Shure

Shure BETA 27 Supercardioid Condenser Microphone

Condenser

A supercardioid studio condenser with surgical off-axis rejection and vanishingly low self-noise — engineered for critical instrument tracking and high-SPL stage work.

$419.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Aug 30, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change — details.

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Overview

The Shure BETA 27 is a side-address condenser built for engineers who prioritize isolation, accuracy, and headroom above all else. Its supercardioid polar pattern provides a tighter pickup window than standard cardioid designs, delivering superior rejection of off-axis sound — a critical advantage when tracking instruments in dense live-stage environments or recording in studios where bleed between sources is a constant battle. The 1-inch externally biased diaphragm uses an ultra-thin, 24-karat gold-layered Mylar membrane that responds to transients with speed and precision, capturing the initial attack of a snare hit, the pluck of an upright bass, or the crack of a trumpet note with lifelike immediacy. The frequency response is intentionally flat and neutral: what goes in is what comes out, with no exaggerated presence peak or hyped low end to fight in the mix.

Practically, the BETA 27 is built like a professional tool that expects to be used hard. The all-metal body is hefty but inspires confidence, and the integrated three-layer pop filter handles wind and breath noise without external accessories. The -15 dB pad switch and 3-position low-frequency filter are recessed to prevent accidental switching mid-take — small details that reflect real-world session thinking. Gold-plated XLR output and premium internal electronics maintain signal purity from capsule to cable, and the 140 dB maximum SPL means you can plant it in front of a cranked Marshall cabinet or a fortissimo brass section without flinching. It ships with a padded zippered case and a swivel adapter, ready to drop onto a stand and start capturing. For engineers who want a condenser that tells the truth about the source and stays out of the way, the BETA 27 delivers with quiet authority.

Key Features

Side-address Supercardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone with 15dB Pad Switch

Specifications

Transducer Type
Externally biased condenser
Diaphragm
1" ultra-thin 24K gold-layered Mylar
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid
Frequency Response
20 Hz – 20 kHz
Sensitivity
-37.5 dBV/Pa
Self-Noise
15 dB-A
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
78 dB
Maximum SPL
140 dB (without pad) / 155 dB (with -15 dB pad)
Pad
-15 dB switchable
Low-Frequency Filter
3-position switchable
Power Requirement
48V phantom power
Connector
XLR (gold-plated)
Weight
2.2 lbs (1.0 kg)
Dimensions
10 x 5.5 x 4 inches
Included Accessories
Padded zippered carrying bag, swivel mount adapter

Frequently Asked Questions

It requires standard 48V phantom power and draws minimal current, so any professional interface, mixer, or outboard preamp with phantom power will drive it cleanly. It will not operate on lower phantom voltages.
The supercardioid pattern has a tighter front pickup and a small rear lobe, which means you get superior side rejection but need to be aware of sources directly behind the mic. Position it so the rear lobe points away from monitors or bleed sources. The payoff is noticeably better isolation on crowded stages and in multi-mic studio setups.
Engage the pad when tracking extremely loud sources — close-miked brass, cranked guitar cabinets, or kick drum shells at high stage volumes. The BETA 27 handles 140 dB SPL without the pad, but engaging it gives you headroom to keep your preamp input clean when SPLs are consistently punishing.
It offers flat response plus two roll-off settings to tame proximity effect when close-miking or to cut low-frequency stage rumble. In a live setting, engaging the filter cleans up muddiness from floor vibration. In the studio, it can reduce the need for post-production high-pass EQ on boomy sources.
While Shure positions it as an instrument microphone, its flat frequency response and low 15 dB self-noise make it very capable on vocals — particularly for singers who want a neutral, uncolored capture. The supercardioid pattern demands good mic discipline, so vocalists who move around may prefer a cardioid alternative.