Shure
Shure SM86
Electret condenser, cardioid, handheld vocal mic for live stage use, with three-point shock mount and two-stage pop filter
Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.
Power Phantom, 11 to 52 V DC.
- Type
- Condenser (electret)
- Pattern
- Cardioid
- Sensitivity
- −50 dBV/Pa
- Among 204 condensers: more output than 8%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 34%
- Self-noise
- 23 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 13%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 12%
- Max SPL
- 147 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 86%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 84%
- Rated range
- 50 – 18k Hz
vs 14 handheld condensers
More output than 23% 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 18% 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 62% 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 (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1.
"Frequency Response"; relative dB. Distance, room and smoothing not stated (the user guide calls it "typical").
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1. Approximate
"Polar Pattern" (the user guide: "Typical polar pattern"); two plots (250 Hz to 1 kHz, 2500 Hz to 10 kHz), 0° at the bottom, rings labelled -5 to -20 dB.
Approximate: reading error up to about 1 dB; some frequencies are identified by reasoning, not by the legend: 500 Hz.
In practice
All specs
| From the user guide | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | −50 dBV/Pa (3.15 mV/Pa)1 kHz, open circuit voltage. "–50 dBV/Pa (3.15 mV)". | p. 2 |
| Self-noise | 23 dB(A)typical, A-weighted | |
| Max SPL | 147 dB SPL1 kHz, 1% THD, 1000 ohm load | |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 71 dBre 94 dB SPL (IEC 651) | |
| Dynamic range | 124 dB1000 ohm load; max SPL to A-weighted noise | |
| Output impedance | 150 ohmat 1 kHz | |
| Rated load impedance | 600 ohmrecommended minimum. "A load impedance of at least 600 Ohms is recommended. The load may be as low as 150 Ohms, but a reduction in output level and output clipping level will result." | |
| Rated frequency range | 50 Hz to 18 kHz | |
| Powering | phantom, 11 to 52 V DC"11 to 52 Vdc, positive at both pins 2 and 3". | |
| Current draw | 5.2 mA | |
| Weight | 278 gnet; also 284, spec sheet. "Net: 278 grams (9.8 oz)"; the spec sheet says "284 grams (10 oz)". | |
| Dimensions | 49 × 183 mmDimension drawing: 183 mm (7.2 in.) long, 49 mm (1.92 in.) across the grille, 24 mm at the connector end (head diameter × length). The spec sheet gives "183 mm (6-3/16 in.) L x 49 mm (1-1/4 in.) W", the inch figures misprinted. | |
| Supplied accessories | A25D break-resistant microphone clip; 26A13 microphone bag; 31A1856 5/8" to 3/8" thread adapterFurnished accessories. | |
| Output clipping level | +3 dBV (1.41 V) at 1 kHz into 1000 ohm | |
| Polarity | Positive pressure on the diaphragm gives positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3 | |
| Circuit | Electret cartridge, FET impedance converter, LF response filter, discrete class A amplifier, RFI filter, reverse voltage protector | |
| Case | Dark grey enamel-painted steel with matte silver steel grille | |
| Shock mount and pop filter | Built-in three-point shock mount; two-stage pop filter | p. 1 |
| Proximity effectShure | Up to 15 dB bass boost close to the source; the bass response rolls off gradually to compensate | |
| Operating temperature | –18 to 60 °C (relative humidity < 90%); storage –29 to 74 °C (< 80%) | p. 2 |
| Optional accessories | PS1A phantom supply; A55M, A55HM Shock Stopper isolation mounts; A85WS Popper Stopper windscreen; C25 7.6 m cable | |
| From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy) | ||
| Connector | XLR-3 male"Three-pin professional audio connector (male XLR type)". | p. 1 |
| Replacement grille | RPM226 | |
| Models | SM86-LC: with stand adapter and zippered pouch | |
Documents
- Model SM86 User Guide27B3143 Rev. 2
- SM86 Cardioid Condenser Microphone, Product Specifications
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.