Shure Beta 53 User manual

Subminiature Condenser Headworn Microphones
Models BETA 53™, BETA 54™User Guide
BETA 54BETA 53

1
English
Introduction
Shure models BETA 53™and BETA 54™are subminiature, electret condenser head worn microphones. They provide
uncompromised sound quality and reliability with minimal visibility in applications such as broadcast, theater, and
touring. Despite their small size, each microphone’s condenser element delivers full, clear, and natural reproduction of
speech and vocals. The microphone features a durable, low-profile wire frame headband which is fully adjustable for
stability and comfort. A plastic carrying case protects the microphone and its accessories.
BETA 53 Features
• Omnidirectional polar pattern for minimal handling noise and flexible microphone placement
• Extended, flat frequency response provides accurate speech and vocal reproduction
• Two interchangeable protective caps for response shaping
• Foam windscreens minimize breath noise and “popping”
• Available with an in-line preamp or with a TA4F connector for wireless applications
• Choice of black or tan finish to suit your performance environment
BETA 54 Features
• Supercardioid polar pattern provides maximum gain-before-feedback and ambient rejection
• Extended frequency response tailored for vocal performances
• Able to handle extremely high sound pressure levels (SPL)
• Snap-fit foam windscreens stay in place during intensive movement
• Available with an in-line preamp or with a TA4F connector for wireless applications
• Choice of black or tan finish to suit your performance environment

2
English
Available Models
BETA 53 MODELS
• Omnidirectional
• For broadcast and stage
BETA 54 MODELS
• Supercardioid
• For stage and vocal performance
BETA 53 • Black finish
• Detachable in-line preamp for wired applications
• Requires phantom power
WBH53B • Black finish
• TA4F connector for wireless applications
WBH53T • Tan finish
• TA4F connector for wireless applications
All models include: microphone and headband (1 each), foam windscreens (2), standard
protective cap (2), filtered protective cap (2), swiveling lapel clip (1), boom holder (2),
logo pad (1) and plastic carrying case (1).
BETA 54 • Black finish
• Detachable in-line preamp for wired applications
• Requires phantom power
WBH54B • Black finish
• TA4F connector for wireless applications
WBH54T • Tan finish
• TA4F connector for wireless applications
All models include: microphone and headband (1 each), snap-fit foam windscreens (2),
standard protective cap (2), swiveling lapel clip (1), boom holder (2), logo pad (1) and
plastic carrying case (1).
BETA 53
WBH53B
WBH53T
BETA 54
WBH54B
WBH54T

3
English
1
2
3
4
5
Adjusting the Headband and Microphone
1
Adjust headband width
2
Adjust boom height
3
Adjust boom length
4
Do not attempt to bend the microphone boom!
5
“Roll” the boom for subtle adjustments of microphone position

4
English
Using the Windscreens and Protective Caps
Grip the internal frame of the windscreen firmly when connecting or
removing. Do not pull on the foam itself.
• To connect, push the windscreen until it snaps into place over the
cartridge.
• To remove, pull the windscreen directly off of the cartridge.
Always use the BETA 54 with the
standard protective cap only.
Using the microphone with no
cap, or with the filtered cap, will
degrade sound quality and alter
the microphone’s polar pattern.
BETA 53
BETA 54
Standard protective cap
• Gold mesh
• No attenuation
Filtered protective cap
• Silver mesh
• Attenuates high frequencies
(see page 52)
• Foam windscreens may be cleaned with soap and water.
• For the best sound quality, replace damaged or clogged
protective caps and windscreens.

5
English
Wearing the BETA 53 and BETA 54

6
English
13 mm
(.5 in.)
13 mm
(.5 in.)
Positioning the Microphone
BETA 53 BETA 54
• Position the omnidirectional BETA 53 microphone
near the corner of the mouth
• If necessary, roll the boom to avoid contact with
skin and facial hair
• Point the unidirectional BETA 54 microphone at
the corner of the mouth

7
English
1
2
3
4
5
Wearing the Microphone on Either Side
All models may be worn with the microphone on the left or the right.
• Carefully detach the boom holder (1), logo pad (2), and
microphone cable (3) from the headband.
• Reattach the boom holder to the opposite side of the wire frame (4).
• Reattach the logo pad (5) and microphone cable (6).
6

8
English
Component Black Tan
1
Foam Windscreen (5 pieces) RPM304 RPM306
2
Standard Protective Cap* (gold mesh) (5 pieces) RPM208 RPM212
Filtered Protective Cap* (silver mesh) (5 pieces) RPM220 RPM214
3
Microphone/Boom Assembly with TA4F Con-
nector (1 piece)
RPM132 RPM134
4
Swiveling Lapel Clip (5 pieces) RPM510 RPM512
5
Boom Holder and Logo Pad (2 each) RPM570 RPM580
6
Headband (1 piece, with boom holder and
logo pad)
RPM550 RPM560
7
4-Pin Mini Connector (TA4F) (1 piece) WA330**
8
In-Line Preamp (1 piece) RPM626**
Not
Pictured
Battery Powered Preamp (1 piece) MX1BP**
Not
Pictured
Phantom Power Supply (1 piece) PS1A**
*See the frequency response curve on page 52
**Available in black only
BETA 53 Replacement Parts and Accessories
5
3
2
4
6
7
8
1

9
English
Component Black Tan
1
Microphone/Boom Assembly with TA4F Con-
nector (1 piece)
RPM646 RPM648
2
Standard Protective Cap (gold mesh) (5 pieces) RPM208 RPM212
3
Snap-fit Foam Windscreen (4 pieces) RPM316 RPM318
4
Swiveling Lapel Clip (5 pieces) RPM510 RPM512
5
Boom Holder and Logo Pad (2 each) RPM570 RPM580
6
Headband (1 piece, with boom holder and
logo pad)
RPM550 RPM560
7
4-Pin Mini Connector (TA4F) (1 piece) WA330*
8
In-Line Preamp (1 piece) RPM626*
Not
Pictured Battery Powered Preamp (1 piece) MX1BP*
Not
Pictured Phantom Power Supply (1 piece) PS1A*
*Available in black only
5
3
2
4
7
BETA 54 Replacement Parts and Accessories
8
1
6

10
English
Specifications
BETA 53 BETA 54
Specification Wired Wireless Wired Wireless
Type Condenser (electret bias) Condenser (electret bias)
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20KHz (see page 52) 50Hz to 20KHz (see page 52)
Polar Pattern Omnidirectional (see page 52) Supercardioid (see page 52)
Output Noise (equivalent
dBSPL, A-weighted)
39.0 dB typical; 42.0 dB maximum 39.0 dB typical; 42.0 dB maximum
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 55 dB at 94 dB SPL 55.0 dB at 94 dBSPL
Recommended Minimum Input
Impedance
>1 kΩ20 kΩ>1 kΩ20 kΩ
Preamp Output Impedance 136Ω136Ω
Output Level, open circuit, ref.
1v/Pa at 1 kHz
-50.0 ± 3.0dB
3.16mV
-54.0 ± 3.0dB
2.0mV
-52.0 ± 3.0dB
2.51mV
-56.0 ± 3.0dB
1.58mV
Maximum Sound Pressure
Level
147 dBSPL at 1% THD/1 kΩload 142 dBSPL at 1% THD/20 kΩload 149 dBSPL at 1% THD/1 kΩload 144 dBSPL at 1% THD/20 kΩload
Dynamic Range 108 dB (max. SPL with 1k load, minus
typical A-wt. noise)
103 dB (max. SPL with 20k load,
minus typical A-wt. noise)
110 dB (max. SPL with 1k load, minus
typical A-wt. noise)
105 dB (max. SPL with 20k load,
minus typical A-wt. noise)
Current Drain 4.6 mA (preamp and microphone) 60-130 µA (microphone only) 4.6 mA (preamp and microphone) 60-130 µA (microphone only)
Output Polarity
Positive pressure on the
diaphragm produces a positive
voltage at:
Pin 2 relative to pin 3 at the output
connector of the preamp
Pin 3 (black lead) relative to pin 1
(shield lead) at the output connector
of the microphone
Pin 2 relative to pin 3 at the output
connector of the preamp
Pin 3 (black lead) relative to pin 1
(shield lead) at the output connector
of the microphone
Power Requirements
Phantom power; 11 to 52 Vdc positive
on pins 2 and 3, return on pin 1 (ground)
+5 Vdc on pin 2, return on pin 1 (ground) Phantom power; 11 to 52 Vdc positive
on pins 2 and 3, return on pin 1 (ground)
+5 Vdc on pin 2, return on pin 1 (ground)
Net Weight 135.35 g (4.75 oz.)
microphone and in-line preamp
35.35 g (1.25 oz.)
microphone only
135.35 g (4.75 oz.)
microphone and in-line preamp
35.35 g (1.25 oz.)
microphone only
Cable 1.5 m (5 ft.), small-diameter, shielded, with mini 4-pin connector (TA4F)

51
Polar Patterns and Frequency Response
BETA 53 BETA 54
20 200001000 1000050 100
98765432 98765432
+10
0
–10
Hz
dB
–5 dB
–10 dB
–15 dB
–20 dB
500 Hz
1000 Hz
250 Hz
–5 dB
–10 dB
–15 dB
–20 dB
2.5 kHz
6.3 kHz
10 kHz
BETA53
–20
+20
Standard Protective Cap
Filtered Protective Cap
20 200001000 1000050 100
98765432 98765432
+10
0
–10
Hz
dB
15 mm (.6 in)
606 mm (2 ft)
+20
–20
–30
0º
125º
–5 dB
–10 dB
–15 dB
–20 dB
500 Hz
1000 Hz
250 Hz
–5 dB
–10 dB
–15 dB
–20 dB
2.5 kHz
6.3 kHz
10 kHz
BETA54
Standard Cap1
Filtered Cap2
1Capuchon standard
2Capuchon à filtre
1Standardmäßige Kappe
2Gefilterte Kappe
1
Tapa estándar
2Tapa con filtro
1
Cappuccio standard
2Cappuccio dotato di filtro
20 200001000 1000050 100
98765432 98765432
+10
0
–10
Hz
dB
15 mm (.6 in)
606 mm (2 ft)
+20
–20
–30
0º
125º
–5 dB
–10 dB
–15 dB
–20 dB
500 Hz
1000 Hz
250 Hz
–5 dB
–10 dB
–15 dB
–20 dB
2.5 kHz
6.3 kHz
10 kHz
BETA54
20 200001000 1000050 100
98765432 98765432
+10
0
–10
Hz
dB
–5 dB
–10 dB
–15 dB
–20 dB
500 Hz
1000 Hz
250 Hz
–5 dB
–10 dB
–15 dB
–20 dB
2.5 kHz
6.3 kHz
10 kHz
BETA53
–20
+20
Standard Protective Cap
Filtered Protective Cap

52
Wiring and Certification
Microphone Cartridge5
Case (ground)4
Shield (ground)3
Red1 (+5Vdc)
Black (audio out)2
Wireless Test Circuit6
+5Vdc
100k
20k
1.0 uf
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
2SK1109
1. Rouge
2. Noir (sortie audio)
3. Blindage (masse)
4. Corps (masse)
5. Capsule de microphone
6. Circuit d’essai sans fil
+
–
Eligible to bear CE marking. Conforms
to European EMC directive 89/336/EEC.
Meets applicable tests and performance
criteria in European EMC Standard EN
55103 (1996) parts 1 and 2, for residential
(E1) and light industrial (E2) environments.
Meets applicable test and performance
criteria in European wireless microphone
EMC standard EN 301 489 Parts 1 and 9.
Autorisé à porter la marque CE. Conforme
à la directive CEM européenne 89/336/
CEE. Conforme aux critères applicables
de test et de performances de la norme
CEM européenne EN 55103 (1996)
parties 1 et 2 pour les environnements
résidentiels (E1) et d’industrie légère (E2).
Conforme aux critères applicables de test
et de performances de la norme CEM
européenne EN 301 489 Parties 1 et 9.
Zur CE-Kennzeichnung berechtigt.
Entspricht der EU-Richtlinie über
elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit
89/336/EWG. Erfüllt die Prüfungs- und
Leistungskriterien der europäischen Norm
EN 55103 (1996) für elektromagnetische
Verträglichkeit, Teil 1 und 2, für
Wohngebiete (E1) und Gewerbegebiete
(E2). Erfüllt die Prüfungs- und
Leistungskriterien der europäischen Norm
EN 301 489 Teil 1 und 9.
Califica para portar la marca CE. Cumple
la directiva europea 89/336/EEC de
compatibilidad electromagnética. Se
ajusta a los criterios correspondientes de
verificación y funcionamiento establecidos
en la norma europea de compatibilidad
electromagnética EN 55103 (1996), partes
1 y 2, para zonas residenciales (E1) y zonas
de industria ligera (E2). Se ajusta a los
criterios correspondientes de verificación y
funcionamiento establecidos en la norma
europea de compatibilidad electromagnética
EN 301 489 Partes 1 y 9.
Contrassegnabile con il marchio CE.
Conforme alla direttiva 89/336/CEE
della Comunità Europea, relativa alla
compatibilità elettromagnetica. Soddisfa i
criteri di prestazione e le verifiche pertinenti
nella regolamentazione europea sulla
compatibilità elettromagnetica a norma
EN 55103 (1996) parti 1 e 2, relativa ad
ambienti domestici (E1) ed industriali leggeri
(E2). Soddisfa i criteri di prestazione e le
verifiche pertinenti nella regolamentazione
europea sulla compatibilità elettromagnetica
a norma EN 301 489 Parti 1 e 9.
1. Rot
2. Schwarz (Audioausgang)
3. Abschirmung (Masse)
4. Gehäuse (Masse)
5. Mikrofonkapsel
6. Prüfkreis des Drahtlossystems
1. Rojo
2. Negro (salida de audio)
3. Blindaje (tierra)
4. Chasis (tierra)
5. Cápsula de micrófono
6. Circuito de prueba de sistema inalámbrico
1. Rosso
2. Nero (uscita audio)
3. Schermatura (massa)
4. Involucro (massa)
5. Capsula
6. Circuito per test wireless

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5800 W. Touhy Avenue, Niles, IL 60714-4608, U.S.A.
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
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©2002, Shure Incorporated
27D3115 (BK)
Patent Notice: Patent Des. 451,902