Shure Beta 87A Supercardioid Condenser Handheld Microphone Reviews

Used a 58 since I can remember, then discovered the Beta 58. Wow what a step up I thought. Ben using the beta 58 over a year now and thought I'm just gonna see what's next. Started looking at more expensive mics wondering should I invest. Just about every thing I was reading mentioned the Shure 87A. Talked to my sales rep, Braden, who is great by the way, and he suggested it also. So have it a try and OMG! What a mic. The rest is history hooked again!

I've been a long time user of the SM58 and SM57, but when our band started using these mics the clarity and response was above and beyond the others. Don't get me wrong, the 57's and 58's still have a major place in what I personally do in the studio and at live shows depending on the venue and material. For my classic rock band, these mics are the best. easy to eq, and harmonies are clear and crisp to the audience. Great mic, a bit pricey, but I would recommend to anyone wanting to "up" their game.

I have been using an 87 a in my reggae band for the last 10 years and never fails to impressed me with the clarity and depth of the vocal sound. Compared to a 57 or 58, this blows them away.

I was looking for an upgrade from our SM58 vocal mics without busting the budget. The Shure Beta 87A has the sonic improvement we were looking for.
The ladies on the praise team love the way these mics have improve their voice sound. Always try to keep the band smiling.

Having been the bassist / sound engineer / singer (in that order) for decades, and a life long fan of the SM 58 I got the itch to try out a new mic to see if we could make any improvements.

Our lead singer and myself decided to each get Beta87A and try it out. Holy Cow! What a difference! The sonic clarity and high definition of this mic is a game changer.

No more screaming to get over the stage noise, and improved comprehension of lyrics by the audience are the top two reasons to give this mic a try. Next experiment is in the studio.

The only disappointment is with the answer to this question: "Why did I wait so long?"

Couldn't be more happier with our microphones!

The first time I used this mic in the studio was to stack background vocals for sampling. I immediately noticed that this was the sound Thai I was trying to get with my previous mics but was coming up short. This is "the one"

This is by far one of the best Mics I have used, and I have been playing music for about 44 years. Sweetwater is the best!!!!

I got the Beta 87A for its Supercardiod setup, I needed a mic that isolates vocals from acoustic guitar in a vocals/guitar simultaneous recording. I went a bit ocd trying every possible scenario with all kinds of different mics and this one came out as the clear winner...almost perfect isolation. On top of it. This mic sounds fantastic on vocals.
Highly recommend this one

Instant WOW !!!!

So far, I've only used this Beta 87a at a 4 hour rehearsal where I sing lead and harmony. After using the excellent Beta 58a for many years, this is surely a step up in clarity and high frequency response. It's easy to sound great, and I'm looking forward to using it at all my shows this summer.

This mic has a great sound love the tone also.

I was looking for a good mic to use in studio and while performing. So I ask Mike Conyers, and he not only got me a great mic, it was everything he said it was. Always can count on him for anything. The mic is performs and sounds so good, I just ordered another one. Thanks Sweetwater, always there and never disappointing.

Excellent mic for the money. Very clear.

I bought this so I could leave my Ear Trumpet Louise mic set up in church. I mostly mic my guitar with a Shure SM 81 when I gig. I was using a Shure beta 58 for vocals but hated the sound. This mic is fantastic for voice. Very airy and clear. No eq needed and as I have found with condenser mics, less volume and effects needed as the mic picks up the ambience of the room. No feedback, but I don"t try to blow the walls out either.

I like Shure is sound very good

I love my new mic & stand. I sounded great last week at my gig.

I've loved these mics for stage vocals for about 20 years now. For recording live stage vocals they're great (perhaps the best) as well and if you're in the studio and have a vocalist that just has to have a handheld OR if you think you may get a better performance with a handheld this is the mic for that. I think the noise floor is -20 to less than -25db but that's definitely not a deal breaker for studio use depending, of course, on a number of variables. If you're on a budget, perform live and want to record live this is the mic without a doubt and can be used with great success in the studio primarily for vox but may well make for a great guitar amp mic. It's a supercardioid so proximity to the mic must be closely observed if used in the studio as presumably, when used on stage it's getting "eaten". ;-) Pick up a windscreen if for no other reason to keep the internal one clean. They're cheap enough. If budget isn't an issue then you need a couple of these in your toolbox at least. Just FWIW, I'm 64 and protected my right ear while consciously sacrificing my left ear thinking that when I got old that'd be fine. It's not as I developed near extreme tinnitus in my left ear that's maddening at times. Have fun and protect your ears. ALL of them! ;-)

I am a mobile DJ, and also work as a public address announcer. The addition of this Shure Beta 87A microphone to my sound system is an equivalent to adding an additional speaker. I was able to increase volume to new levels in with unprecedented clarity This is my 4th Shure microphone. My others are solid, but this Beta 87A raises the bar on vocal delivery. I worked a two-day basketball tournament as my introductory to this Shure and it was phenomenal. A high school's gymnasium is constructed for sports, not sound. The clarity of this microphone with an EV sound system has never sounded so rich.

I"ve been using a beta 58 for years and it was always ok, but rather muddy and difficult to sing quietly and be heard. Just got a 87a and I am just amazed. The clarity of the vocals now is just sick. I am particularly impressed at its ability to clarify vocals when I sing very quietly, which was always an issue on the 58. Someone else mentioned this as well, but I feel like I can take it easy on my voice now and am not fighting the microphone.

I am amazed on hearing the vocal sound with this microphone. This sound is so clear! I use my microphone for worship and would recommend it to singers!

What an amazing microphone...love it... also goes great with my new sound system Fishman SA 300...Sweetwater's Mike Conyers worked with me on recommendations of mic's...outstanding what a complete package...

I have been wishing for the past five years for new mics. Had I known the difference in the high quality sound I get from the 87A, I would have been more vocal in our meetings regarding expenditures. Great sound!

I purchased the Shure Beta 87A from the helpful and knowledgeable sales engineer Alex Campos about 4 months ago. Alex highly recommended this microphone and I totally agreed with him.

This is a beautiful sounding condenser microphone with a supercardioid pickup pattern that isolates instruments and other ambient sounds ... just capturing only sound inside the pattern area .. it is lightweight and well built ...

I plug this mic into the TL Helicon Harmony singer 2 voice pedal with one button EQ tone enhancement output to a Fishman loudbox mini combo acoustic amp.. these gears are made for each other ...

It is a pricey gear but it is worth the money for sure .. quality is the key word here ..buy one and you will know what I meant..

This mic works well for both studio and live gigs :)

I have used a fair number of different stage mics, including a 58 beta and an EV 676. This mic stands head and shoulders above any other stage mic I have sang on. It would be a more fair comparison to compare it to a studio condenser mic for warmth and reproduction of the voice, however the mic has great isolation on stage, and really cuts thru the mix without picking up other instruments or sounds.
Best vocal stage mic I have ever used.

I have used the shure beta 57 for a few years now and I love the mic. I purchased the 87A and it is definitely in a different league. Your vocals will cut through like never before. It has the wow factor.

Wow. What a difference from the 58. Thick sound and you can take it easy on the voice. Sweetwater is what a music dealer should be. Thanks guys

Been using an SM 58 for a long time - and still do. Been wanting a mic with a little more punch that can also be used in a musically noisy environment - instruments, amps and speakers pointing in all directions. I was a little worried about how a supercardioid pattern mic would work in this kind of situation but in the end I had no problems at all. Best part of the mic is, however, how good it made my vocals sound. Setting up the PA was easier and not having to crowd the mic made it much easier to perform.

Overall I am 100% satisfied with Beta 87A and I am guessing it will be my go-to mic rather than the SM58.

I already have used one of these for over 15 years, it was time to get another one, my other one still sounded good but it was old. Wow even though it still sounds better than most the new one is so crisp and clear and natural sounding it took me by surprise. the best vocal mic there is!

I've had this microphone for 2 years now at our church. I've never had to EQ this mic! And the sound quality far exceeds the other microphones we have had. I got so many compliments at our churches Christmas service today after running the sound but it's pretty easy to do with this mic! Well worth the money.

This is the second 87a I've owned. The first one was stolen a couple years ago. I forgot how much of a difference it makes for a voice that is sometimes hard to get a good EQ on and has subtle nuances that often get lost in the mix. I am very happy with the overall quality and the way it enhances the natural timbre and tonal quality that doesn't otherwise come across with some female vocals.

Super clarity, I have used the SM58 for some time but the 87A surpasses clarity and warmth go out and get one.

I have used the Beta 58 for years as my go to Vocal Mic. When I received the 87A I hooked it up to my Fishman Artist amp and set everything flat on the EQ. The Mic sounded so warm and natural with no EQ or processing ( I also use a harmonizer that has processing ) that I am really looking forward to using it live. Great Mic would recommend any vocalist or fan of the 58's or Beta 58 get your hands on one it is well worth the extra money.

First, I want to thank Phil Schwan and Sweetwater for helping me with this microphone purchase. Phil has been so helpful with my purchases here at Sweetwater, and so far, he and the entire sweetwater team have been way above compared to any competitors out there right now.

With that said, let me say, this microphone has very smooth high end, tight lows (but not lacking), and clarity in the midrange. I bought a Telefunken M80 and rerturned that one. That microphone is advertised to be a dynamic microphone with condenser like performance. But for me, M80 was just a dynamic microphone with lots of highs. On the other hand, Shure Beta 87A is very warm and smooth, yet still retaining that condenser quality in sound and detail. I am very happy with this purchase. Props to Phil because he recommended this microphone for me!

Sounds great range is really good for all types of singers sound quality is so much better than 58 or beta 58 . Close to studio singing microphones

I have 3 that I use along with SM58s. 87a has more air in the vocals, tight pattern and such smooth frequency response.

I use this mic for everything. When the directional feature is needed, the supercardioid pattern is extremely useful to prevent feedback and give lots of headroom. Even picks up conversations nicely in a whole classroom of people, some of whom are 20 ft away. Of course, with this application, considerable background noise is present, but acceptable. The dialogue (questions and answers) sounds very natural on the recording. I use the left channel to record the mono class lecturer (from head-worn mics), and the right channel goes only to the recorder and picks up the room Beta 87A mic(s) on maximum 60 to 70 dB gain. On the computer DAW, everything from the right channel is zeroed out except when a question is being answered from the audience. This is passed through. The back and forth conversation comes through nicely. Also, a single Beta 87A mic about 3 feet away from a guitarist-singer-harmonica player picks up all 3 impeccably. Very natural sounding. Close your eyes listening to the recording, and you think the person is right in front of you without amplification.

Best stage microphone for the price that I have ever used. Beautiful response curve, excellent pattern and lots of dynamic range.

I needed a better mic for the band I'm in. I personally didn't care for the SM58, so I tried this. Wow! It has exceeded my every expectations! The response and clarity of my vocals is great! Love this mic!

This is the best mic. Very nice resonance & clarity. I have use this for recordings, it really delivers you the results. Once in a while I have friends practise singing, they are just amazed with te clarity. Love it.

I've been using the Beta 58 and SM 86 mics for years, switched to Sennheiser for a BRIEF time, came back to Shure because of this mic! My vocal range goes from the lows of George Jones to the highs of Ronnie Dunn and everything in between and this mic does it all! The only thing that makes this mic even sweeter is a quality tube preamp, a little compression and a little verb/delay...no need EVER for an EQ adjustment. Worth every pretty penny!

Great for acoustic guitar player/singer that tend to back away time-to-time, otherwise similar to 87C.

This is undoubtedlythe most mellow, smooth, responsive ,voice enhancing mic I have ever used and I have used Shure fpr 45 years. You want professional sound? call one of the great tech's at SWEETWATER and you will find the most sincere attention to your needs and they know what you need and the service is terrific.We also use 58A Beta and SM 58. They are good but not close to this jewel.

I have been using a Beyer M88 for at least 20 years until I got to sing using the Shure Beta 87A mic. I love the way it rounds out the bottom end of my voice, but still sounds really bright on the high end, and I can sing right into it on the high notes and it can take it without feeding back, or sounding too harsh. I love it!

Great vocal Mic. I had been using a SM58A Beta (which I have used for several years), but like the 87A much better. Clean full sounding Mic. If you have a 58 or beta 58A try this mic . I am sure you will love it as much as I do.

This is the best mic I have found ,I now own 5 of these for a Bluegrass band.I have tried serval different brands,and no others give the quality of vocal sound as these do,I also own two shure ksm32 that I use on some ocasions,and I get the same quality of sound on the beta 87c.I chose the 87c for a little wider pattern,for the reason when singing lead I can turn my head a little more right or left and stay tight in the pick up pattern ,when the micis on a stand.I have used the 87a when holding in my hand,these are two great mic's,you will be proud to own either of these

I am a singler/songwriter . i play in resturants and weddings and partys .
This microphone is outstanding. I really love the warm crisp sound of this mic.I have quite a powerful voice so I sing a few inches away and give it all I've got . It picks up so much detail even a few inches away plus when I go close up its so warm.
I have many good quality mics i.e the Rode S1, Se Electronics H1 but the Shure beta 87a surpasses them all.
This microphone is like what Hagen Diaz is to having a choice of ice cream it really is a delux condenser mic worth every penny.

I love this mic! I've owned it for about 3 years now and still use it all the time. The clarity of the Beta 87A is worth every penny. This thing will never feedback which is a MUST for live use. Go get one!!

performing live demands a microphone that has clarity and quality that is found in a studio, and The Beta 87A has all of that, whether it be in a small curch or a 10,000 seat arena.
Vocals are crisp and clear, That's why The Crownsmen Quartet use only the Shure Beta 87A,. and all our road equipment was purchased from Sweetwater Sound.
The Crownsmen Quartet

I use this mic with my "travel kit." It sounds terrific! The other guys in my jam-band have yet to figure out why my vocals are head-and-shoulders above theirs. The Shure Beta 87A makes the difference!

I've been using Shure SM58's since the 1970's and it is a road warrior. Also been using the wireless PG58 with great success. But I decided to try the Beta SM87A and got 4 of them (one for each vocalist in our band). Our vocal sound has upped the overall quality and we're not looking back. The SM87A requires a Pre-amplifier and most PA mixers have that feature. You will get feedback if the floor monitors are too close and too loud. The feedback is a high pitch squeal. We had to adjust to it.

A friend who engineers news reporting recommended this as a mic with a super-cardioid pattern for use in ambient settings when you want to cut down on the amount of room the mic captures. It does a great job of that. The proximity effect is pronounced which requires attention for instrument recording but works great for hyped radio style VO when you work it close. Looking forward to trying this on toms! Hi mid EQ rise feels a little more pronounced than its dynamic siblings (SM57/58).

Mics are great. No handling noise at all and clear

This mic is nice and smooth which is characteristic of a condenser. I have found it needs a little more attenuation and EQ in a live setting when compared to a Beta 58. Overall a good choice.

I bought the Beta 87a to use for my acoustic project. It lets very subtle nuances come through and works well with our stage monitors without having difficult feedback problems. I have been using the SM58 for decades now like many, and it is still a great choice for the rock gigs. But when Im singing lead, I need something a little bit more detailed and clear. The Beta 87a definitely gets me there. I haven't used it a whole lot yet, as I just recently bought it, but the season is just getting ready to get started and I am looking forward to it more than ever!

After l0 YEARS use giging (VERY careful with all my equipment) I still use my Beta87A! It has great reliability obviously and thru my Behringer DEQ1024 Equalizer, reproduces my voice perfectly.

I love the warmth, clarity, and crispness of this mic, and you can get subtle with it. No more screaming to hit a note, you have a mic that will cut through the mix clearly and every whisper comes in clearly, but you have to learn how to use one of these babies because bad singers will sound worse while talented singers will be able to get more of their vocal quality sot with less effort. This is the best mic under a grand by far, but you have to sin straight into it, and not move it too far away.I have plenty of mics, including some that are more expensive, but for Karaoke or live gigs this is your best bet. It is great for studio work as well, but I like it best in live gigs.

I love the warmth, clarity, and crispness of this mic, and you can get subtle with it. No more screaming to hit a note, you have a mic that will cut through the mix clearly and every whisper comes in clearly, but you have to learn how to use one of these babies because bad singers will sound worse while talented singers will be able to get more of their vocal quality sot with less effort. This is the best mic under a grand by far, but you have to sin straight into it, and not move it too far away.I have plenty of mics, including some that are more expensive, but for Karaoke or live gigs this is your best bet. It is great for studio work as well, but I like it best in live gigs.

Well unless it's real early . I really like the clarity this mic gives in the high mid range, very clean and punchy.I still like a SM58 for some vocalist ( the drunk ones that abuse mics a lot)but the singers that have good power and were intelligibility is of chief concern the 87 rocks.

I've got some great microphones for performances and for studio work, but they pick up too much extra sound from monitor speakers when I want to do vocals with my TC Helicon VoiceLive 2. This mic isolates my voice so I'm not also hearing harmonies from my keyboard or guitar - not good. It has turned my VoiceLive 2 vocal harmonizer into a piece of gear I will be using way more, and having more fun with it than ever! It gives me the edge I get with my other mics and makes my vocal harmonizer sound awesome!

Love this new mic! SPL ratios are awesome. Incredibly Dynamic and Very Present. Siblance is Killer. Glad I spent the extra

Soundman went bonkers when I introduced this to the live setup for our show. Great dynamic range and boosted our vocals. Required our soundman to adjust the mix a bit. That's a good thing. Very happy with the purchase.

Generally, this mic sounds great. A must for stage / live performances.

Even in the studio, I use this mic for female vocalists sometimes with surprisingly good results. For the price, it's AWESOME!

We use this mic for live recordings and it sounds great every time! We've tried a few other mics, (even some more expensive ones) and this is your best deal for the money. The mic captures the true tone and clarity of the singer.

Delivered on time and performs great.

This is a great mic. A real step up from the standards (sm58, etc.) It will give you more intimacy and air without sacrificing anything. Does require phantom power like all condensers so be sure your board has it. Can get a little bright on some vocalists, but easily fixed with EQ.
If you have a bit more to spend, the Rode S1 is a worthy upgrade. If you don't, you will definitely be pleased with this mic.

5 Uses and kaput! 6 months out of warranty and $ to repair - PAID UP FRONT.
Why bother? I'm looking for something else here instead of paying nearly HALF of what it originally cost in March of 2021.
I love Sweetwater and am a loyal customer of many years, and this has nothing to do with them.

Our bass player bought this for live gigs as a step up from his SM 58. Now, he has a big, clear vocal sound that cuts through the mix nicely. Only problem is that we told him that he sounds great and he won't let us forget it.

Crystal clear and very detailed. It is an outstanding mic for female lead vocals. Love it.

This mic is very clear. You can hear every note being sung into it, even the really quiet lows. You dont have to strain your voice to be heard anymore. This things rocks and you wont regret buying it. It is a mic that needs to stay put though, so if you like to run around stage with a mic you may want to consider a beta 58 instead.