Shure Beta 87A Supercardioid Condenser Mic
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Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Good audio (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio (3)
- Performances (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Professional musician (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
What a fantastic upgrade!
I recently upgraded all my vocal mics to the Beta 87A. What a noticable and tremendous difference. I have used Shure SM58s and Beta 58s, EV ND series mics, Audio-Technica mics and Audix ...Read complete review
I recently upgraded all my vocal mics to the Beta 87A. What a noticable and tremendous difference. I have used Shure SM58s and Beta 58s, EV ND series mics, Audio-Technica mics and Audix OM series mics. The Beta 87A is just soooo noticably better than anything else I have ever used. Of course it costs more, but if you are a vocalist, you owe it to yourself to have your own hig-end microphone to use.The Beta 87A wins on several fronts: It is generally louder than its dynamic bretheren, so that is a good thing for the performing vocalist. It has a super cardioid pattern, so it rejects feedback better, and thus sound engineers can push it more in the monitor mix--awesome! It is a high quality condenser, and in this particular case it translates into better annunciation and reproduction from a vocalist. When singing through the Beta 87A versus a typical dynamic mic (like the Shure SM 58) I feel like I do not need to push as hard or work as much to sound intelligibly. The first time I used these mics was the first time I ever thought the vocals through the stage monitors were actually too loud! What a joy it was to actually ask to have the vocals lowered in the mix. That NEVER happens.The only reservation I had when purchasing the three mics I picked up is the fact that the Beta 87A is a condenser and therefore requires phantom power. But the more I considered it, the more I had to recognize that every PA system I ever worked with or performed through had phantom power for condenser microphones, so it is not an issue. Now when I walk into someplace to perform, I will have my own vocal mic, just like I have my own guitar and amp.Are the Beta 87A mics more delicate than dynamic mics? They are supposed to be very sturdy, but I must admit that I have no intention of slamming my $250.00 microphones around anymore than I plan to kick over my $1500.00 Marshall amp or bang around my 1970s Les Paul. This is a pro mic, and I plan to treat it that way.The only mics above the quality of the Beta 87A that I could find are the new Shure KSM 9 and the Neumann KMS 104. Those cost more than twice as much. I could not justify the expense.Happy hunting and I hope this helps someone decided what to purchase. If you have been working with dynamic mics for years like I have, you will find the Beta 87A a real pleasure to sing through.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
I expected better
After reading mostly fabulous reviews, I bought this mic. Wow, what is all the hype? I run a sound company and use a wide assortment of mics and being old school I find ...Read complete review
After reading mostly fabulous reviews, I bought this mic. Wow, what is all the hype? I run a sound company and use a wide assortment of mics and being old school I find today there are far better choices than Shure. Most of the sm57s and 58s I've sold. If you want a round warm sound with strong feedback control. Get the Sennheiser e945 or 935. Even the 835 and 845s give the shure 87a a run for its money at less than half the cost. Also the cad d189 and 195 are better choices. I simply expected a warmer creamer sound from this mic and it didn't deliver.
Reviews
Reviewed by 54 customers
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Pros
- Clear Sound
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Shure Beta 87A Supercardioid Condenser Mic:
This mic is just great. It's like singing with no mic, it sounds as your real natural voice. This mic is just excellent, I love it. I am using it to perform live and also to record.
I am also a lead guitar and I could concentrate more on my playing because I could be away from the mic when I sing.
Pros
- Clear Sound
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Shure Beta 87A Supercardioid Condenser Mic:
I have used many mics in my 40 years of pro playing. After trying many mics over the years I always reverted back to my original trusty Shure SM 58 that never let me down. I have several SM 58's including the first one I bought in 1974 and even with years of hard road use it still works great (I have replaced the ball/grill at least 3-4 times)so I have nothing but praise for the SM 58. I had the opportunity about a year ago to get a pair of Shure 87A mics from a friend who was getting out of the business and selling his entire (large) PA system. I had the chance to buy 6 of them at an extremely low bargain price and wish I had taken all of them.
The first night my partner and I plugged in the two 87a mics (the in place of our SM 58) we were amazed. I had the 58s standing by for a quick swap if needed but after two songs we both looked at each other with very positve nods. The difference in the upper mids was dramatic. The 87A was so much clearer than the 58. There was also a real difference in how the 87A worked with our in line vocal harmonizers. We use two Digitech Vocal harmonizers that we plug the mics directly into and then out to the PA mixer (Mackie). The 87A mics picked up and delivered a much more detailed and clearer vocal to the harmonizer thus making the vocals cut thru much better and gave the digitally created harmonies a much cleaner and more realistic sound overall.
We are extremely pleased in every way with the Shure 87A mics. If the 87A's went missing today I would order another pair immediately (or as soon as I could afford it).
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Shure Beta 87A Supercardioid Condenser Mic:
Sweet mic! I love the beta 87 for live shows. Lets me cut through the mix.
Comments about Shure Beta 87A Supercardioid Condenser Mic:
I have purchased from this company more than one tome and will do so again.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about Shure Beta 87A Supercardioid Condenser Mic:
This is a great vocal microphone. I've used it quite a bit with great results. However, some voices do not resonate on this mic, because the super-cardioid pattern makes it pickier. (The voice might sound clear, but not full.) I think the Beta 87C would be a better choice if you're looking for a versatile vocal mic.
If you're looking to buy a mic for a specific voice, TRY IT OUT FIRST! I highly recommend finding a mic you can borrow for a gig or two. Reviews cannot fully describe the pros and cons of higher-end mics, especially on vocal mics.
Comments about Shure Beta 87A Supercardioid Condenser Mic:
I have been performing since I had my first garage band in the mid 60's. I have worked consistantly since then both full time (on and off) and part time. I own a pretty decent home studio with several pro grade condenser mics and and enough PA gear to put together several quality systems.
I have been faithful to Shure SM-58 mics since I bought my first one in the mid 70's. I have no complaints about them. I own four SM 58's and even my original still works and sounds great after being abused on the road for for about 33 years. About 4 months ago a fellow musician told me a good friend of his had passed way and left some gear that he was trying to cell for the guys wife. Amoung the amps and mixers were two Beta 87A mics. I remember hearing some positive remarks about these mics so I made an offer and bought them (at the time I really didn't know what they cost or even if I really wanted them so I got them cheap). The very next night I used them with my partner in a fairly large club we reguarly play in. When setting up the mics in the PA I plugged them into the mixer and left the volumes at the same levels I use for the SM 58's. When I went to test them (testing 1-2-3........) the volume was amazing. This mic was so much louder, clearer and warmer than my trusty SM 58's that I was amazed.
When my partner arrived I explained how I got these mics and I said lets's try them. I kept the SM 58's next to the mixer just in case we had to switch back to them quickly. After two songs, my partner and I looked each other smiling giving these mics a big thumbs up. I put my SM 58's back in the mic case and just carry them now as backups.
One reviewer on another site said that the clarity and sound quality of the Beta 87A actually caused him to change the way he sings and made him a better singer. I agree. This mic allows you to use more dynamics in your singing. The quieter parts don't get lost or muddy. This mic is highly responsive and gets very loud long before it feeds back.If you can rent or borrow one of these Beta 87's, you will definately buy one. Try it and see.
No great features. just great sound.
The best mic I have ever used.
OK it's on the expensive side for a PA mic but once you have it you won't care about the extra money.
Comments about Shure Beta 87A Supercardioid Condenser Mic:
10
I think for the money you are getting a quality mic. Ive used a lot of mics and love this mic it always sounds good. Its not a Neumann in the studio everyone uses its a live mic meant to be used in gigs not the studio. So if you banging on this mic at that price look out there, there is nothing better. Its a solid dependable great mic that can be gig night after night and won't let you down. This mic is plenty warm and very smooth. If you can sing like Halford or Dio and hit those note you better spend a lot more money than what your getting here. For us earthlings this is a great mic !
Comments about Shure Beta 87A Supercardioid Condenser Mic:
Everyone is different , and every day is different. I like how I can get up on this mic without fear. I was told after the fact that its a good mic for in ear users. I like how the low end is supportive and not woofy. It sounds better than my 58.
Comments about Shure Beta 87A Supercardioid Condenser Mic:
This is a great mic, it does exactly what it should, which is create a really accurate and spacious reproduction of the sound you put into it. People who are banging on this mic have unrealistic expectations..it will not sound like a 58 or like Neumann studio condensor...but just like a nice preamp gives space in the mix, this mic gives clarity and room. It's subtle, but it makes a big difference. Folks...you wouldn't expect a strat to sound like a les paul...if you don't like this mic it doesn't mean it's not quality...
Comments about Shure Beta 87A Supercardioid Condenser Mic:
After reading mostly fabulous reviews, I bought this mic. Wow, what is all the hype? I run a sound company and use a wide assortment of mics and being old school I find today there are far better choices than Shure. Most of the sm57s and 58s I've sold. If you want a round warm sound with strong feedback control. Get the Sennheiser e945 or 935. Even the 835 and 845s give the shure 87a a run for its money at less than half the cost. Also the cad d189 and 195 are better choices. I simply expected a warmer creamer sound from this mic and it didn't deliver.
