Shure Beta 91A — Half-Cardioid Condenser Kick Drum Microphone

The Shure Beta 91A is a half-cardioid condenser microphone designed specifically for kick drums, pianos, and other low-frequency instruments where the mic needs to sit inside or against the source rather than on a stand. The flat boundary-mic design lays inside the kick drum on its pillow, eliminating the need for a separate stand and shock mount inside the drum.

Why the Beta 91A defines modern kick drum sound: Used on more recorded kick drum tracks than any other microphone since the 1990s. The boundary design captures the kick drum's beater attack with extreme clarity and tight low end — the modern "clicky punch" sound producers want, without the muddy resonance traditional kick mics pick up from the shell. Combined with a Beta 52A outside the drum, it's the standard 2-mic kick recording setup.

Specifications:

• Polar pattern: half-cardioid (upper hemisphere only)
• Element: condenser (back-electret)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz with shaped low-end boost and presence peak
• Maximum SPL: 155 dB — will not distort even at the highest kick drum levels
• Built-in 2-position contour switch (presence boost on/off)
• Phantom power required (48V)
• Flat boundary form factor with internal capsule
• Heavy zinc-die-cast housing with steel grille

Also used for: Grand piano (inside, on the harp), cajon, congas, kalimba, and any source where placement directly inside or against the instrument is preferred. Versatile for the right tone in the right placement.

Ideal for: Recording studios tracking drums, live sound engineers in venues with serious kick drum requirements, churches and theaters with full bands, and AV integrators specifying premium drum mic packages.