i think you're reading too much into it. Greek alphabet and all...

When they came out in 1989, would the term "beta-testing" have existed? Probably not outside silicon valley.

The story I heard is that Shure expected their Mk II (= Beta) improved range to replace the original (= Alpha) SM57/58.

Oh well, you don't always get everything right.

Yeah, I think this is a name that has been "overtaken by events." At least they didn't make a candy called http://en.wikipedia… Aids.

Some years ago, the UK drugstore chain Boots with great fanfare re-christened their entire mobility assistance range "Aids". The name didn't last long.

Shure also put out a line called Beta Green with budget versions of most of their SM or Beta mics (BG 3.1 was the SM58, BG4.1 was the SM81 etc.). The name didn't go over so well so they changed BG to PG, meaning Perfomance Gear, and made the numbers more familiar, like PG58 etc.

Perhaps it was because the neodymium magnets were just going into service at the time? I think it would have made more sense if they had just upgraded the model number to the " SN 58" but then how does that relate to their SM 87 now called the Beta 87 which is a condenser microphone?? I don't think a heck of a lot of thought went into this? It's like when your family has identical twins shouldn't you name them something like John 1 & John 2? How about John 1 & John 1B? So you give these two identical things different names? WTF? What sense does that make? They're both the same! I guess what really makes them different is how they function. So you give them different names because they're used in different applications. I mean sometimes twins are born, one black & one not. And they came from the same factory! Who figured that one out God only knows?

I don't have to worry I never had twins
Mx. Remy Ann David

Glad to finally gets some insight into this. I must be honest, BETA has always had a derogatory meaning to me and I can't be alone. Other than their famous 57's and 58's, I've never taken other Shure mics serious until you guys here. Thanks for the clarification.

All of you are WRONG about the name!!!
It came about when they gave Tony Da Soundman outta New Joisey a set of various Betas to test. He tried dem out wit his band Frankie and Da Gambinos and after he gave dem a whirl, asked the guys at Shure, "What, you fellas couldn't do no BETA dan dis?"

ROTF

Could be worse. How about a software company called http://www.betabugs… Beta Bugs?

I love it! DAT's DAW only Wave day were Pastably a bull to deliver in the same form factor? Know?

I am a no it all
Mx. Remy Ann David