Shure BETA 57A Instrument Microphone - Supercardioid Dynamic Mic for Vocal and Instrumental Applications with High Output Neodymium Element, Durable Steel Mesh Grille and Shock Mount

I like this as a top snare mic! I like it but I don’t love it. I am growing to love it as my personal vocal mic as a learn a little hypercardioid mic technique. I like that this is like a regular 57 in the way that you can get closer to the capsule than you can on a 58 or beta58. Super versatile, I love it!

Excelent Microphone. Same sound as the beta 58 but smaller

Great mic. Arrived safely.

Amazing microphone and very clear tone. I’ve had it for over a year and definitely I don’t regret buying it. First Shure Beta microphone. Saving up to get wireless Betas.

I bought the Shure BETA 57A Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone to use at trade shows and conventions with my mobile podcast setup. Even though I like many things about this microphone, there are a few things I don't like about it.On the plus side, this microphone's supercardioid polar pattern helps to isolate the sound source and cut down on background noise, which is a big plus at trade shows and conventions where there is a lot of noise. The microphone is also strong and well-made, which makes it great for use on the go. Also, the sound quality is very good. It has a warm, natural tone and is clear and detailed.But there are a few things to watch out for. First of all, this microphone is a bit heavy, which can be a problem if you have to hold it for a long time or put it on a boom arm. Second, it isn't as flexible as some other microphones in its price range, so it might not be the best choice for recording multiple instruments or voices at the same time.Overall, I would still recommend the Shure BETA 57A Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone to anyone who needs a high-quality microphone for podcasting, live performances, or other similar uses. Even though there are some bad things about this microphone, the good things outweigh the bad ones, and it is a good choice for anyone who needs a durable and clear-sounding microphone.

I bought this mic for it's reputation as a workhorse both in the studio and in a live gig setting. So far I've put it through some use in both contexts and it's performed wonderfully.In a live application, I've used it as a vocal mic- there seems to be some debate over whether this or the Beta 58 is a better choice for live vocals, and I'd say that having heard both used onstage, I like the 57A because it cuts through the muddiness of most small venues a lot better. If you're playing a killer sounding room like, I don't know... the Ryman, it likely won't matter, but in the brewery barroom that resembled a really crowded hallway that we played the other night it made all the difference in the world over even an SM58- it was nice to hear myself sounding more like myself in the monitor. I've also noticed a few musicians that I respect a lot using it, and even Obama had one in his hand the other night while giving a speech.In my home studio, I've used the 57A to mic a snare (sounds killer, tons of snap and body), acoustic guitar (not bad at all, although I prefer an SDC mic here), and a guitar cabinet (sounds great.)Overall, I don't think you can go wrong with this mic. I'd like to add a Beta 58 to the collection as well, but after a lot of research I think the 57A is the most versatile of the two so if you're on a limited budget as most musicians are, I'd go with this. You won't be disappointed, and I'd be surprised if I find a dynamic mic that replaces it in my every-day, go-to gear case anytime soon.

Love the sound this mic picks up!

I have an old sm57 (as does everybody else in the world). She's spent most of her life kissing the grill cloth of a 60w Fender cab and on a few occasions I'd coax her over to my Taylor's hole. Solid performance in both situations. But now, drum roll please (prob mic'd with a '57 as well), I have the Beta 57A. It's brighter without that sharp 'nag' lesser mics bring. A fuller, rounder 'glissen' to acoustic guitars without much boomy-ness and coloration.So, is the Beta 57A my new steady? No, I've been in a long term relationship with a TLM 193... But I'll spend more quality time with the B57 on guitar and finding more utility work for her too. If you're still on the fence about getting a Beta57 or not...Stay there, time-waster. You probably spend two hours deciding on what pick to use. Meanwhile, I've got tracking to do.