Shure Beta 53 User manual

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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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Wearing the BETA 53 and BETA 54

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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

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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).
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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
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4-Pin Mini Connector (TA4F) (1 piece) WA330**
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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
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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
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4-Pin Mini Connector (TA4F) (1 piece) WA330*
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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
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BETA 54 Replacement Parts and Accessories
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1
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