Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $235
Standard/Professional
$100
$401+
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Budget
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Shure SM87A". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.
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Description
The Shure SM87A is a professional-grade condenser microphone designed to capture every nuance of your performance with precision and clarity. Ideal for both studio recording and live performances, this microphone features a supercardioid polar pattern that excels at isolating the intended sound source while minimizing background noise. Whether you're recording vocals, acoustic instruments, or broadcasting, the SM87A delivers exceptional audio fidelity.
Built with a rugged construction, the SM87A is ready to withstand the rigors of touring and frequent use. Its tailored frequency response ensures that your audio is both natural and vibrant, capturing the subtleties of your voice or instrument with remarkable accuracy. The integrated three-stage pop filter reduces unwanted pop and breath noise, making it an excellent choice for vocals in any setting.
The SM87A is compatible with all Shure handheld transmitters, except the BLX and GLX-D series, providing versatility for various setups. With its balanced sound and robust build, the Shure SM87A is a reliable choice for musicians, podcasters, and audio engineers seeking professional-quality recordings.
Key Features:
- Supercardioid polar pattern for superior isolation and feedback rejection
- Tailored frequency response for a natural sound
- Rugged construction designed for professional use
- Integrated three-stage pop filter to reduce breath and pop noise
- Compatible with all Shure handheld transmitters (except BLX and GLX-D series)
Product specs
| Available since | October 2004 |
| Capsule type | Condenser |
| Directional characteristic | Supercardioid |
| Colour | Black |
| Compatible with | Shure |
FAQs
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What type of polar pattern does the Shure SM87A have?
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The Shure SM87A features a supercardioid polar pattern, which provides excellent off-axis rejection and is ideal for reducing background noise and feedback in live performance settings.
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Is the Shure SM87A suitable for live vocal performances?
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Yes, the Shure SM87A is designed for live vocal performances, offering a smooth frequency response and high sound pressure level capability, making it ideal for lead or backing vocals on stage.
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How does the Shure SM87A handle high sound pressure levels?
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The Shure SM87A is capable of handling high sound pressure levels, making it suitable for capturing dynamic and powerful vocal performances without distortion.
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What is the primary application of the Shure SM87A microphone?
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The Shure SM87A is primarily used for vocal applications, both live and in studio settings, due to its condenser capsule and supercardioid pattern that enhance vocal clarity and presence.
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Does the Shure SM87A require phantom power?
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Yes, as a condenser microphone, the Shure SM87A requires phantom power to operate, which is commonly supplied by most audio interfaces and mixers.
Videos
Ryen Lee
[Review]Shure Sm87A Vocal Microphone Musical Instruments
![Video thumbnail for [Review]Shure Sm87A Vocal Microphone Musical Instruments by Ryen Lee](https://img.youtube.com/vi/NTdL0cgfVh8/mqdefault.jpg)
[Review]Shure Sm87A Vocal Microphone Musical Instruments
Ryen Lee
Shure SM87a Product Unboxing.
Taylor Sound and Video
Reviews
PROS
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Clear and low-noise audio ideal for professional use
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Supercardioid pattern effectively rejects unwanted sound sources
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Integral three-stage wind and pop filter reduces wind and breath noise
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Built-in shock mount minimizes stand and handling noise
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Rugged construction ensures reliability in various conditions
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Performs consistently well for vocal applications
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Accepts a wide range of phantom power sources
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Maintains clarity even at increased distances from the sound source
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Highly directional, suitable for noisy or reverberant environments
CONS
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Slight noise persists in complete silence
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Search for the perfect capsule may continue for some users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure SM87A.
Features and functionality
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The Shure SM87A has a significant proximity effect, enhancing bass frequencies when the source is less than a foot away.
Source -
Its supercardioid pickup pattern demands precise mic positioning directly in front of the source to maintain consistent sound quality.
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The Shure SM87A requires phantom power, and a Cloudlifter will not work with it since both need phantom power simultaneously.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Ideal for professional settings where performers have good mic technique, particularly in environments requiring tight feedback control like comedy shows.
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Owners note that the SM87A demands higher gain levels, making it better suited for environments where increased input gain is not an issue.
Source
User experience
Setup and maintenance
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Users find that turning the gain knob on Scarlett interfaces to around 7/8 or near max is necessary for optimal performance with the SM87A mic.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
Product info
The Shure SM87A microphone is a professional-quality, handheld condenser microphone for use in sound reinforcement, broadcasting, and studio recording installations. Its supercardioid polar pattern provides greater rejection of unwanted sound sources, making it ideal for miking individual instruments in a multi-microphone setting or for miking single sources in a reverberant or noisy environment. An integral three-stage wind and pop filter protects against wind and breath noise. Its built-in shock mount reduces stand and handling noise.
Features Highly directional supercardioid pickup pattern Controlled low-frequency roll-off Very low RF and magnetic hum susceptibility Minimally affected by varying load impedance Built-in wind and pop filter Transducer element shock mounted Rugged construction for outstanding reliability Field-usable over a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions Accepts a wide variety of phantom power sources, including DIN 45 596 voltages of 11 and 52 Vdc
Artist usage
Add artist
Gotoh regularly uses the SM87a at almost all live concerts. The mic is visible at 3:05 in the video.
Nuno Mindelis includes the Shure SM87A condenser microphone in his equipment list, as detailed in his official rider document found on his website.
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 SM87A, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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