Dave Weckl - Shure Microphones and Other Gear

Shure Beta-52

The Shure Beta-52 is a professional quality kick drum mic made for studio and live use. It has a frequency response that has been specifically tuned for kick drums as well as other bass or low frequency instruments (like bass guitar). It has a great sound with excellent attack and frequency response. You can place it right in the kick next to the beater (if you like a lot of click) as it can handle up to 174 dB. The frequency response is 20Hz up to 10kHz.

The polar pattern is super-cardioid which is more directional at lower frequencies. The mic will reject sounds from the rear and sides which makes it work well in the studio and for live situations.

This is a a high output dynamic mic which can take the punishment of being on the road. It is Dave's choice for both his 22" and 18" bass drums. He also uses it underneath the Remo Tombek, producing a great low end sound.

TECHNICAL:

20 Hz to 10kHz Frequency Response
Designed Specifically for kick drums and bass instruments
Built-in locking stand adapter
XLR connector
Greata for Studio performance
Can Handle upto 174dB SPL: extremely high sound pressure levels
Supercardioid pattern allows high gain while rejecting sounds from rear and sides
Steel mesh grille guards against wear and abuse
pneumatic shock mount system
Neodymium magnet for high Ouput signal
Low sensitivity

Shure Beta-98

Dave has used these mics (and the SM98s before them) for many years, mostly for toms, though he has found them to work well with snares and percussion instruments. He feels that they produce the most natural tom sound of any mic out there; and he has tried them all!

TECHNICAL: The Beta 98D/S is a high performance mini-condenser microphone designed to excel at professional sound reinforcement or recording. Its ultra-uniform supercardioid pickup pattern provides high gain before feedback and excellent rejection of unwanted noise. An optional cardioid cartridge lets you easily adapt the mic to different applications.

As the successor to the popular SM98A, the Beta 98D/S features several notable improvements. Dynamic range is 4 dB greater, as is headroom, while maximum SPL is 5 dB higher (now 160 dB!). Physically, the mic utilizes a thicker, beefier Triple-Flex® cable (detachable).

With the unique A98D microphone drum mount (supplied), no other rim-mounted microphone stays more securely in place. This hardware has been redesigned for quicker, more secure rim-mounting without the need for a drum key. Its flexible gooseneck lets you position the mic in practically any configuration, so you get a virtually unlimited choice of sound options. Its unobtrusive design and compact size help the Beta 98D/S reduce stage clutter to an absolute minimum. (The microphone is also available without the drum mount - model Beta 98/S.)

Because it bears the Shure name, you can be certain that the Beta 98D/S will withstand just about any abuse it may run across and keep delivering great sound.

Tailored frequency response for studio quality performance
Wide dynamic range for use in high SPL environments
Uniform supercardioid pattern for high gain before feedback and superior rejection of off-axis sound
Optional A98D drum mount is unobtrusive and versatile--allows precise positioning of the microphone while holding it firmly in place
Compact design reduces stage clutter
Detachable cable for easy storage
Interchangeable microphone cartridges with different polar patterns are available
Legendary Shure quality, ruggedness, and reliability

Shure SM-57

The Shure SM-57 unidirectional dynamic microphone is exceptional for musical instrument pickup or for vocals. It has been Dave's choice for his snare drums ever since he first began miking drums.

With its bright, clean sound and carefully contoured presence rise, the SM-57 is ideal for live sound reinforcement and recording. It has an extremely effective cardioid pickup pattern which isolates the main sound source while minimizing background noise. In the studio, it is excellent for recording drums, guitar, and woodwinds.

For musical instruments or vocals, the SM-57 is a consistent choice of professional performers. It is also the standard microphone used on the podium of the U.S. President for over 30 years. Its outstanding performance, legendary reliability, and diversity of application make this "workhorse" the choice of performers, producers, and sound engineers the world over.

TECHNICAL:

Contoured frequency response for clean, instrumental reproduction and rich vocal pickup
Professional-quality reproduction for drum, percussion, and instrument amplifier miking
Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while reducing background noise
Pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise
Extremely durable under the heaviest use
Frequency response: 40 to 15,000 Hz

Shure SM-81

The Shure Model SM81 is a high-quality, unidirectional condenser microphone designed for studio recording, broadcasting, and sound reinforcement. Its wide frequency response, low noise characteristics, and low RF susceptibility have made it a standard for applications involving acoustic instruments, especially guitar, piano, and cymbals.

TECHNICAL:

The SM-81 is ruggedly constructed. It operates on phantom power and performs over a wide range of temperatures and humidity conditions. It is furnished with a swivel adapter, attenuator-switch lock, foam windscreen, and case for carrying and storage. Other accessories are available.

0 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response
Flat response curve for accurate reproduction of sound sources
Low noise and high output clipping level
Low distortion over a wide range of load impedances
Cardioid polar pattern, uniform with frequency and symmetric about axis, providing maximum rejection and minimum coloration of off-axis sounds
Low RF susceptibility
Selectable low-frequency response: flat, 6 or 18 dB/octave rolloff
0 dB/10 dB lockable attenuator switch
Phantom powering (DIN 45 596 voltages of 12 to 48 Vdc)
Rugged steel construction for durability
Field-usable over wide range of temperature and humidity conditions