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Shure SM86 Cardioid Condenser Handheld Vocal Microphone

Handheld Cardioid Condenser Microphone with 3-point Shockmount, 2-stage Pop Filter, Mic Clip, and Carrying Pouch
$189.00

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Shure SM86 Cardioid Condenser Handheld Vocal Microphone
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Studio-quality Live Vocal Microphone

Following in the footsteps of the SM58 and SM57, the Shure SM86 has everything the SM line of Shure microphones has stood for all these years — durability, quality performance, and reliability. Tailor-made for vocals, this handheld condenser brings studio quality to your live performances. It exhibits a crystal-clear sound that coats your voice in a sublime sheen, while its cardioid polar pattern ensures maximum isolation. You also get a built-in 3-point shockmount to minimize handling noise, while an integrated 2-stage pop filter stops plosives in their tracks. The SM86 includes a mic clip and carrying pouch.

Extremely rugged condenser mic for studio quality onstage

If you've spent any time in a recording studio you've probably experienced the benefits of a good condenser mic — great transients, balanced frequency response, and wide dynamic range. The Shure SM86 packs those qualities into a rugged steel case to give you condenser quality in a handheld stage mic. The phantom-powered SM86 operates on voltages ranging from 11 to 52 volts DC so it can be used even with inexpensive mixers. It also works well in studio environments, which makes it a comfortable choice for vocalists who both perform live and record.

Tailored frequency response optimized for vocals

The Shure SM86 makes a great vocal mic. Its frequency response of 50Hz–18kHz includes a presence peak in the 2–5kHz range that ensures clarity and projection for all vocal ranges. Plus, the SM86 works well with vocalists who like to work both close to the mic and up to 18 inches away, delivering a robust sound and bass response that smoothly moves from enhanced and powerful up close to smooth and even farther away. At Sweetwater, we appreciate the polish that the SM86 imparts — it’s an easy way to elevate your live vocal performances.

Internal shockmount and pop filter reduce handling noise

The SM86’s cardioid pickup pattern means it admirably rejects off-axis noise, reducing bleed from other onstage sound sources. Shure designed it with a built-in 3-point shockmount that minimizes handling noise, and a 2-stage pop filter to reduce wind and plosives. The SM86 is an excellent selection for use with both stage monitors and personal in-ear monitors.

Shure SM86 Handheld Condenser Microphone Features:

  • Condenser cartridge for studio-quality sound
  • Tailored frequency response for clear reproduction of vocals
  • Rugged construction withstands the rigors of touring sound
  • Cardioid polar pattern minimizes unwanted background noise
  • Excellent choice for stage monitors and personal in-ear monitors
  • Built-in 3-point shockmount minimizes handling noise
  • 2-stage pop filter reduces wind and breath noise
  • Includes a vinyl storage pouch and clip

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Condenser
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 50Hz-18kHz
  • Max SPL: 147dB SPL
  • Output Impedance: 150 ohms
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 71dB
  • Self Noise: 23dB
  • Color: Dark Grey
  • Power Source: 48V phantom power
  • Connector: XLR
  • Dimensions: 7.2" x 1.92"
  • Weight: 0.61 lbs.
  • Included Accessories: Stand Clamp, Microphone Pouch
  • Manufacturer Part Number: SM86

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

SM86 - A great microphone

I've had the SM86 for a little while now and I think it's a really great microphone. There sadly aren't too many great demos of it online, so it can be a bit of a black box if you're looking at buying it. Hopefully this review can help you out a bit.

For singing - I think this microphone is amazing. It's got a real nice clarity to it, while not feeling thin. It cuts through a mix and sits atop the instruments without any EQ whatsoever.

For instruments - I haven't tried it on any instruments other than the acoustic guitar, but I do quite like the way it sounds on the acoustic. Not too top heavy, while still being clear.

For voiceover - This is the only place where this microphone needs some help to sound its best and even then, it's not quite perfect. It does have a bit more self-noise than might be wanted for VO work, and sadly that can't be changed. The overall sound of it is pretty good, but probably a bit too bright for long listening times in a VO setting. With a little added low end, and a small cut to the high frequencies though, it definitely sounds much more pleasing. Though, this microphone is never advertised as a voiceover studio microphone, so I won't dock any points for that.

Hand feel - This microphone is one of my favorite feeling handheld microphones. It's quite light, but in a way that it doesn't feel cheap at all. It also sits in the hand really nicely, honestly nicer than I was expecting. I have a Beta 58A and a Sennheiser 845 and those mics feel nice to hold, but this is in a league of its own. Handling noise rejection is also pretty decent.
Rated 5/5

This is a great mic for live performance or in the recording studio ...

I have a RODE NT1 and an NT1-A ... I put them away ... This mic is all I need
Music background: I started playing and singing 55 years ago
Rated 5/5

Great Microphone for a guitar player who sometimes sings

This microphone is so sensitive that should I need to glance at the fretboard while playing guitar and singing my voice can still be heard. This really helps amateurs like me.
Music background: 60+ years of playing guitar… Poorly!
Rated 5/5

Just what I Wanted

I am a beginner guitar player and singer. Concentrating on being close to my SM58 was hard for me. The SM-86 solved that by allowing me to be up to 18 inches away. If I get anywhere in the 3 to 18 inch range the mike sound great. I am using it with a Henriksen Bud amp with 48 volts of phantom power. No feedback or noise problems, and the same quality build as the 58. No issues with plosives either. Just what I wanted and needed. If you don't want to be confined by a mike in a live setting, this mike does the trick.
Music background: Beginner, but working on it.
Rated 5/5

Great Mic!

Outstanding vocal mic. Clear, responsive, excellent tonal qualities and no feedback issues. I have two female singers and myself (male) using this mic. In my opinion the SM86 sounds about as good as a $750 mic made by another company which is a stellar mic. Highly recommended.
Music background: Gigging Drummer, Soundman
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