Shure
Shure SM86
Best handheld condenser for touring vocalists seeking studio-quality clarity.
The Shure SM86 is a professional cardioid condenser microphone engineered for exceptional vocal clarity in live performances and studio recordings. It combines the detailed sound of a condenser with the robust build quality needed for touring. Its design includes a pneumatic shock mount to minimize handling noise and a built-in pop filter to reduce breath pops. The cardioid pattern effectively rejects off-axis sound, preventing feedback and isolating vocals. With its durable construction, the SM86 is built to withstand the rigors of the road while delivering pristine vocal reproduction.
$189.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
193
/ 1735
#193 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Frequency response
5018000
/ -, Hz
Who it's for
- Vocalists seeking studio-quality detail in live performances
- Live sound engineers managing feedback-prone stage environments
- Touring musicians needing reliable gear for frequent travel
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers prioritizing value over high-end fidelity
- Users with basic mixers lacking phantom power capabilities
- Performers who struggle with excessive stage rumble or plosives
Performance breakdown
Vocal Clarity
Condenser capsule captures nuanced high-frequency detail for professional vocal reproduction.
Feedback Rejection
Tight cardioid pattern effectively isolates vocals in loud stage environments.
Touring Durability
Rugged steel construction withstands the inevitable bumps of life on road.
Handling Noise Control
Integrated pneumatic shock mount significantly dampens unwanted stage vibrations.
SPL Handling
High sound pressure tolerance manages powerful vocalists without audible distortion.
Plosive Management
Built-in pop filter effectively tames breath blasts during close-mic performances.
Key Specs
Frequency response
50-18,000 Hz
Sensitivity
-50 dBV/Pa
Output impedance
150 ohms
Max SPL
147 dB
Weight
10 oz
Connector
Male XLR
Power
requires phantom power (11 to 52V)
Color
silver, dark gray
Features
- Ideal for lead and backup vocals
- Condenser clarity for detailed sound
- Cardioid pattern rejects unwanted noise
- Shock mount reduces handling noise
- Built-in pop filter for clear vocals
- Rugged construction for touring
- Extended high-frequency response
- Durable steel body and grille
What customers say
This professional vocal microphone earns high praise for delivering studio clarity with robust live performance durability. Users consistently highlight its detailed, crisp high frequency response, which adds an airy presence and exceptional articulation to vocals, marking a clear sonic upgrade. Reviewers appreciate the road ready construction, noting its reliability despite being a condenser. A key benefit is its impressive feedback rejection and isolation, making it dependable on loud stages. While phantom power is required, the superior sonic fidelity makes the SM86 an excellent, highly valued investment for serious performers seeking exceptional vocal capture.
Know before you buy
Yes, as a condenser microphone, the SM86 requires phantom power between 11V and 52V from your mixer or audio interface to function.
Absolutely. Its cardioid polar pattern is designed to reject off-axis sound, which helps isolate your vocals and prevent feedback even in high-volume live settings.
The microphone features an integrated pneumatic shock mount system that effectively absorbs vibrations and physical handling noise, keeping your signal clean while you move on stage.
Yes, the SM86 is versatile enough for both. Its extended high-frequency response and condenser clarity provide the detail needed for studio vocals, while its rugged build ensures it survives the road.
No, the SM86 comes with a built-in pop filter designed to minimize breath pops and plosive sounds, so you are ready to record or perform right out of the box.
It is built for touring, featuring a rugged steel body and a durable grille designed to withstand the accidental drops and heavy use typical of professional live performance.
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