Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (78)
$289.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (39)
$289.00
Amazon
4.5 (462)
$289.00 New
$277.77 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (27)
$200.00 New
$129.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (68)
$289.00
B&H
4.5 (13)
$289.00
Thomann
4.8 (11)
$241.00

Average Price: $252

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

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High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Shure Beta 87A". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Shure Beta 87A Condenser Vocal Microphone is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of professional audio recording and sound reinforcement. This meticulously crafted piece of audio technology offers an unparalleled listening experience, meticulously designed to capture every nuance of the human voice. Its high precision, attention to detail, and natural vocal reproduction make it a top choice for artists and sound engineers worldwide.

The Beta 87A is a high-quality, permanently polarized condenser microphone with supercardioid characteristics for vocal pickup. Notably, it boasts an exceptionally linear transmission range and impressive sound pressure resistance. This microphone is the embodiment of robustness and top-tier sound quality, ensuring it performs at its best even in rigorous tour and outdoor productions.

The Beta 87A also features a bass roll-off that counters the proximity effect, averting the infamous boom during close-ups. Its supercardioid pattern guarantees maximum isolation from other sound sources, permitting minimal off-axis sound colouration. The iconic Shure presence heightens the upper mid-range, capturing the crispness and clarity of your voice. In sum, the Shure Beta 87A is one of the toughest, most reliable, and highest quality condenser vocal microphones in the world.

Key Features:

  • Supercardioid polar pattern for vocal pickup
  • Linear transmission range for precise, authentic song and speech transmission
  • Exceptional supercardioid characteristic across the entire frequency range for maximum feedback resistance at high amplification
  • Built-in, three-layer wind protection minimizes pop and breathing noises
  • Operates with phantom power
  • Frequency range: 50 Hz - 20 kHz
  • Output impedance: 100 ohms
  • Idle sensitivity: -54 dBV / Pa (2 mV)
  • Maximum sound pressure level (at 1 kHz; 1 k + load; 0.25% distortion factor): 140.5 dB SPL
  • Inherent self-noise (equivalent sound pressure): 23.5 dB (A)
  • Power supply: 11 to 52 V
  • Current consumption: max. 1.2 mA
  • Includes microphone clip and storage bag

Owner's manual

Shure Beta 87A User Manual

Product specs

Microphone Type Condenser
Polar Pattern Supercardioid
Frequency Response 50Hz-20kHz
Max SPL 140.5dB
Output Impedance 150 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio 70.5dB
Self Noise 23.5dB (A weighted)
Connector XLR
Weight 0.48 lbs.
Included Accessories Mic Clip, Carrying Pouch

FAQs

What is the polar pattern of the Shure Beta 87A microphone?

The Shure Beta 87A features a supercardioid polar pattern, which provides excellent isolation from ambient noise and reduces feedback, making it ideal for live vocal performances.

Does the Shure Beta 87A require phantom power?

Yes, the Shure Beta 87A requires phantom power to operate, performing best with a 48 Vdc supply, though it will function with supplies as low as 11 Vdc.

Is the Shure Beta 87A suitable for studio recording?

The Shure Beta 87A is well-suited for both live performances and studio recording, offering a smooth frequency response and high sound pressure level capability for professional vocal applications.

What kind of connector does the Shure Beta 87A use?

The Shure Beta 87A uses an XLR connector, which is standard for professional audio equipment, ensuring a secure and high-quality connection.

How does the Shure Beta 87A handle high sound pressure levels?

The Shure Beta 87A can handle a maximum sound pressure level of 140.5dB, making it capable of capturing loud vocal performances without distortion.

Podcastage

Podcastage

Shure Beta 87a Condenser Mic Review / Test

Video thumbnail for Shure Beta 87a Condenser Mic Review / Test by Podcastage

Shure Beta 87a Condenser Mic Review / Test

Podcastage

Podcastage

Video thumbnail for Shure Beta 87A Handheld Condenser Microphone Review / Test by Audio Hotline

Shure Beta 87A Handheld Condenser Microphone Review / Test

Audio Hotline

Audio Hotline

Video thumbnail for Shure Beta 87A Supercardioid Condenser Mic by Musician's Friend

Shure Beta 87A Supercardioid Condenser Mic

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Reviews

PROS

  • Superior clarity and response compared to SM58/57

  • Impressive gain before feedback, ideal for live settings

  • Tight pattern minimizes instrument bleed

  • Bright and crisp sound enhances vocal quality

  • Larger usable distance, forgiving for beginners

  • Smooth proximity effect, enjoyable to use

  • Detailed, warm, and clear sound for recordings

  • Full and warm sound projection

  • Versatile for both studio recording and live performances

  • Complements a wide range of vocal types, especially baritone

CONS

  • Requires phantom power to operate

  • Less effective background noise suppression compared to dynamic mics

  • Built-in low pass filter not adjustable

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure Beta 87A.

Use cases and applications

  • The Shure Beta 87A is favored for soft, breathy vocals and public speaking, but less so for rock vocals or high SPL environments.

    Source
  • The Beta 87A is optimized for live use with strong off-axis rejection, making it less suitable for untreated studio environments due to its unforgiving nature on positioning.

    Source
  • It's noted that the Beta 87A is not ideal for non-technical users recording remotely due to its sensitivity to positioning and ambient noise.

    Source
  • SLXD systems with automatic channel scanning are recommended for larger cities to prevent interference with local broadcasts.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Its supercardioid pattern requires staying close to the mic to prevent thinning out, and careful wedge placement is necessary due to feedback sensitivity.

    Source
  • The internal shock mount design is highlighted as a neat feature, contributing to its sound isolation and handling noise reduction.

    Source
  • The Beta 87A's supercardioid pattern can pick up more noise directly behind the mic, which is a consideration if recording near a noise source like a computer.

    Source
  • Shure SLXD24-B87A digital wireless handheld system integrates the Beta 87A capsule, preferred for converting to wireless without aesthetic compromises.

    Source
  • The SLXD3 plug-on transmitter can be paired with any handheld mic, requiring separate purchase of the SLXD4 receiver for full wireless setup.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners dislike the high frequency response, describing it as having an "ice pick" effect, particularly in rock mixes, yet others find it excellent for jazz vocals.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users often prefer the Shure SM86 or KSM9 for rock vocals, citing better handling of sibilance and high frequencies compared to the Beta 87A.

    Source
  • The RE20 is recommended over the Beta 87A for voiceovers, offering a larger sweet spot and better proximity effect handling compared to the Beta 87A.

    Source
  • In voiceovers, the Beta 87A faces tough competition from the SM7B and RE20, which are praised for their ambient noise rejection and flexibility in positioning.

    Source
  • SLXD systems are often rented by Long & McQuade stores in Canada, typically with an SM58 capsule rather than a Beta 87A.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Shure offers a Frequency Finder tool to help select appropriate frequency ranges based on location, crucial for avoiding interference in wireless setups.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 21 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
tom_pahl

Incredibly clear

I loved my Beta 58 and had to try this mic! Definitely not disappointed with this mic, so clear and it cuts through well with any mix! Need to use it more and test it out more.

bendeguz_rendes

Not just on stage

Mosty im using it for record vocals but works well with acoustic guitar For me its like an sm58 combinet with an expensive condenser mic. In the world of listening music in phone you don't need better than this!

jeffersonweber

SHURE BETA 87A

Best VocalMic for my voice I've found. Very Full Sound. Compliments my baritone vocals.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thom Yorke uses Shure Beta 87A

Thom Yorke

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Thom can be seen using Shure Beta 87A microphone.

See how PJ Harvey uses Shure Beta 87A

PJ Harvey

Keyboardist, Harpist

The Desert Sessions

...
Verified via YouTube

PJ Harvey used this microphone for a large part of her 1998 tour. It can be seen in the above video.

See how Ben Howard uses Shure Beta 87A

Ben Howard

Guitarist, Singer

A Blaze of Feather

...
Verified via Photo

Ben can be seen in this image singing through a Shure 87A condenser microphone.

See how Phil Collins uses Shure Beta 87A

Phil Collins

Singer, Drummer

Genesis

...
Verified via Photo

Screenshot from "Finally" DVD

See how Paul Weller uses Shure Beta 87A

Paul Weller

Keyboardist, Composer

The Style Council

...
Verified via YouTube

Paul Weller - Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City Using a Shure Beta 87A vocal mic

See how Jónsi uses Shure Beta 87A

Jónsi

Singer, Guitarist

Sigur Rós

...
Verified via Facebook

Seen live at Bristol Summer Series

See how Maynard James Keenan uses Shure Beta 87A

Maynard James Keenan

Singer, Music Producer

Tool

...
Verified via Toolnavy

Maynard James Keenan uses the Shure Beta 87A microphone during performances with A Perfect Circle at large venues, as discussed in various videos and threads on Toolnavy.

See how Elvis Costello uses Shure Beta 87A

Elvis Costello

Singer, Guitarist

Elvis Costello & The Imposters

...
Verified via YouTube

David Letterman Late Show Minute 29:38 Both Elvis and Debra Harry are using Shure Beta 87A mics.

See how Halsey uses Shure Beta 87A

Halsey

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Halsey at triple j covering Justin Bieber 'Love Yourself' for Like A Version and also singing 'Hold Me Down', recorded in Feb 4, 2016 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1pUqmaPsFA

See how David Paich uses Shure Beta 87A

David Paich

Singer, Keyboardist

Toto

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video David can be seen using the Beta 87 during the first Toto performance of the song Africa in Africa.

See how Chris Isaak uses Shure Beta 87A

Chris Isaak

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the MTV Unplugged performance of "Wicked Game," Chris Isaak uses a Shure Beta 87A microphone.

See how "Weird Al" Yankovic uses Shure Beta 87A

"Weird Al" Yankovic

Singer, Keyboardist

"Weird Al" Yankovic

...
Verified via YouTube

Weird Al uses an older version of the Beta87A supercardioid condenser mic in this performance in San Rafael, CA.

Album Usage

The Shure Beta 87A has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Shure Beta 87A, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Shure Condenser Microphones

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