Shure BETA27 User manual

BETA27
Instrument Microphone
The Shure supercardioid condenser microphone, BETA27, user guide.
Version: 3.1 (2023-I)

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Table of Contents
BETA27 Instrument Microphone 3
General Description 3
Features 3
Performance Characteristics 3
Applications 3
Avoiding Pickup of Unwanted Sound Sources 4
Stand Adapter 4
Positioning the Microphone 4
Selecting Low-Frequency Response 5
Setting Attenuation 5
Integral Pop Filter 6
Load Impedance 6
Power Requirements 6
Specifications 6
Accessories 9
Furnished Accessories 9
Optional Accessories 9
Certifications 9

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BETA27 
Instrument Microphone
General Description
The Shure Beta27isastudio-grade,side-addresscondensermicrophoneforprofessionalsoundreinforcement.Itsflatfre-
quency response, low self noise, and superior construction quality provide unerring precision in demanding performance and
recordingenvironments.Atightsupercardioidpatternensureshighgainbeforefeedback,maximumsoundisolation,andcon-
sistent off-axis rejection.
Features
Supercardioid polar pattern targets intended sound source with minimized bleed from off axis sound sources
1inch,externallybiased,ultra-thin,2.5μm,24Karatgold-layered,lowmass,Mylar diaphragmprovidessuperiortran-
sient response
Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast transient response, no crossover distortion,
and minimal harmonic and intermodulation distortions
Premium electronic components and gold-plated internal and external connectors
Subsonic filter eliminates rumble from mechanical vibration below 17Hz
Switchable 15dB pad for handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPLs)
Three-position low-frequency filter switch reduces unwanted background noise or counteracts proximity effect
Integrated three-stage "pop" protection grille reduces plosives and other breath noise
Internal shock mount reduces handling and stand noise
Performance Characteristics
Low self-noise
Consistent, highly directional polar response
Exceptional low-frequency reproduction
Extremely high SPL handling
High output level
Extended frequency response
No crossover distortion
Applications
Electric guitar and bass amplifiers
Brass and woodwind instruments
Orchestras, choirs, and wind ensembles
Overhead miking of drums and percussion instruments
Close-miking of acoustic instruments such as piano, guitar, violins, drums, and percussion
Low-frequency instruments such as double bass and kick drum
Vocals and speech
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Note: Location and room acoustics strongly affect the sound quality of microphones. To achieve the best overall sound for
a particular application, it may be necessary to experiment with microphone placement and room treatments.
Avoiding Pickup of Unwanted Sound Sources
Asupercardioidmicrophonehasthegreatestsoundrejectionatpoints120°towardtherearofthemicrophone.Placethemi-
crophone so that unwanted sound sources, such as monitors and loudspeakers, are at these angles, not directly behind it. To
minimizefeedbackandensureoptimumrejectionofunwantedsound,alwaystestmicrophoneplacementbeforeaperfor-
mance.
Recommended Loudspeaker Locations for Supercardioid Microphones
Stand Adapter
Thread the supplied stand adapter onto a floor or boom stand, then thread the microphone onto the adapter.
NOTE: To reduce low-frequency vibrations transmitted through the stand, use an isolating shock mount. Visit www.shure.com
for more information.
Positioning the Microphone
The front of the microphone is marked by the Shure logo. Position this side toward the sound source.

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Selecting Low-Frequency Response
A three-position switch on the back of the microphone lets you adjust the low-frequency response. Use the low-frequency filter
to reduce wind noise, room noise, or proximity effect.
Flat response. Provides the most natural sound in most applications.
Low frequency cutoff. Provides an 18dB-per-octave cutoff at 80Hz. Helps eliminate floor rumble and low-frequency room
noise from heating and air conditioning systems. This setting may also be used to compensate for proximity effect or to reduce
low frequencies that make an instrument sound dull or muddy.
Low frequency rolloff.Providesa6dB-per-octaverollofffilterat115Hz.Usethistocompensateforproximityeffectortore-
duce low frequencies that could make an instrument sound dull or muddy.
Setting Attenuation
The attenuation switch lets you reduce the signal level without altering the frequency response. This can prevent extremely
loud sounds from overloading the microphone.
0dB For "quiet" to "normal" sound levels.

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-15dB For use with extremely loud sound sources such as drums, horns, or loud guitar cabinets.
Integral Pop Filter
The microphone grille consists of 3 separate mesh layers that act as an integral pop filter. This helps reduce wind and breath
noise.Dependingontheperformer,anexternalpop-protectionscreenorwindscreenmaybenecessarywhenclose-mikingvo-
calists.
Load Impedance
Maximum SPL capability, output clipping level, and dynamic range vary with the input load impedance of the preamplifier to
whichyouconnectthemicrophone.Shurerecommendsaminimuminputloadimpedanceof1000Ω.Mostmodernmicrophone
preamplifiers meet this requirement. Higher impedance results in better performance for these specifications.
Power Requirements
This microphone requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 Vdc supply (IEC-61938). However, it will operate with
slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity with supplies as low as 11 Vdc.
Most modern mixers provide phantom power. You must use a balanced microphone cable: XLR-to-XLR.
Specifications
Type
Condenser (externally biased)
Frequency Response
20to20,000Hz
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid
Output Impedance
160Ω
Sensitivity
(at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage, Typical)
-37dBV/Pa[1](14.1mV)
Maximum SPL
(1 kHz at 1% THD)
PAD ON 1000Ωload 148dBSPL

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2500 Ω load 154dBSPL
PAD OFF
1000Ωload 134dBSPL
2500 Ω load 140dBSPL
Signal-To-Noise Ratio
(Ref. 94 dB SPL at 1 kHz)
86dB[2]
Dynamic Range
(at 1 kHz)
1000 Ω load 126dB
2500 Ω load 132dB
Common Mode Rejection
(10 Hz to 10 kHz)
>50dB
Clipping Level
(20 Hz to 20 kHz, at 1% THD)
1000 Ω load 2.0dBV
2500 Ω load 8.5dBV[3]
Attenuator Switch
0, -15dB
Low-Frequency Filter Switch
Flat,–6dB/octavebelow115Hz,or–18dB/octavebelow80Hz
Self Noise
(typical, equivalent SPL, A-weighted)
8.5dBSPL-A
Polarity
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
Weight
428g(15oz..)
Connector
Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male, balanced
Power Requirements
11to52VDC[4]phantompower,6mA
[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL
[2] S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self noise, A-weighted

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[3] THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal is equivalent to cartridge output at specified
SPL.
[4] All specifications measured with a 48 Vdc phantom power supply. The microphone operates at lower
voltages, but with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity.
Typical Frequency Response
Typical Polar Pattern

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Overall Dimensions
Accessories
Furnished Accessories
Black Mount/Swivel Adapter for BETA27, KSM27, KSM32 and KSM44 A32M
Padded, Zippered Carrying Bag for BETA27, SM27 A27ZB
Optional Accessories
Black Foam Windscreen for BETA27, KSM27, KSM32, KSM42, KSM44, KSM44A,
PG27, PG42 and SM27 A32WS
Popper Stopper Pop Filter with Metal Gooseneck and Microphone Stand Clamp PS-6
ShureLock Rubber Isolated Shock Mount A27SM
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Certifications
CE Notice
Hereby,ShureIncorporateddeclaresthatthisproductwithCEMarkinghasbeendeterminedtobeincompliancewithEuro-
pean Union requirements.
The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following site: https://www.shure.com/en-EU/support/declara-
tions-of-conformity.
UKCA Notice
Hereby,ShureIncorporateddeclaresthatthisproductwithUKCAMarkinghasbeendeterminedtobeincompliancewithUK-
CA requirements.
The full text of the UK declaration of conformity is available at the following site: https://www.shure.com/en-GB/support/declara-
tions-of-conformity.