Shure BETA 87A Condenser Vocal Microphone

The Shure BETA 87A is a premium supercardioid handheld condenser vocal microphone designed for professional live sound reinforcement, broadcasting, studio recording, and touring applications. Its smooth frequency response, controlled low-frequency roll-off, and characteristic presence rise deliver clear, detailed vocals with the brightness and articulation needed to stand out in a professional mix.

Designed specifically for close-up vocal performance, the BETA 87A combines the detailed sound of an electret condenser microphone with the rugged construction required for live performance. A highly consistent supercardioid pickup pattern provides excellent isolation and high gain-before-feedback, while an advanced cartridge shock mount and built-in pop filter help reduce handling noise, wind, and breath sounds.

Premium Condenser Microphone for Vocals

The Shure BETA 87A is engineered specifically for professional vocal reproduction.

Its smooth frequency response includes a gradual presence rise that enhances vocal clarity and articulation, helping vocals remain detailed and intelligible in live sound and recording applications.

Unlike a dynamic vocal microphone, the BETA 87A uses an electret condenser element and requires phantom power from a compatible mixer, microphone preamp, audio interface, or other professional audio equipment.

Controlled Low-Frequency Response

Close microphone placement can create an increase in bass response known as proximity effect.

The BETA 87A incorporates an electronic low-frequency roll-off designed to compensate for proximity effect and reduce the excessive or “boomy” bass response that can occur during close-up vocal performance.

This helps maintain a more controlled and natural vocal sound as the performer works close to the microphone.

Consistent Supercardioid Pickup Pattern

The BETA 87A features a highly consistent supercardioid polar pattern designed to provide excellent isolation and high gain-before-feedback.

Its tight directional pattern helps isolate the vocalist from nearby instruments, other vocalists, stage noise, and monitor systems while maintaining minimal off-axis coloration.

The supercardioid pattern features null points at approximately 125 degrees, making microphone and stage-monitor positioning especially important for achieving maximum rejection.

Wide Dynamic Range and High SPL Capability

The Shure BETA 87A combines a 117 dB dynamic range with the ability to handle sound pressure levels up to 140.5 dB SPL.

This allows the microphone to capture powerful vocal performances while maintaining low distortion and the detail expected from a professional condenser microphone.

Its combination of high-SPL capability and condenser sensitivity makes the BETA 87A suitable for everything from controlled studio sessions to demanding live performances.

Advanced Shock Mount System

An advanced cartridge shock-mount system helps absorb mechanical shocks and minimize the transmission of handling noise.

This is particularly important for a handheld condenser microphone used during live performances, where movement and handling could otherwise introduce unwanted mechanical noise into the sound system.

Built-In Pop and Wind Protection

The BETA 87A includes a built-in pop filter designed to reduce undesirable wind and breath sounds.

This helps control vocal plosives and other unwanted air movement without requiring an external pop filter for typical live vocal applications.

Low Susceptibility to RFI and Hum

The BETA 87A is designed with very low susceptibility to radio-frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic hum.

This provides an additional advantage in professional production environments where microphones may operate around wireless equipment, lighting systems, electronics, and other potential sources of interference.

Built for Professional Live and Studio Use

Although the BETA 87A delivers the detailed performance expected from a premium condenser microphone, it is engineered with the ruggedness required for professional touring and field production.

This combination makes it suitable for a broad range of professional vocal applications including:

Live lead vocals
Background vocals
Concert and touring sound
Broadcast production
Studio recording
Houses of worship
Theaters and performance venues
Corporate productions
Professional sound reinforcement

Shure BETA 87A Key Features

Premium handheld electret condenser vocal microphone
Designed for professional vocal applications
Supercardioid polar pattern
Highly consistent directional response
High gain-before-feedback
Excellent isolation from surrounding sound sources
Null points at approximately 125 degrees
Smooth frequency response
Gradual presence rise enhances vocal clarity and articulation
Electronic low-frequency roll-off helps compensate for proximity effect
117 dB dynamic range
Handles sound pressure levels up to 140.5 dB SPL
Low-distortion performance
Advanced cartridge shock-mount system
Helps minimize mechanical and handling noise
Built-in pop filter reduces wind and breath sounds
Very low susceptibility to RFI and electromagnetic hum
Operates on phantom power
Rugged construction for touring and field production
Suitable for live sound, broadcast, and studio recording

Shure BETA 87A Specifications

Specification	Details
Microphone Type	Electret condenser
Primary Application	Vocals
Polar Pattern	Supercardioid
Maximum SPL	140.5 dB SPL
Dynamic Range	117 dB
Low-Frequency Control	Electronic roll-off to compensate for proximity effect
Polar Pattern Null Points	Approximately 125°
Shock Mount	Advanced cartridge shock-mount system
Pop Protection	Built-in pop filter
Power Requirement	Phantom power
Finish	Grey
Included Accessories	A25D swivel adapter and 26A13 carrying/storage bag
Applications	Live vocals, broadcast, studio recording and professional sound reinforcement

Why Buy from Audio Supply?

Audio Supply supplies professional microphones and audio equipment for live sound, recording, broadcast, commercial, educational, house of worship, and installed audio applications. Whether you need a Shure BETA 87A for a vocalist, touring system, studio, church, theater, or professional production system, our team can help you select the right equipment for your application.

Need help choosing the right microphone cable, stand, mixer, audio interface, phantom-powered preamp, wireless system, or other Shure microphone? Contact Audio Supply for assistance selecting the right professional audio equipment.