Shure Beta 57AFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 37 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment83%
PROS 83%
CONS 17%

Rank based on 37 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a smoother, less nasal/boomy alternative to the SM58 or SM57
  • You need reliable feedback rejection for live vocals or acoustic guitar
  • You want a mic proven to last many years of heavy stage use

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need strong low-end depth without close-miking
  • You rely heavily on the stock mic clip for quick stand changes
  • You need studio-level rejection performance to match SM57 in all cases

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal sound
Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
High price tag
2Premium
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
Ultrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
3Premium
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operation
Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibilityVersatile across instrumentsStrong, non-boomy low endPrice barrier for some buyersUnclear M/S and connector design questionsLacking low-mid presence on some vocals
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibility
Versatile across instruments
Strong, non-boomy low end
Price barrier for some buyers
Unclear M/S and connector design questions
Lacking low-mid presence on some vocals
5Mid
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound qualityVersatile onboard EQ switchesBuilt-in gain boostHigh price for some buyersUncertain added value over existing setupFiddly dip switches
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound quality
Versatile onboard EQ switches
Built-in gain boost
High price for some buyers
Uncertain added value over existing setup
Fiddly dip switches
You are here
6Mid
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57Excellent on acoustic guitarDurable, long-lasting buildCan sound harsh in some applicationsAppearance not universally likedInconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57
Excellent on acoustic guitar
Durable, long-lasting build
Can sound harsh in some applications
Appearance not universally liked
Inconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
7Mid
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
8Premium
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm characterCompetitive with top-tier micsFull-bodied, rich low endHard to distinguish from cheaper alternativesVery high pricePositioning-sensitive
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm character
Competitive with top-tier mics
Full-bodied, rich low end
Hard to distinguish from cheaper alternatives
Very high price
Positioning-sensitive
9Premium
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67Warm, creamy tube toneAttractive appearance
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67
Warm, creamy tube tone
Attractive appearance
Best value
10Mid
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Preferred over the SM58 and SM57 by many long-time users. Multiple commenters directly compared the Beta 57A to Shure's SM58 and SM57 and preferred it, describing the SM58 as boomy or nasal in comparison and the Beta 57A as smoother, crisper, hotter and more able to cut through a mix. Several switched permanently after trying it, and one noted well-known artists like Liam Gallagher and David Gray have used it for vocals over many years.

Extremely versatile beyond just vocals. Users praised the Beta 57A across acoustic guitar, snare, sax, flute, EBM studio vocals, and remote interpretation work, often calling the acoustic guitar tone 'spot on' or better than a piezo pickup. Its super-cardioid pattern was credited with rejecting ambient noise like sirens and stage bleed, and one drummer using it with a harmonizer said it eliminated ghost harmony artifacts from bleed.

Durable and stage-proven, with a couple of practical gripes. Long-term owners reported 10 to 18 years of reliable use, including surviving drops, and praised its feedback rejection as excellent for live performance. However, a couple of users complained the included mic clip was difficult to attach to stands, one noted inconsistent noise rejection compared to the SM57, and another mentioned it lacks low-end depth and needs close singing technique.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?