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Shure BETA 87A Condenser Vocal Microphone with Pop Filter | Supercardioid condenser vocal mic for studio and live performance; includes A25D mic clip and storage bag
Shure

Shure BETA 87A Condenser Vocal Microphone with Pop Filter

Bottom line: The Shure BETA 87A Condenser Vocal Microphone with Pop Filter: Supercardioid pattern maximizes gain-before-feedback on loud live stages; main trade-off: electret condenser needs 48V phantom power to operate.

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By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014, focused on GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. Synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Supercardioid pattern maximizes gain-before-feedback on loud live stages
  • ✓ 117 dB dynamic range handles belted vocals without distortion
  • ✓ Built-in pop filter cuts breath and plosives right at the capsule
  • ✓ Low-frequency roll-off tames proximity boom on close-up vocals
  • ✓ Shock-mount cartridge suppresses handling noise for handheld use

Cons

  • ✗ Electret condenser needs 48V phantom power to operate
  • ✗ Bright presence rise can push sibilance on some voices
  • ✗ Sensitive capsule captures more stage bleed than a dynamic mic
  • ✗ No onboard low-cut or pad switch for quick on-the-fly tweaks

Manufacturer description

The Shure BETA 87A is a premium quality supercardioid hand-held 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…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Shure BETA 87A Condenser Vocal Microphone with Pop Filter using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the streaming gear category. Shure's streaming gear lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for streaming gear of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • Smooth frequency response with gradual presence rise
  • Highly consistent super cardioid polar pattern provides superior gain-before-feedback
  • Electronic low-frequency roll-off compensates for proximity effect
  • Wide dynamic range (117 dB) and low distortion characteristics
  • Very low susceptibility to RFI and electromagnetic hum
  • Advanced cartridge shock-mount system absorbs mechanical shocks and reduces handling noise.

Full Specifications

BrandShure
ColorSilver
Model NameBETA 87A
Unit Count1 Count
Model NumberBeta87A
Power SourcePHANTOM POWER: All condenser microphones require phantom power to operate. Please refer to the User Manual for more details on power requirements.
Audible Noise117 db
Polar PatternSuper Cardioid
Built-In MediaMicrophone Clip, Zippered Carrying Bag
Connector TypeXLR
Item Type NameShure BETA 87A Supercardioid Single-Element Vocal Condenser Microphone for Studio Recording and Live Performances with A25D Mic Clip and Storage Bag
Item Dimensions7.56 x 2 x 2 inches
Mfr Part NumberBeta 87A
Number of Items1
Special FeatureClip
Antenna LocationSinging
Audio Sensitivity117 db
Hardware PlatformAudio Recorder
Compatible DevicesAmplifier, Speaker
Enclosure MaterialMetal
Full listing titleShure BETA 87A Condenser Vocal Microphone with Pop Filter | Supercardioid condenser vocal mic for studio and live performance; includes A25D mic clip and storage bag

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Shure BETA 87A Condenser Vocal Microphone with Pop Filter | Supercardioid condenser vocal mic for studio and live performance; includes A25D mic clip and storage bag is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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Shure BETA 87A Condenser Vocal Microphone with Pop Filter | Supercardioid condenser vocal mic for studio and live performance; includes A25D mic clip and storage bag
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