Shure BETA 87A Supercardioid Condenser Handheld Vocal Microphone
Premium quality supercardioid handheld electret condenser vocal microphone with exceptionally smooth frequency response and high sound pressure level capability
Premium quality supercardioid handheld electret condenser vocal microphone with exceptionally smooth frequency response and high sound pressure level capability
The Shure Beta 87A is a premium quality supercardioid handheld electret condenser vocal microphone with exceptionally smooth frequency response and high sound pressure level capability. Used for professional sound reinforcement, broadcasting, and studio recording applications, the Beta 87A combines superb performance with the ruggedness needed for touring and field production.
The Beta 87A features a controlled low-frequency roll-off that compensates for proximity effect and prevents the “boomy” sound often associated with close pick-up. The characteristic Shure presence rise brightens the upper midrange. The tight supercardioid pattern, with null points at approximately 125 degrees, provides maximum isolation from other vocalists or instruments while offering minimal off-axis coloration. The Beta 87A operates on phantom power.
What exactly is the Shure Beta line of microphones?
Beta is the 2nd letter in the Greek alphabet. Therefore, the Beta 87A was/is the 2nd, improved version of the SM87. The term Beta evolved into an entire line of Shure products that are a step above the Shure SM line. In general, Beta mics offer better performance than similar products in the SM line, and thus, the higher price.
Microphone comparisons at a glance:
What's the difference between an SM87 vs a Beta 87A?
The differences between an SM87A and a Beta 87A are subtle. Both mics are supercardioid, condenser microphones designed for handheld vocal applications. The Beta 87A does feature a more consistent supercardioid polar pattern, giving it a slight edge in gain-before-feedback.
What's the difference between a Beta 87A vs a Beta 87C?
These microphones look identical at first glance, but the primary difference is the pick-up pattern. The Beta 87A is a supercardioid and the Beta 87C is a cardioid. The Shure Beta 87C was introduced for performers using in-ear monitors. Performers using in-ear monitor often prefer a cardioid mic, as it sounds more "natural" with the in-ear mix.
If you use floor monitors, the Beta 87A may be a better choice as it will often provide a bit more gain before feedback than the Beta 87C. There's no right or wrong choice. The right choice is the microphone that sounds right to YOU.
Both models do require phantom power for operation.
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