Redesigned. Better swivel lock, other slight cosmetic changes. Sounds the same, near as I can tell.

difference is in polar pattern, cardioid and hyper-cardioid so far as i know

I assume your questions pertains to whether which one should you use that will give you the superior sounding bass drum? 52 or 52 A?? Neither unless you already have a good sounding bass drum. Bigger is not necessarily better nor is it easier to record. Bigger sounding bass drums come from smaller sounding bass drums. But it's true.

In which case, it doesn't matter what you use. I get great bass drum sounds with SM57's SM 7, SM 5, SM 81, Crown PZM, Radio Shaft PZM, Sennheiser MD421, Audick's D6, AKG D12/D112, Electro-Voice RE20. I've used a Beta 52 & 52 A. I haven't rushed out to purchase either.

This should simplify your decision-making process shouldn't it?
Ms. Remy Ann David

Well, you're jumping to conclusions now.

It wasn't really anything to do with which sounded better or which one should I use. I already own the 52A and quite like the sound i get from it (out of my quality and petite 20" kickdrum), so i wasn't looking to upgrade/change mikes or anything.

I was really just wanting to know if they were the same mic or not.

Thanks for everyone's input.

Beta52 and Beta52a are the exact same thing.

therecordingart wrote: Beta52 and Beta52a are the exact same thing.

Correct... The only difference is with the connector and stand mount.

The same goes for the Beta56A.

The biggest reason for the change was because with the original models, it can be very difficult to fit some mic stands and XLRs into the mount at the same time. The basically moved the connections further apart.