Gearank

Gearank High Notes

• 2022.08: Highest Rated Handheld Mic from $200 to $300
• 2021.04: Highest Rated Handheld Mic from $200 to $300
• 2020.04: Highest Rated Handheld Mic from $200 to $500
• 2018.11: Highest Rated Handheld Mic Under $300
• 2018.10: Equal Highest Rated Condenser Mic Under $200
  Tied With:
  AKG P220
  Audio-Technica AT2035
  Blue enCORE 300
  Shure SM86
  

Gearank Recommended

The Beta 87A first appeared on our recommended list for Live Vocal Mics from March 2016 until August 2017 when it was removed because it had been out-ranked by other mics.

Then in November 2018 it had high enough ratings to go back on the list where it remains today.

We also recommended it in our guide to Condenser Microphones from October 2018 until March 2020.

Overview

8th season American Idol winner Kris Allen is just one of the many artists who trust the Shure Beta 87A condenser mic for their live performance - and rightly so given its stage friendly features.

The Shure Beta 87A has a built-in pop filter and a low-frequency roll-off that reduces the proximity effect so you can get your lips up close to this mic.

Although not well suited to hard rock singers and rappers who like to cup the mic, it is very well liked by most other types of singers.

Specifications

• Type: Electret Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
• Frequency Response: 50Hz to 20kHz
• Impedance: 150 Ohms
• Maximum SPL: 140.5 dB
• Applications: Live and recorded vocals and even live broadcasting
• Power Requirements: 11v to 52v phantom power

Shure Beta 87A Frequency Response Chart:

Shure Beta 87A Polar Pattern Chart:

Demo