Shure
Shure SM86
Best condenser microphone for professional vocalists performing live on stage.
The Shure SM86 is a professional-grade condenser vocal microphone engineered for exceptional live performance clarity. It captures studio-quality sound, ensuring your voice cuts through any mix. Built to endure the rigors of touring, its robust construction guarantees reliability on the road. The cardioid polar pattern effectively isolates vocals, minimizing background noise for a focused sound. Integrated shock mounting and a dual-stage pop filter further enhance performance by reducing handling and breath noise, making it ideal for both stage and personal monitoring.
$209.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
850
/ 1735
#850 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-59%
Below average
Transducer Type
Condenser
/ Condenser
Who it's for
- Vocalists needing studio-grade detail in live performances
- Touring musicians requiring gear that survives heavy road use
- Live performers working in loud, feedback-prone stage environments
Who should skip it
- Active stage performers who move frequently while holding the mic
- Users with basic mixers lacking phantom power capabilities
- Budget-conscious performers seeking affordable dynamic microphone alternatives
Performance breakdown
Vocal Clarity
Studio-grade condenser performance ensures your voice cuts through any dense mix.
Touring Durability
Rugged construction handles the inevitable bumps and drops of life on road.
Noise Rejection
Cardioid pattern effectively isolates vocals while silencing unwanted stage background noise.
Handling Noise Control
Integrated shock mounting keeps unwanted vibrations from reaching your vocal signal.
Plosive Management
Dual-stage pop filter keeps breath noise and wind interference remarkably low.
SPL Handling
High maximum sound pressure threshold prevents distortion during loud, energetic performances.
Key Specs
Transducer Type
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Response
50 Hz - 18 kHz
Sensitivity
-50.00 dBV/Pa
Maximum Sound Pressure
147 dB SPL
Impedance
150 Ω
Connectivity
XLR
Power Requirements
11-52 VDC Phantom Power
Features
- Studio-quality condenser for clear vocals
- Tailored frequency response for voice
- Durable construction for touring
- Cardioid pattern rejects background noise
- Ideal for stage and personal monitors
- Reduces handling noise
- Minimizes wind and breath noise
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Shure SM86 for its exceptional sound quality, noting its clear, detailed, and natural vocal reproduction. Many users highlight its ability to capture nuances, making it a favorite for live performances and studio recording alike. Beyond its sonic performance, the microphone's robust build and consistent operation underscore its strong reliability, a hallmark of Shure products. Users trust the SM86 to deliver professional results consistently, making it a valuable tool for serious vocalists and audio engineers.
Know before you buy
Yes, because it is a condenser microphone, it requires 11-52 VDC phantom power from your mixer or audio interface to function.
The SM86 is built to handle high sound pressure levels up to 147 dB SPL, meaning it can capture powerful, loud vocals without distorting or clipping.
Yes, its cardioid polar pattern is specifically designed to reject off-axis sound, which helps isolate your voice and minimize background noise from other instruments or stage monitors.
It features an integrated shock mount to reduce handling noise and a dual-stage pop filter to minimize breath and wind noise, ensuring a cleaner vocal signal.
As a condenser microphone, the SM86 offers a more detailed, sensitive, and 'airy' high-frequency response compared to typical dynamic microphones, making it excellent for vocalists who want studio-quality clarity in a live setting.
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$209