Shure BETA 87A Supercardioid Condenser Vocal Microphone

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Product guide

Shure BETA 87A Supercardioid Condenser Vocal Microphone

The Shure BETA 87A is a handheld, wired condenser vocal microphone with a supercardioid pickup pattern, built-in pop filter and XLR connection. Its phantom-power requirement makes it a fit for audio setups that can provide that power, rather than a standalone USB microphone.

At a glance

Supercardioid pickup pattern is intended to help isolate a vocal from nearby sources.
Built-in pop filtering is claimed to reduce breath and wind sounds.
Low-frequency roll-off is designed to compensate for proximity effect when used close to the source.
Manufacturer claims a shock-mount system reduces handling noise.

Price

$269.98Save 27%

Reference price: ~~$369.00~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Often bought together

Shure BETA 87A Condenser Vocal Microphone with Pop Filter | Supercardioid condenser vocal mic for studio and live performance

$119.00

Pros and cons

Pros

Handheld XLR design suits live vocal and recording setups with compatible audio equipment.
Built-in pop filtering avoids relying solely on an external pop filter for basic breath-noise reduction.
Manufacturer describes a controlled low-frequency roll-off and presence rise for close vocal pickup.

Cons

Requires phantom power, so it needs a suitable powered microphone input or other compatible power source.

Technical specifications

20 specifications

Identity
Brand	Shure
Model	BETA 87A
Microphone type	Condenser vocal microphone
Form factor	Handheld
Colour	Silver
Enclosure material	Metal

Connectivity and pickup
Connection	Wired, XLR
Connector	XLR
Polar pattern	Super Cardioid

Power
Power configuration	PHANTOM POWER: All condenser microphones require phantom power to operate. Please refer to the User Manual for more details on power requirements.

Dimensions and weight
Dimensions listed	19.2 x 5.1 x 5.1 centimetres
Weight listed	215 g

Audio specifications
Frequency range	50 hz 20 khz
Frequency response	20 KHz
Audio sensitivity	117 db
Signal-to-noise ratio	87 db
Number of channels	1

Compatibility and use
Compatible devices	Amplifier, Speaker
Recommended uses	Singing, Streaming, Video Conference
Special feature	Clip

What to know before buying

Listing details to confirm

The listing conflicts or is inconsistent on specifications and kit details: it gives two dimension and weight figures, lists both a 20 KHz frequency response and a 50 hz 20 khz frequency range, and describes the microphone as including a pop filter while its package details identify a zippered bag and a feature highlight separately claims an A25D mic clip. The AAA-battery field also conflicts with the stated phantom-power operation. Confirm the selected listing's exact dimensions, included accessories and power requirements before purchase.

What’s in the box

Zippered carrying bagIncluded
A25D mic clipCheck selected pack
Pop filterCheck selected pack

Check which accessories are included in your selected pack before buying.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Vocalists and audio operators using a mixer or interface with phantom power and an XLR input.
Live performance or studio users seeking a handheld condenser with a focused supercardioid pickup pattern.
Buyers recording close vocals who want built-in pop filtering and a claimed low-frequency roll-off.

Less suited to

Users who need a USB microphone that connects directly to a computer without additional audio equipment.
Setups that cannot supply phantom power to a condenser microphone.
Buyers who require a clearly confirmed package list of accessories before ordering.

Shure BETA 87A Supercardioid Condenser Vocal Microphone · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.5 / 5 · 449 ratings

5 stars78%78%
4 stars11%11%
3 stars2%2%
2 stars2%2%
1 star7%7%

Customer feedback highlights vocal performance and perceived value as strengths, while opinions are mixed on functionality, feedback performance and durability. Those mixed points may matter most in demanding live setups, where the claimed supercardioid pattern and handling-noise reduction are relevant but do not guarantee a particular result. The supplied aggregate ratings lean positive overall, but cannot resolve those practical concerns.

Positive themes

Customers praise vocal performance and sound quality.
Some customers describe the microphone as good value for a vocal mic.

Mixed feedback

Customer opinions are mixed on functionality, feedback performance and durability.

Frequently asked questions

Does the BETA 87A need phantom power?

Yes. The product information says the condenser microphone operates on phantom power. The listing also has a conflicting AAA-battery field, so confirm the selected model's requirements if that detail affects your setup.

Can it connect directly to a computer over USB?

No USB connection is listed. The specified connection is wired XLR, so use a compatible XLR input or audio interface.

What accessories are included?

A zippered carrying bag is listed as an included component. A feature highlight also claims an A25D mic clip, while the title mentions a pop filter, so the exact selected package is uncertain and should be checked.

What is the microphone's pickup pattern?

The listing specifies a supercardioid pattern, which the manufacturer describes as providing isolation from nearby vocalists or instruments.