OT - whats the difference between the Beta 57/57a?

[shutupandshave]

I am trying to find a comparison on the net between the beta 57 and the beta 57a without much luck.
Can anyone enlighten me what the realistic difference is between these two mics when recording instruments, or link me to something that explains that as I am pretty stumped.
Someone has just offered me a few beta 57's for, what I think is a good price, and I may get them (although they're about 15 dollars more) than the 57's I was planning on getting for my homestudio project.


Cheers

[Bazzle]

I was checking out Shure mics yesterday on there site maybe this link will help. Beta 57a

[where02190]

the Beta 56 ws the first version 57 in the beta ine. It has a solid steel grill, you can use the thing to drive nails. It has a rather brittle sounding upper mid, around 2.5k, and it wasn't very popular, except for snare drum, cuz you could shack the hell out of it and not damage it. they make excellent podium mics.

The Beta 57A has a higher output, smoother Fqq response, and is an excellent vocal or instrument mic. The Beta 56 is essentially the same mic with a different mount. the Beta 57A, Beta56, Beta58A and Beta52 all use the same element. the difference in housings determine the frequency response.

If I had to choose between the Beta 57 and the Beta57A, hadns down I'd go with the A version.

[shutupandshave]

So I may as well spend the extra money and get the beta 57a instead of the 57...?