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Shure Beta 87a

Brand

Shure

Type

Condenser

Connection

XLR

Endorsements

27 hosts
Clip from Winning Slowly using the Shure Beta 87a
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Why buy the Shure Beta 87a?

The Shure Beta 87a is a high-quality, reliable, handheld vocal microphone that looks like a traditional microphone. It has a wide dynamic range and smooth frequency response and features a controlled electronic low-frequency roll-off that compensates for proximity effect, which prevents the ‘boominess’ of close pick-up. We think the Shure Beta 87a’s top three features are:
  • A good option for live podcasting — if you’re recording live podcast shows with multiple sound sources, this is a microphone that should be high on your wishlist. The super-cardioid pattern provides a high degree of isolation from other vocal contributors while ensuring minimal off-axis coloration.
  • Reduction of unwanted sound — the Shure Beta 87a cuts down on these unwanted wind and breath sounds via the built-in pop filter. It also has very low sensitivity to RFI and electromagnetic hum and the cartridge shock-mount absorbs mechanical shocks and limits handling noise.
  • Super-cardioid polar pattern — is highly consistent which provides superior gain-before-feedback.
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Podcast microphones need to be just two things: rock solid, and with great sound. The Beta 87A is both! It’s the only microphone I’ve ever used which sounds great in a well-configured office and in an echoey classroom, and it’s the kind of microphone I’m comfortable hauling across a college campus for a guest lecture on podcasting.

Chris Krycho, host of Winning Slowly

When it comes to microphones, I want them to be rugged and no-fuss. The 87A is both--I can take it with me on location without having to worry about breaking it due to the good construction and lack of bits and bobs. It's no fuss because it's extremely reliable, not complicated, well-made, and easy to work with. What you sacrifice in pure audiophile glory, the 87A makes up for with being easy to transport and easy to use. Not finicky in the least.

Stephen Carradini, host of Winning Slowly

I spent hours researching the perfect podcast mic. I believe I have found it in the Shure Beta 87A. I love how it rejects 98% of sound that's not coming from my mouth two inches away from it. It performed distinctively well in the Fizzle high-quality mic shootout. Legendary tech genius and podcaster Marco Arment calls it 'by far my top recommendation for most podcasters' after testing 22 other alternative microphones. I've even seen the Pope use it. You'll feel infallible after choosing this mic for your podcast.

Pete Mockaitis, host of How to Be Awesome at Your Job

Under the hood

  • Patterns: Supercardioid
  • Dimensions: 7.6 x 2 x 2 in (19.3 x 5.1 x 5.1 cm)
  • Weight: 1 pound (453.6 grams)
  • Frequency Response: 50 to 20,000 Hz
  • Max SPL: 140.5 dB
  • Sensitivity: −52.5 dBV/Pa (2 mV)