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Shure Beta 91A Condenser Boundary Microphone

Half-cardioid Kick Drum Microphone with 2-position Contour Switch, Integrated Preamp, and XLR Connector
$249.00

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Shure Beta 91A Condenser Boundary Microphone
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Excels in Every Low-frequency Situation

Thanks to its ultra-powerful low-end response, the Shure Beta 91A excels in every low-frequency situation. While kick drums are the obvious application, that’s not all this boundary condenser microphone can do. It’s also an effective way to capture pianos or any other bass-intensive source you can think of. Benefit from maximum gain before feedback, by virtue of a custom-tailored half-cardioid polar pattern, while impressive SPL handling effortlessly tackles extra-loud sources. A high-quality mic capsule design and integrated preamp yield superior attack and punch for studio-quality sound reproduction. The Beta 91A includes a 2-position contour switch to maximize clarity, as well as a low-profile design that enables it to fit anywhere.

Tailored frequency response offers high-quality low-frequency sound reproduction

The Beta 91A’s tailored frequency response makes it a top choice for loud, bass-heavy sources. Its uniform half-cardioid design all but rejects feedback, while supplying superior off-axis rejection. Its wide dynamic range ensures that it performs admirably in high-SPL environments. This boundary condenser mic has excelled in every situation we’ve encountered here at Sweetwater — kick drums and pianos in particular.

Intelligent design reduces stage clutter and resists abuse

Ask any live sound tech, and they’ll tell you — stage clutter is a serious thorn in their side. That’s one of the reasons why the Shure Beta 91A is a top choice amongst engineers. Its integrated preamp and XLR connector reduce stage clutter and ensure a quick, secure setup. Beyond that, its low-profile design requires no external mounting hardware and takes up little space. It’s also near bulletproof, thanks to its steel grille and die-cast metal construction.

2-position contour switch enhances clarity and attack

A 2-position contour switch on the bottom of the Beta 91A enables you to selectively filter its low-mid frequency response without necessitating any external gear. Set it for a flat response for natural-sounding audio reproduction, or flip it to the low-mid scoop setting for heightened attack and added low-frequency punch. This switch is perfect for situations where your signal needs a bit more clarity.

Shure Beta 91A Kick Drum Microphone Features:

  • Boundary condenser microphone for low-frequency sources
  • Tailored frequency response makes bass-heavy sources sound amazing
  • Custom-tailored half-cardioid polar pattern rejects feedback and supplies superior off-axis rejection
  • Impressive SPL handling effortlessly tackles extra-loud sources
  • 2-position contour switch filters your low-frequency response for added clarity and attack
  • integrated preamp and XLR connector reduce stage clutter and ensure a quick, secure setup
  • Low-profile design requires no external mounting hardware and takes up little space
  • Extra-durable steel grille and die-cast metal construction

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Boundary Electret Condenser
  • Polar Pattern: Half-Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Max SPL: 155dB
  • Output Impedance: 146 ohms
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 64.5dB
  • Self Noise: 29.5dB (A weighted)
  • Color: Black
  • Connector: XLR
  • Weight: 1 lb.
  • Included Accessories: Zippered Carrying Bag
  • Manufacturer Part Number: BETA 91A

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Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Never Thought I Needed This Until Now!

This is just a game changer for me. I always felt my kick always felt lacking, I was actually missing in hearing on the attack.

This mic just opened new doors for me, one of the best mics I bought in 2023!
Rated 5/5

Excellent kick mic

I installed one of these little bad boys in my little Sonor bop 18" with the Kelly shu flatz suspension mount and it really turns heads when the sound guys dial it in, very happy with the results and worth the money in my opinion.
Music background: 55 years playing
Rated 5/5

Best Kick Drum Mic For Live Sound

Sounds great, convenient to use, no stand (you should keep the XLR cable from touching the head). Use the EQ switch and it's near perfect; very close to the sound you've been after for years right out of the box. Of course you'll need phantom power, nearly all mixers have this. I had forgotten there was a built-in preamp when I first used this mic, so don't do that; signal boost is about +10Db
Rated 5/5

Simply the only mic for bass drum

Excellent quality. Excellent sound. No more fussing around to get a great bass drum sound.
Rated 5/5

Great mic!

Have used this microphone many times before and finally pulled the trigger and got one for myself! Not only does it sound great in my Kick drums, I actually use it in my Cajon as well. Clean, punchy and adds a full sound, I highly recommend this mic!
Music background: Drums, Percussionist and vocalist.

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Sam Hillman

The Shure Beta 91A is my favorite mic to use inside of a kick drum, both live and in the studio. Its flat design means that it doesn't use a mic stand, so it's easy to place inside the drum. Being a boundary mic, it has a hemispherical polar pattern that picks up all of the tone and resonance inside the drum. This gives a more natural sound than a cardioid that primarily hears the attack of the batter head. For live situations, the midrange contour switch cuts boxy midrange frequencies for a great pre-shaped sound. In the studio, a tried-and-true combo I love is pairing the Beta 91A with a Beta 52.
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