Shure
Shure Beta 87A
Electret condenser, supercardioid, handheld vocal mic for stage and studio
Power Phantom, 11 to 52 V DC.
- Type
- Condenser (electret)
- Pattern
- Supercardioid
- Sensitivity
- −52.5 dBV/Pa
- Among 204 condensers: more output than 5%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 24%
- Self-noise
- 23.5 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 12%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 12%
- Max SPL
- 140.5 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 71%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 68%
- Rated range
- 50 – 20k Hz
vs 14 handheld condensers
More output than 0% of 14 handheld condensers.
Each stripe is one handheld condenser with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 12 handheld condensers
Quieter than 9% of 12 handheld condensers.
Each stripe is one handheld condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 14 handheld condensers
Takes louder sound than 31% of 14 handheld condensers.
Each stripe is one handheld condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Instruments sources recommend it for most
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the spec sheet, p. 1.
"Frequency Response"; relative dB. The sheet doesn't label the curves; distances from the 2019 user guide (p. 7), which prints the same graph with labels. Room and smoothing not stated.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the spec sheet, p. 1.
"Polar Pattern"; two plots (250 Hz to 1 kHz, 2500 Hz to 10 kHz), 0° at the bottom, rings labelled -5 to -20 dB.
In practice
All specs
| From the spec sheet | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | −52.5 dBV/Pa (2 mV/Pa)1 kHz, open circuit voltage. "−52.5 dBV/Pa (2 mV)". | p. 1 |
| Self-noise | 23.5 dB(A)typical, equivalent SPL, A-weighted. The 2005 guide adds "25.5 dB typical, weighted per DIN 45 405" (p. 2). | |
| Max SPL | 140.5 dB SPL1 kHz, 1% THD, 1 kohm load. The 2019 guide gives the same; the 2005 guide gives the same figure at "0.25% THD, 1000 ohm load" (p. 2). | |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 70.5 dBre 94 dB SPL at 1 kHz, A-weighted | |
| Dynamic range | 117 dB1 kHz, 1 kohm load | |
| Output impedance | 150 ohmrated; 100 ohm actual. The guide (p. 5): "EIA rated at 150 Ω (100 Ω actual)"; the 2005 guide: "100 ohms actual ±20%". | |
| Powering | phantom, 11 to 52 V DC"11 to 52 Vdc phantom (1.2 mA)". The guide: "performs best with a 48 Vdc supply (IEC-61938)", with "slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity" down to 11 V (p. 5). | |
| Current draw | 1.2 mAThe 2005 guide: "Current Drain 1.0 to 1.2 mA". | |
| Connector | XLR-3 male"Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male". | |
| Weight | 207 gnet. "Net: 0.207 kg (0.475 lbs)". | |
| Clipping level | −6 dBV (0.5 V) at 1 kHz, 0.25% THD, 1 kohm load | |
| Polarity | Positive pressure on the diaphragm gives positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3 | |
| From the user guide | ||
| Rated frequency range | 50 Hz to 20 kHzalso [20, 20000], 2015 spec sheet. Both user guides say 50 to 20,000 Hz, and the graph starts at 50 Hz; the 2010 and 2015 spec sheets say "20 to 20,000 Hz". | p. 5 |
| Dimensions | 51 × 192 mmDimension drawing: 192 mm (7 9/16 in.) long, 51 mm (2 in.) across the grille, 21 mm at the connector end (head diameter × length). | p. 7 |
| Supplied accessories | A25D microphone clip; 95A2314 zippered carrying bagFurnished accessories. | p. 8 |
| Housing | Aluminium with painted blue metallic finish; hardened steel grille with nickel satin chrome plating | p. 6 |
| Proximity effectShure | 6 to 10 dB bass boost below 100 Hz at about 6 mm from the source | p. 4 |
| Greatest rejection | About 120° (supercardioid nulls) | |
| Replacement parts | Grille RK312; cartridge R193; plug (connector) assembly 90J1984 | p. 8 |
| Optional accessories | A55HM Shock Stopper isolation mount; A85WS foam windscreen; C25F 7.5 m cable | |
| From the user guide (Recording Hacks copy) | ||
| Rated load impedance | 800 ohmrecommended minimum. "Use a minimum load impedance of 800 ohms for maximum signal handling and minimum distortion. The load may be as low as 150 ohms, but a reduction in output signal strength and output clipping level results." | p. 2 |
| Self-noise, DIN 45 405 | 25.5 dB typical | |
| Low-frequency roll-off | Electronic; compensates for proximity effect at close range | p. 1 |
Documents
- Beta 87A Supercardioid Condenser Vocal Microphone, Product Specifications
- Beta 87A Supercardioid Condenser Vocal Microphone, Product Specifications2010
- BETA87A Vocal Microphone user guide, version 32019-G
- Model BETA 87A User Guide27D2965 Rev. 7
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © Shure, unchanged, with its original address.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.