The industry standard for kick drum miking!

The Shure Beta 52A Kick Drum Mic is a high-output, dynamic microphone with a frequency response tailored specifically for kick drums and other bass instruments. It provides superb attack and punch, and delivers studio-quality sound even at extremely high SPLs. Its modified supercardioid pattern ensures high gain-before-feedback and excellent rejection of unwanted sound.

Channel Strips of the Stars: Ronan Chris Murphy

World-class producer/engineer/mixer Ronan Chris Murphy s credits include King Crimson, Steve Morse, Terry Bozzio, Victor Bisetti, Gregg Bissonette, Tony Levin, and projects with members of Tool, Ministry, Weezer, Dishwalla, and Yes. A huge fan of A Designs Audio, Ronan was kind enough to share some of his drum-recording signal chains: Well all of the drums for Terry Bozzio's Jazz trio were recorded with all A Designs Audio solid state preamps. For drum overheads I used Shure KSM32 condenser mics (#270141) into a Pacifica (#189903); for kick drums, I prefer the Shure Beta 52. Actually I have used the Shure KSM32 into Pacifica combo on tons of great drummers, including Terry Bozzio, Victor Bisetti (Los Lobos), Gregg Bissonette (Santana, David Lee Roth), and Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson, Mister Mister, The Rembrandts).

Note: for more information about individual units in the signal chain, enter the Item ID# into our search box.

Shure Beta 52A Kick Drum Mic Features:

• Frequency response shaped specifically for kick drums and bass instruments
• Built-in dynamic locking stand adapter with integral XLR connector simplifies setup, especially inside a kick drum
• Studio-quality performance, even at extremely high sound-pressure levels
• Supercardioid pattern for high gain-before-feedback and superior rejection of unwanted noise
• Hardened steel mesh grille resists wear and abuse
• Advanced pneumatic shockmount system minimizes transmission of mechanical noise and vibration
• Neodymium magnet for high signal-to-noise ratio output
• Low sensitivity to varying load impedance
• Legendary Shure quality and reliability

Your kick drum is the most important sound in the mix. Mike it right with a Beta 52.

Shure Beta 52A Kick Drum Mic

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Average of 41 User Ratings

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beta 52

Posted by slayer from hattiesburg ms on Jul 2, 2009

Experience w/product: I have heard about it

Reviewer's Background: active musician/recording engineer

Reviewer's Play Style: rock

in recording for best sound with the bass try using an audix d6 inside close to the beater and put the beta 52 in the triditional spot maybe an inch or two inside the kick.

also to the guy that his quit working.. i had my audix D6 do the same exact thing buy some kind on insurance.

and using this to mic bass rigs is fine but i honestly think that an sm 57 works a little better.

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Disappointed

Posted by cjsks from Philadelphia on Apr 22, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician / Home Recording Engineer

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock / Metal

I owned this mic (the Beta52) for about 2 years when it just stopped working. No abuse, or exterior damage, no broken wiring that I could find... just stopped working. My buddy's SM 55SH did the same thing. Shure's sm57 and sm58 have always been good to me though.

Got my hands on a used AKG D 112 recently, and so far so good. Interestingly, the D 112 works very well for scream vox , I don't think the Beta52 would have worked for that.

I've heard some complain about the higher level of mid's in the d 112 vs. the beta52... just bring down the mid's on your EQ (how hard is that??)

The Beta52 was a handy second mic for guitar and for bass, haven't tried the D 112 for these yet, but I think that it will offer a broader range than the Beta52 did.

Overall, I expect the D 112 will prove to be more well-suited for my purposes.

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One of the best

Posted by Slippery1wet from SF Bay Area on Mar 22, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active musician/recording

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock

After reading the few comments about this mike not giving that "click" so popular in metal kick drum recordings, I believe these folks just don't know how to set their EQs. If they turn the high end way up, drop the mid out completely and turn the low end up they will get the click they want plus the punch and power of a great kick sound. I do this with both the Shure & AKG and it always works great. both of these mikes are outstanding and you just can't beat the Shure for price, performance and durability. I've been using my Shures for over 8 yrs. and they still work like they're brand new.

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Good, but no isolation

Posted by Scotty from Lambertville MI on Jan 4, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Recording engineer

Reviewer's Play Style: Acoustic, Rock

If you really want a good sound out of this mic, you have to put it inside the bass, and isolate it somehow. Normally towards the beater, and slightly off center works for me, but if you don't isolate it, you'll pick up the snare, and toms, and maybe some cymbals as well. The sound it achieves is somewhat muddy, and it tends to dull out the attack that most rock musicians are looking for. You're probably better off paying a little extra for the AKG d 112.

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Just plain solid

Posted by InstantOtis from Chicago on Dec 27, 2008

Experience w/product: I have used it

Reviewer's Background: Sound Engineer, Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Ambient Rock, Experimental, Indie

I've used this mic extensively in live sound and it always delivers. I can always get a heart stopping thump from this kick, and with out any instrument interfering. The full body tone is great and each kick is like a punch in the face. If your looking for a "metal kick" sound, probably not the one for you, but honestly I hate the way drums sound on metal albums. Can't wait to own one.

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Shure Beta 52A Kick Drum Mic

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