, vintage feel or a hyped and modern sound, the Beta 91A provides you with the right drum tone from the start.
Setting up kick mics can be challenging, especially with clunky stands and crowded stages. The Beta 91A simplifies this process by allowing you to simply place it inside the kick drum. Slip-free rubber pads hold the microphone in place, and its unique half cardioid pattern picks up sound above the mic, even when resting at the base of the drum shell. This ensures that you still get plenty of punch from the beater. Additionally, placing the microphone inside the drum helps shield it from chaotic spill, eliminating cymbal bleed and providing tight, clean drum sounds.
While the Beta 91A was created specifically for kick drums, many engineers are discovering its versatility. It is also suitable for capturing the richness and complexity of instruments like grand pianos and cellos, thanks to its phenomenal bass response and high-frequency clarity. Its elegant size and shape make it easy to move around the room, place in corners, or even position it behind the drum kit for added versatility and experimentation.
Included in the box is one Beta 91A Kick Drum Microphone and a storage bag for easy transportation. The microphone features a tailored frequency response that captures the depth and punch of kick drums, a premium condenser capsule for superior clarity and detail, a unique half-cardioid polar pattern for picking up sound above the mic, and a two-position contour switch for natural and scooped tones. Its compact shape allows it to fit inside the kick drum without the need for a stand, and it is built to handle incredibly loud sound sources. The slip-free rubber pads ensure that the microphone stays in place, and its rugged stage-proof metal construction guarantees durability.
In terms of specifications, the Beta 91A is a condenser microphone with a half-cardioid polar pattern. It has a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, an output impedance of 146Ω, a sensitivity of -48.50 dBV/Pa – 3.80 mV/Pa, an equivalent self-noise of 29.5 dB(A), and can handle sound pressure levels of up to 155 dB. It is equipped with XLR connectors and weighs 470g. The dimensions of the microphone are 5.48″ / 139mm in length, 3.74″ / 95mm in width, and 8″ / 20mm in height.
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