New to mic-ing. Thoughts on the Shure Beta52A?

[Kurtis Marleau]

So the band and I want to start investing into some recording gear to get some decent live off the floor recordings from our rehearsal space. I've already learned I prefer to mic my cabinet rather than use the DI on my amp because my cabinet offers me a little more punch. However, I've only ever been able to try a handful of dynamic mics and a cheap kick drum mic and haven't had anything I've really liked. Most of the venues we play at I'll normally just end up using the DI for ease of setup so I really haven't had much experience with mic-ing a cabinet.

I was curious about some recommendations for a mic that will provide a punchy mid-rangey bass tone for under $300. I also do some pitch shifting into guitar registers so I need something that will pick that kind of thing up. I was looking at the Shure Beta 52A but having never actually tried one I just wanted to hear some opinions and recommendations to maybe help steer me in the right direction.

 

[lakefx]

The Beta 52a has a heavily scooped voicing baked into it. I know a lot of people like them for kick, but I have never been a fan of them for any usage and I even owned one for a while. I recently picked up a couple Audix D4s and I really like them for the price. They handle high SPL really well and have a pretty flat voicing. They sound a bit like a RE20 or MD421, but for less than half the price.

 

[bikeplate]

I'd strongly consider a Sennheiser 421. Good luck

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

I prefer mics with a flat response. If you need a dip or any other EQ, you apply it in post. Or try something different in post. You don't have that flexibility when using mics with baked-in EQ. The mic's frequency response graph will visually show if the response is flat or otherwise varies.

 

[Ulf_Hansson]

The Beta 52A is not really "all purpose", but more pre-equalized to suit modern bass drum sounds. If you want a mic that works both for bass, BD and other low freq instruments, go for an EV (RE20?) or Sennheiser 421. I got an old (the white version) 421 that sounds great.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

Well that Beta 52A sure is easy to slip inside a bass drum! No need for a mic stand either!

As for other instruments, it can work under the lid of a grand piano. I successfully used it to record a cajon at one of my gigs. Just inserted the 52A inside the cajon and rested it on the bottom, facing the front. Judge for yourself:

 

[Kurtis Marleau]

Thanks for the feedback made a trip to the local music store and I think I'm going to go with the steinheiser 421 when the funds come in. As I was told it's a for life mic and why buy something twice?

 

[lakefx]

Thanks for the feedback made a trip to the local music store and I think I'm going to go with the steinheiser 421 when the funds come in. As I was told it's a for life mic and why buy something twice?

Those are one of my all time favorite mics. You should enjoy it!

 

[Jake Dempsey]

Can't really go wrong with a 421. Another option is the Cascade Fathead! Ribbon mic. Very versatile. Easy to damage if you don't know what to do with one. $200.

 

[Ulf_Hansson]

Thanks for the feedback made a trip to the local music store and I think I'm going to go with the steinheiser 421 when the funds come in. As I was told it's a for life mic and why buy something twice?

They are expensive (also when buying used), but sturdy and really good sounding. So I think you will be happy with it.

 

[Ender_rpm]

I'll chime in for the D4. Sounds very similar to the 421, but has the very stage friendly Audix form factor (short n stubby), uses a standard mic clip, and most FOH guys know the brand, which helps immensely if you want to use it live. Also they're less than 1/2 the price of the admittedly industry standard 421.