Shure Beta 87A Handheld Supercardioid Electret Condenser Mic

GEARANK

95 out of 100. Incorporating 1050+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: $259.00

Manufacturer: Shure

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User Guide

Warranty (2 Years)

Shure Beta 87A Handheld Supercardioid Electret Condenser Mic

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.

See our Current Recommendation

Rating Source Highlights
Website	Source	*Rating Value
Audiofanzine	JimboSpins	100/100
Gearspace	bigmoods	85/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Overview

The Shure Beta 87A is a condenser mic that’s built for the stage, with its comfortable handheld profile, quiet operation and noise reduction feature.

Right off the bat, this mic comes with a super cardioid polar pattern that better rejects stage / background noise. In conjunction with its built-in low frequency roll-off feature and pop filter, the Shure Beta 87A also does away with problems like proximity and plosives.

While it’s a common assumption to expect condenser mics not to be as reliable as dynamic mics, the Beta 87A is reliable enough to be used by many popular singers and sound engineers. In fact this is often one of the first condensers many bands add to their mic kit when they want to get more sparkle on the high end than the SM58 produces.

A word of warning; although many people get this as a step up from the SM58, you may have to make some technique adjustments because if you cup the mic, like rappers and heavy singers sometimes do, instead of getting a pronounced proximity effect you’re more likely to cause feedback.

Some say you can’t buy peace of mind, but the Shure Beta 87A comes quite close to it. Get it if you’re curious about the condenser mic sound but don’t want to stray too far from the Shure house sound.