Pricing and availability
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Price
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
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What is the primary use of the Shure SM86 microphone?
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The Shure SM86 is designed primarily for professional live vocal performances, offering studio-quality sound with its condenser capsule and rugged construction for touring.
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How does the Shure SM86 handle background noise?
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The SM86 features a cardioid polar pattern that minimizes unwanted background noise, making it ideal for live performances where ambient sound control is crucial.
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Is the Shure SM86 suitable for use with stage monitors?
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Yes, the Shure SM86 works excellently with both stage monitors and in-ear personal monitors, providing clear vocal reproduction without feedback issues.
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What measures does the Shure SM86 have to reduce handling noise?
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The Shure SM86 includes a built-in 3-point shockmount that minimizes handling noise, ensuring clean audio capture even during dynamic performances.
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How does the Shure SM86 manage wind and breath noise?
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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.
Videos
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Shure SM86 vs Shure SM58
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure SM86.
Comparisons
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Some users find the SM86 to outperform the Beta 58s for vocals, offering a smoother response without the harshness associated with the Beta series.
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Use cases and applications
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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.
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The SM86 excels in delivering clear, detailed vocals in large venues but may be prone to feedback in smaller spaces.
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Features and functionality
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The SM86's cardioid pattern offers superior off-axis sound rejection, making it a viable choice for live settings where feedback control is crucial.
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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.
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User experience
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One enthusiast reported using four SM86s as their primary choice for vocal mics, highlighting its reliability and performance in live situations.
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Setup and maintenance
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The outermost ring on the SM86 head is the ground contact, crucial for those modifying the mic to a wired setup.
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Mods and upgrades
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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.
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Critic Reviews
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Artist usage
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