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
$259.00 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (27)
$200.00 New
$130.00 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+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

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.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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 Melanie Martinez uses Shure Beta 87A

Melanie Martinez

Singer, Guitarist

Team Adam

...
Verified via YouTube

Melanie can be seen using this shure mic through much of the dollhouse tour including the Bowery Ballroom. This mic’s blue band and logo are clearly visible in several recordings of this show.

See how Dua Lipa uses Shure Beta 87A

Dua Lipa

Singer

Live Lounge Allstars

...
Verified via Photo

She is singing into this microphone in the photo.

See how Andrew Bird uses Shure Beta 87A

Andrew Bird

Singer, Guitarist

Squirrel Nut Zippers

...
Verified via Nikolaipucphotography

Used live as a vocal mic, as documented by photographer Nikolai Puc.

See how Paddy McAloon uses Shure Beta 87A

Paddy McAloon

Singer, Guitarist

Prefab Sprout

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Prefab Sprout: Cars and Girls at the Fleadh," Paddy McAloon is seen performing with a Shure Beta 87A condenser microphone.

See how Dimitri Giannopoulos uses Shure Beta 87A

Dimitri Giannopoulos

Singer, Guitarist

Horse Jumper of Love

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Horse Jumper of Love - 'Bagel Breath' - Live at Little Elephant," Dimitri Giannopoulos is shown using a Shure Beta 87A microphone during the performance, as documented by Little Elephant on YouTube.

See how Tracey Thorn uses Shure Beta 87A

Tracey Thorn

Singer, Guitarist

Everything But The Girl

...
Verified via YouTube

Tracey Thorn 'Oh, The Divorces!' (Live At Home Version) using a Beta 87A

See how Freya Ridings uses Shure Beta 87A

Freya Ridings

Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen 6:23 into this video

See how Positive Mental Trip uses Shure Beta 87A

Positive Mental Trip

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Luke Weiler of Positive Mental Trip is known to use the Shure Beta 87A as well as the Blue Baby Bottle on vocals when recording at Loud and Conscious Studios in Woodstock NY. “I was really blown away by the Shure Beta 87A being such a high quality condensor that you could use live but also if the producer knows how to EQ the mic it can actually be a solid studio sound as well. To me sometimes in the studio it feels good to hold a mic and sing into it rather than having to sing into a pop filter held on a stand with a shockmount and all. I was blown away by the Beta 87A sounding as good as mics you can’t hold in your hand and that cost 2 to 3 times as much and can’t be used live.”

See how Jason Whitehorn uses Shure Beta 87A

Jason Whitehorn

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Jason Whitehorn

Jason Uses Beta 87 mics during live performance

See how Bertrand Poncet uses Shure Beta 87A

Bertrand Poncet

Singer, Music Producer

Chunk! No, Captain Chunk!

...
Verified via Alias Studio

Bertrand Poncet uses a Shure Beta 87A condenser microphone in his studio, as noted on the Alias Studio website.

See how Ali Tabatabaee uses Shure Beta 87A

Ali Tabatabaee

Singer, Guitarist

Zebrahead

...
Verified via Photo

In the photo provided, Ali Tabatabaee is clearly seen using the Shure Beta 87A microphone.

See how Dean Velvet Run uses Shure Beta 87A

Dean Velvet Run

Singer, Guitarist

Keaton

...
Verified via Photo

In a live performance in Holland, Dean Velvet Run is seen using the Shure Beta 87A microphone. This mic is a staple in his setup, featured at nearly every gig.

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

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    N
    neon9

    Gear IQ 97