Shure Incorporated

NILES, IL, October 28, 2010 – Shure Incorporated unveiled new and improved additions to its Beta microphone line. The newest models include the Beta 91A boundary microphone, Beta 98A miniature instrument microphone, and Beta 98AMP miniature drum microphone.  With superior construction, low handling noise, and high gain before feedback, Shure Beta microphones redefine sensitivity and control for essential, expert sound reinforcement.

All of the new microphones offer unprecedented sound quality, while still delivering the same performance standards that users expect from Shure Beta mics. “We had three goals in mind when we set out to design these new Beta mics,” says Chad Wiggins, Shure's Category Director for Wired Products. “To improve sound quality, to improve reliability and durability in the field, and to offer simple, secure mounting and placement. We’ve accomplished all of those goals with these microphones. Engineers will love the functional advantage you get with these mics versus their predecessors.”

The Beta 91A is a half-cardioid condenser boundary microphone for kick-drum and low frequency applications. A new cartridge design provides a smoother, more natural response. The Beta 91A’s low-profile design, with integrated preamplifier and XLR connector requires no external hardware to maximize setup efficiency while minimizing stage clutter.  It also features a low-mid frequency EQ switch that offers additional tonal flexibility.

Rob Mailman, front-of-house engineer for Santana, has been using the Beta 91A for some of his recent performances and says, “I’m certain I’ll use the Beta 91A until I retire.”

The Beta 98A is a miniature cardioid condenser microphone for instrument sound reinforcement and recording applications.  High SPL handling makes the Beta 98A ideal for a variety of acoustic or amplified instruments, including drums, piano, reed, wind, and strings.  The newly-designed cartridge features an extremely uniform cardioid polar pattern and provides a natural musical frequency response.  It is available in two variations with either a gooseneck drum mount (Beta 98AD/C) or with a stand mount (Beta 98A/C).

“While trying the new Beta 98A prototypes on the last Pretenders U.S. tour,” notes renowned front of house engineer Roger Lindsay, “I was delighted to discover that Shure has managed to retain the essential character of the original SM98, which became a benchmark for all drum mics, while also using the latest advances in design and technology to further improve a much-loved model.”

The Beta 98AMP is a new variation of the Beta 98A that combines the new cartridge with a flexible gooseneck and integrated XLR preamplifier. It ships with the new A75M Universal Microphone Mount for simple, accurate placement in any configuration of toms, snares, or percussion. These new features provide increased control and reduce complexity of setup.

"Because the Beta 98AMP is a new design, we didn’t have a way to clamp it onto a drum,” says Wiggins. “We developed this very small, versatile mount that can be attached or removed in seconds. The A75M has almost infinite adjustability – it’s so universal that we’re also selling it as a standalone accessory.” The A75M’s dual-jaw, quick release design offers easy mounting to drums, percussion, drum hardware, and stands.”

Like the other microphones in Shure’s Beta line, such as the new Beta 181 and the 2010 TEC Award-nominated Beta 27, these new additions are precision-engineered for superior sound reproduction, low handling noise, and high gain before feedback. Beta Wired Microphones strengthen all performances, for fine detail in a wide variety of demanding applications and changing environments.

Pricing and Availability

Beta 91A: $239 retail [$299 MSRP]
Beta 98AD/C: $229 retail [$286 MSRP]
Beta 98A/C: $199 retail [$249 MSRP]
Beta 98AMP/C: $269 retail [$336 MSRP]
Beta 98AMP/C-3PK $699 retail [$874 MSRP] (three pack of Beta 98AMP)

The Beta 91A Boundary Microphone, Beta 98AD/C Drum Microphone, and Beta 98A/C Instrument Microphone are now shipping.  The Beta 98AMP Miniature Drum Microphone will be available in December. Each will carry a two-year limited warranty and are available for purchase from select retailers.