Shure Beta 27 – Specifications And Review
Shure Beta 27 - Overview
Shure Beta 27 - Specifications
- Type: Condenser (externally biased)
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
- Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 160 Ω
- Sensitivity: −37 dBV/Pa
(at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage) - Maximum SPL: (1 kHz at 1% THD)
1000 Ω load: 134 dB (148 dB, Pad on)
2500 Ω load: 140 dB (154 dB, Pad on) - Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 85.5 dB
(referenced at 94 dB SPL at 1 kHz) - Self-Noise: 8.5 dBA
- Dynamic Range: (at 1 kHz)
1000 Ω load: 125.5 dB
2500 Ω load: 131.5 dB - Switch Attenuator: -15 dB
- Connector: XLR, male
- Power Requirements: 48 Vdc phantom, 5.6 mA
- Weight Net: 428 g (15.1 oz.)
What's in the box?
- A32M ShureLock™ Black Swivel Adapter
- A27ZB Padded, Zippered Carrying Bag
- strong proximity exxect
The Shure Beta comes as a relatively bare-bone package. Included are a padded pouch and a Shure-developed stand adapter, that reminds me of the Rode mound adapters, just that Sure's adapter is more refined and a single-piece-design.
Shure Beta 27 - PROS
- Very natural sound
- small form-factor
- high-fidelity
- minimal bleed in live situations
- ultra-thin 24 Karat gold-layered diaphragm
- very versatile
Shure Beta 27 - CONS
- no shock mount included
- proprietary shock mount due to the unique form factor
- strong proximity effect
Detailed Review
The Shure Beta 27 is a microphone from Shure's more premium and more modern line of microphones. The Beta microphones range above the very commonly used SM microphones and are known for its exquisite sound detail.
So, the Shure Beta 27 is a super-cardioid large-diaphragm, side-addressed "instrument" microphone. I purposefully put the word instrument in quotation marks as I think it does not necessarily do any good to label it as an instrument-only mic.
For a large-diaphragm microphone, the Beta27 is a relatively small and compact mic. This makes it easy to place the microphone close to sound sources. This factor is convenient in studios when micing up drums or even some other instruments. But also in live situations, the Beta27 takes up very little space, and with its hard-lock mount, it can be put everywhere very securely.
Shure Beta 27 - Polar Pattern
Coming equipped with a super-cardioid polar pattern, the microphone has a precise and uncolored response in the very front of the microphone. For voice-work, one has, therefore, to be aware of the rather narrow pattern. Around 10kHz and above, you may experience some eq changes when getting off-axis slightly. A Voice-talent, therefore, should be aware not to move too much in front of the microphone while delivering a performance.
Other than that, within the lobe of sensitivity, the microphone is precise, clear and sounds very natural.The Shure Beta 27's polar pattern is especially helpful in live scenarios or to isolate sound sources that are very close to each other (like when recording drums).
Shure Beta 27 - Frequency Response
Compared to microphones specifically made and used for vocals, the Shure Beta 27 has a more flat frequency response curve.
A slight boost around 5-6kHz and 9-10kHz still provides a very clear yet crisp sound as the response is slightly minimized from around 15kHz upwards. This reduction of volume for very high frequencies, however, makes the microphone not sound harsh. The response curve tapers off very gradually.
A boost in the very low frequencies, however, cannot stay unnoticed and has a very profound affect on the proximity effect. But again, this can also be advantageous to a recording situation.
Best Use Case / Verdict
The Shure Beta 27 is a very well-rounded and versatile microphone. It is branded as an instrument mic, but definitely can find fair usage in voice recordings, when aiming for a very natural and uncolored sound. Its natural sound is precisely what makes this microphone so unique, and we are therefore having a hard time picking a field where it performs best.
More Gear Recommendations
- A32M ShureLock® Black Swivel Adapter
- A27ZB Zippered Pouch A32WS Windscreen
- A27SM ShureLock® Rubber Isolated Shock Mount
- PS-6 Popper Stopper™
Comparison: Shure Beta 27 vs AKG C214
