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    General Description

    Shure models BETA53 and BETA54 are subminiature, electret condenser headworn 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.

    BETA53 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

    BETA54 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

    Available Models

    Beta53 Models

    • Omnidirectional
    • For broadcast and stage
    • Black finish
    • Detachable in-line preamp for wired applications
    • Requires phantom power

    Wireless Models

    These models are for use with Shure wireless microphone systems. TA4F connector attaches to wireless bodypacks (in-line preamp not included).

    • WBH53B (black)
    • WBH53T (tan)

    Accessories

    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
    Plastic carrying case 1

    Beta54 Models

    • Supercardioid
    • For stage and vocal performance
    • Black finish
    • Detachable in-line preamp for wired applications
    • Requires phantom power

    Wireless Models

    These models are for use with Shure wireless microphone systems. TA4F connector attaches to wireless bodypacks (in-line preamp not included).

    • WBH54B (black)
    • WBH54T (tan)

    Accessories

    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
    Plastic carrying case 1

    Adjusting the Headband and Microphone

    ➀ Adjust headband width
    ➁ Adjust boom height
    ➂ Adjust boom length
    ➃ Do not attempt to bend the microphone boom!
    ➄ "Roll" the boom for subtle adjustments of microphone position

    Windscreens

    Care and Maintenance

    • Foam windscreens may be cleaned with soap and water.
    • For the best sound quality, replace damaged or clogged protective caps and windscreens.

    Windscreen

    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.

    Protective Caps

    Standard protective cap:

    • Gold mesh
    • No attenuation

    Filtered protective cap:

    • Silver mesh
    • Attenuates high frequencies

    Always use the BETA54 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.

    Positioning the Microphone

    BETA53/54

    • Position the omnidirectional BETA53 or directional BETA54 microphone near the corner of the mouth
    • If necessary, roll the boom to avoid contact with skin and facial hair

    Reversing the Boom

    The microphone boom may be reinstalled to position it on the left or right side of the head.

    • 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.

    Specifications 

    BETA 53 / WBH53 / RPM627

    Type

    Electret Condenser

    Frequency Response

    20 to 20,000 Hz

    Polar Pattern

    Omnidirectional

    Output Impedance (RPM627)

    160 Ω

    Sensitivity

    at 1kHz,open circuit voltage

    BETA 53 -54.0 dBV/Pa(3.16 mV)[1]
    WBH53 -54.0 dBV/Pa(2.0 mV)[1]

    Maximum SPL

    1 kHz at 1% THD [2]

    BETA 53 139.4  dB
    WBH53 150.5  dB

    Signal-To-Noise Ratio [3]

    55.0  dB

    Dynamic Range

    at 1kHz

    BETA 53 96.9  dB
    WBH53 108  dB

    Self Noise

    equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical

    42.5  dB

    Power Requirements

    BETA 53 11–52  V DC phantom power [4], 2  mA
    WBH53 +5 V DC

    Polarity

    BETA 53 Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
    WBH53 Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 3 with respect to pin 1

    Weight

    BETA 53 135 g(4.75 oz.)
    WBH53 35 g(1.25 oz.)

    Cable

    1.5Meters (5Feet)

    [1]1 Pa=94 dB SPL

    [2]THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal level is equivalent to cartridge output at specified SPL

    [3]S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise, A-weighted

    BETA 54 / WBH54 / RPM627

    Type

    Electret Condenser

    Frequency Response

    50 to 20,000 Hz

    Polar Pattern

    Supercardioid

    Output Impedance (RPM627)

    160  Ω

    Sensitivity

    at 1kHz,open circuit voltage

    BETA 54 -56.0 dBV/Pa(2.51 mV)[1]
    WBH54 -56.0 dBV/Pa(1.58 mV)[1]

    Maximum SPL

    1 kHz at 1% THD [2]

    BETA 54 141.4  dB
    WBH54 152.5  dB

    Signal-To-Noise Ratio [3]

    55.0  dB

    Dynamic Range

    at 1kHz

    BETA 54 98.3  dB
    WBH54 109.4  dB

    Self Noise

    equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical

    43.1  dB

    Power Requirements

    BETA 54 11–52 V DC phantom power [4], 2  mA
    WBH54 +5 V DC

    Polarity

    BETA 54 Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
    WBH54 Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 3 with respect to pin 1

    Weight

    BETA 54 135 g(4.75 oz.)
    WBH54 35 g(1.25 oz.)

    [1]1 Pa=94 dB SPL

    [2]THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal level is equivalent to cartridge output at specified SPL

    [3]S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise, A-weighted

    BETA53 Typical Polar Pattern and Frequency Response

    BETA54 Typical Polar Pattern and Frequency Response

    Accessories

    Replacement Parts

    BETA54

    Component Black Tan
    1 Microphone/Boom Assembly with TA4F Connector (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
    7 4-Pin Mini Connector (TA4F) (1 piece) WA333
    8 In-Line Preamp (1 piece) RPM627

    BETA53

    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 Connector (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
    7 4-Pin Mini Connector (TA4F) (1 piece) WA333
    8 In-Line Preamp (1 piece) RPM627

    Certifications

    This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is eligible for CE marking.

    The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from: www.shure.com/europe/compliance

    Authorized European representative:

    Shure Europe GmbH

    Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa

    Department: EMEA Approval

    Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12

    75031 Eppingen, Germany

    Phone: +49-7262-92 49 0

    Fax: +49-7262-92 49 11 4

    Email: info@shure.de