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Shure Beta 91A

Item ID: Beta91A

Condenser Boundary Microphone with Contour Switch for Miking Kick Drums and Low-frequency Instruments

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From Our Research Team:

Low-profile Kick Drum Miking Solution!

Shure's outstanding Beta 91A half-cardioid condenser boundary microphone lets you capture a kick drum's true punch, without taking up a lot of real estate onstage. In fact, the Beta 91A excels at picking up all kinds of low-frequency-intensive instruments; its response is tailored for bass frequencies. The Beta 91A's integrated preamp makes it a very convenient condenser, and its ability to handle high SPLs means worry-free use in any environment (even with the loudest live drummers). A 2-position contour switch lets you choose between a flat response or a low-mid-scooped punchy response. You'll love what the Beta 91 does for your live sound!

Shure Beta 91A Condenser Boundary Microphone Features:
  • Type: Electret Condenser
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Polar Pattern: Half-cardioid (cardioid in hemisphere above mounting surface)
  • Impedance: 146 Ohms
  • Sensitivity (at 1kHz, open circuit voltage): -48.5 dBV/Pa (3.8mV)
  • Maximum SPL ( kHz at 1% THD): 1,000 ohm load: 151dB; 2500 Ohm load: 155dB
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio (referenced at 94 dB SPL at 1kHz): 64 dB
  • Dynamic Range (at 1kHz): 1,000 Ohm load: 121.5dB; 2500 Ohm load: 125.5dB
  • Common Mode Rejection (20Hz-20kHz): >55dB
  • Clipping Level (20Hz-20 kHz at 1% THD) 1,000 ohm load: 7.50dBV, 2,500 ohm load: 12.5dBV
  • Self Noise (typical, equivalent SPL, A-weighted): 29.5dB SPL-A
  • Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
  • Weight: 16.6 oz.
  • Frequency Contour Switch: 7dB of attenuation centered at 400Hz
  • Connector: 3-pin XLR, balanced
  • Power Requirements: 11-52 Vdc phantom power, 5.6 mA
  • Zipper pouch included

Shure's Beta 91A condenser boundary mic captures your kick drum's punch perfectly, with low-profile convenience!

Beta 91A Image Gallery

Specification Detail
Manufacturer Part Number BETA 91A

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Reviews

based on 7 reviews

Worked great on harp!

by Sean Morrogh from Austin, TX
December 19, 2011
Music Background: Live Sound Engineer/Recording Engineer/Guitar Player
I have used this mic many times on kick drum and it never lets me down.

As well as handling high volume low freq sources, this mic is also a very effective condenser for more subtle mat... read more [+]erial.

Recently, I was asked to provide audio services for an outside wedding. A harp was to provide all accompaniment music. I had to make sure that about 150 people outside could hear the harp during the service.
I never did sound for a real harp before. I decided use a beta91a. I attached it to the top of a piece of 1" closed cell foam, and carefully placed that down inside the bottom of the sound board of the harp connected it Into a smallmixer and then to pair of powered speakers on sticks. It worked perfectly, picked up plucks and tone, lows and highs, with no wind noise and hardly any footpedal noise. It was super easy, hardly any eq needed. close [-]

Great mic for live sound

by Wayne from South Africa
November 12, 2011
Music Background: Live Sound Engineer
I would definitely recommend this mic for live kick drum applications. It's performance is excellent. The bass is tight & clearly defined. I used it on a Pearl Reference kick drum with Camco Vortex-6 ... read more [+]amps & Nexo S2 subwoofers. close [-]

nice mic easy to use

by Collin from Connecticut
October 4, 2011
Music Background: pro musician, engineer
I'm using it live right now. Good crisp sound that can get the bass drum out there even without subs. Eliminated a stand that players had a tendency to trip over on tight stages.

Letīs have kick!

by Airton Silva from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
May 24, 2011
Music Background: Live Sound Enginner
This mic really surprised me! I put it inside the kick drum and itīs amazing how well it captured the kick! I like bass drums with more lows and thatīs why I use another mic outside the drum. I combin... read more [+]e them, so I have the low end of one mic and the kick and defiinion of the Beta 91 A, excelent! I use it flat, but it also has a low-cut switch. The internal pre-amp is great! Regular XLR cable are much easier to get. And it resists nicely under high SPL, no distortion at all! close [-]

A must have

by Robert Hofstad from Norway
March 18, 2012
Music Background: Live sound engineer
Just had to buy this upgraded b91. Sold my old one and got this with standard xlr and eq switch. Everyone needs this. Period.
Read more reviews

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See Also: Shure , Shure Condenser Microphones

Shure Beta 91A

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