Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (33)
$209.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (7)
$209.00
Amazon
4.3 (198)
$209.00 New
$200.00 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (6)
$181.73 New
$95.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (32)
$209.00
zZounds
5.0 (3)
$209.00
B&H
5.0 (4)
$209.00
Thomann
4.7 (169)
$175.00

Average Price: $190

Budget/Beginner

$299

$700+

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Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Shure SM86". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Shure SM86 is not your average microphone; it's a cardioid condenser marvel designed for artists who demand clarity and durability onstage. This mic is engineered to capture every nuance of your performance, delivering a pristine sound that cuts through the mix. Built with the touring musician in mind, the SM86 boasts a rugged construction that can withstand the rigors of the road, ensuring it remains your trusty sidekick gig after gig.

Its three-point shock mount and two-stage pop filter work in harmony to reduce handling noise and plosive sounds, so your vocals remain the star of the show. Whether you're belting out ballads or shredding through rock anthems, the SM86 lets your voice shine, making it a perfect companion for live vocal performances.

With its exceptional noise isolation and clarity, this microphone seamlessly bridges the gap between studio-quality sound and the demands of live performance. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting out, the Shure SM86 offers reliability and precision that elevates any gig.

Key Features:

  • Cardioid condenser microphone for live vocals
  • Rugged construction ideal for touring
  • Three-point shock mount for reduced handling noise
  • Two-stage pop filter minimizes plosives
  • Excellent noise isolation for clear sound quality

Product specs

Brand Shure
Model SM86
Finish Black
Year 2001 - 2025
Made In Mexico
Categories Microphones
Electronics Analog, Digital, Solid State
Microphone Type Small-Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What is the primary use of the Shure SM86 microphone?

The Shure SM86 is designed primarily for professional live vocal performances, offering studio-quality sound with its condenser capsule and rugged construction for touring.

How does the Shure SM86 handle background noise?

The SM86 features a cardioid polar pattern that minimizes unwanted background noise, making it ideal for live performances where ambient sound control is crucial.

Is the Shure SM86 suitable for use with stage monitors?

Yes, the Shure SM86 works excellently with both stage monitors and in-ear personal monitors, providing clear vocal reproduction without feedback issues.

What measures does the Shure SM86 have to reduce handling noise?

The Shure SM86 includes a built-in 3-point shockmount that minimizes handling noise, ensuring clean audio capture even during dynamic performances.

How does the Shure SM86 manage wind and breath noise?

The SM86 is equipped with a 2-stage filter that effectively reduces wind and breath pop noise, making it suitable for outdoor and close-miking applications.

GLB Productions

GLB Productions

Shure SM86 vs Shure SM58

Video thumbnail for Shure SM86 vs Shure SM58 by GLB Productions

Shure SM86 vs Shure SM58

GLB Productions

GLB Productions

Video thumbnail for Shure Handheld Vocal Mics Compared: SM58 vs. Beta 58A vs. Beta 87A vs. SM86 by Sweetwater

Shure Handheld Vocal Mics Compared: SM58 vs. Beta 58A vs. Beta 87A vs. SM86

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Best Live Condenser Mics Under £200! - Shure SM86, Audio Technica AT2010 & Sennheiser E865 by Andertons Music Tech Dept.

Best Live Condenser Mics Under £200! - Shure SM86, Audio Technica AT2010 & Sennheiser E865

Andertons Music Tech Dept.

Andertons Music Tech Dept.

Video thumbnail for Shure SM86 Handheld Condenser Microphone Review by Audio Hotline

Shure SM86 Handheld Condenser Microphone Review

Audio Hotline

Audio Hotline

Video thumbnail for [Review]Shure SM86 is a Condenser Microphone In The Legendary SM Line Of Microphones by Ryen Lee

[Review]Shure SM86 is a Condenser Microphone In The Legendary SM Line Of Microphones

Ryen Lee

Ryen Lee

Video thumbnail for Shure SM58 vs SM86 Microphone by John Daniels

Shure SM58 vs SM86 Microphone

John Daniels

John Daniels

Video thumbnail for Shure SM86 Demo by TheFreedomofLiving

Shure SM86 Demo

TheFreedomofLiving

TheFreedomofLiving

Video thumbnail for Shure SM86 vs. SM58 vs U87i: Why the SM86 might be the perfect choice for you! by Barry Watson

Shure SM86 vs. SM58 vs U87i: Why the SM86 might be the perfect choice for you!

Barry Watson

Barry Watson

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure SM86.

Comparisons

  • Some users find the SM86 to outperform the Beta 58s for vocals, offering a smoother response without the harshness associated with the Beta series.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The SM86 is praised for its versatility, not just for vocals, but also as a makeshift solution for kick drums, particularly the resonant head, in low-impact playing scenarios.

    Source
  • The SM86 excels in delivering clear, detailed vocals in large venues but may be prone to feedback in smaller spaces.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The SM86's cardioid pattern offers superior off-axis sound rejection, making it a viable choice for live settings where feedback control is crucial.

    Source
  • On Shure wireless heads, the center contact is for audio output, and the middle ring is for DC bias voltage input, essential for condenser mics.

    Source

User experience

  • One enthusiast reported using four SM86s as their primary choice for vocal mics, highlighting its reliability and performance in live situations.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The outermost ring on the SM86 head is the ground contact, crucial for those modifying the mic to a wired setup.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners looking to convert the SM86 to wired use can consider the VPH, which allows any Shure wireless mic head to function as a wired mic.

    Source

Other

  • The exact DC bias voltage and current draw for the SM86 head are unspecified, but Shure's Service department may have this technical information.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Shure SM86 Microphone Review | SoundGale

soundgale.com

The Shure SM86 impresses with its versatility, offering a durable build and solid sound quality that’s ideal for both studio and live settings. Its handheld condenser design, while unique, demands phantom power, which might be a hurdle for some. With a small 10mm diaphragm, it leans towards being an electret rather than a full condenser mic, yet it delivers reliable vocal reproduction with a notable emphasis on upper frequencies. Despite its age showing against more modern competitors, it remains a balanced and cost-effective choice, especially on the second-hand market. However, for those seeking the latest advancements, exploring newer models might be worthwhile.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Charlie Puth uses Shure SM86

Charlie Puth

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Charlie Puth uses the Shure SM86 wireless microphone for his live performances, as shown in the user-uploaded image from Shure.

Genre Usage

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

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