beta 57 vs SM57

[cappucci11]

i have the opportunity to get in on some new beta 57's for $80 each, i'm kinda short on cash so i'd like to wait to buy my dynamics for my home-studio-in-process.

do you guys think that the beta is a huge difference, one i should take advantage of since they are so cheap for me right now?

 

[bleyrad]

They are significantly different than SM57's, but not always better.

They have a somewhat more pronounced (and some say harsher) presence peak and a tighter pickup pattern. They are meant for live usage and gain-before-feedback. However, in some situations they can appear to have a more detailed, responsive top-end.
Depends what you need.
IMO SM57's are more useful to have around a studio.

 

[mshilarious]

$80 is a great price for a new Beta 57. I'd be inclined to take it, since if you hate 'em, you can resell 'em for $110 on eBay

 

[jkokura]

I'd agree that that's a steal-of-a-deal, and you should take em. If you don't end up liking them you can sell them for at least 80 again (if not more) or trade em for some SM57's.

As for me, I prefer the good old sm's, but the beta's are good for some things...I like em on Djembe's and snares.

Jacob

 

[Richard Monroe]

I agree with what has been said already. That is a great deal on beta 57's. I prefer the SM57 in the studio (although I admit I don't use it much). The beta is feedback resisitant, and makes a good on stage instrument mic- good on sax. I would buy the betas, sell them on ebay, buy a 57 and a Sennheiser e835 or e845, driving a price reduction at Guitar Center on the Sennheisers, and pocket the difference.-Richie

 

[tkingen]

I like the beta's much better for live and studio vocal chores. Never tried them on instruments.

 

[Ironklad Audio]

i've never used one, but i've heard that the beta 57's are supposed to kill on snares, especially if you're going for that tight crack kind of sound

 

[soundchaser59]

Well, I'm learning that I dont like the Beta's on instruments. I've not tried one on a drum kit, but they suck on guitar amps. The regular 57 is much better for guitar cab. I think the Beta's (like most N-Dym magnet mics) are more difficult to "tame"....... but it is really nice price.