Shure Beta 87AFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 35 mentions across 13 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment67%
PROS 67%
CONS 33%

Rank based on 35 mentions across 13 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You need a live/stage vocal mic with strong crowd-noise rejection
  • You want a noticeable upgrade over the Beta 58A/SM58 for vocals
  • You have a mixer with plenty of clean gain (48V phantom) to drive it

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need a mic mainly for podcasting or spoken word
  • Your interface/mixer has limited gain, since this mic runs quiet
  • You want a naturally bassy/full sound without needing EQ

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
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Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal sound
Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
High price tag
2Premium
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
Ultrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
3Premium
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operation
Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibilityVersatile across instrumentsStrong, non-boomy low endPrice barrier for some buyersUnclear M/S and connector design questionsLacking low-mid presence on some vocals
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibility
Versatile across instruments
Strong, non-boomy low end
Price barrier for some buyers
Unclear M/S and connector design questions
Lacking low-mid presence on some vocals
5Mid
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound qualityVersatile onboard EQ switchesBuilt-in gain boostHigh price for some buyersUncertain added value over existing setupFiddly dip switches
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound quality
Versatile onboard EQ switches
Built-in gain boost
High price for some buyers
Uncertain added value over existing setup
Fiddly dip switches
6Mid
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57Excellent on acoustic guitarDurable, long-lasting buildCan sound harsh in some applicationsAppearance not universally likedInconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57
Excellent on acoustic guitar
Durable, long-lasting build
Can sound harsh in some applications
Appearance not universally liked
Inconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
7Mid
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
8Premium
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm characterCompetitive with top-tier micsFull-bodied, rich low endHard to distinguish from cheaper alternativesVery high pricePositioning-sensitive
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm character
Competitive with top-tier mics
Full-bodied, rich low end
Hard to distinguish from cheaper alternatives
Very high price
Positioning-sensitive
9Premium
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67Warm, creamy tube toneAttractive appearance
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67
Warm, creamy tube tone
Attractive appearance
Best value
10Mid
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
You are here
31Mid
Shure Beta 87A
Long-term reliability and satisfactionClear, bright soundGreat for live vocalsLow output / gain hungryThin sound without EQHardware reliability issues
Shure Beta 87A
Long-term reliability and satisfaction
Clear, bright sound
Great for live vocals
Low output / gain hungry
Thin sound without EQ
Hardware reliability issues

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Long-term owners consistently call it their favorite vocal mic. Multiple users report owning the Beta 87A for well over a decade (12, 17, even 20 years) and still preferring it to other mics they own, including pricier condensers. It's described as light, comfortable to hold, and a go-to choice for singers and FOH engineers who've switched entire mic fleets over to it for live stage vocals.

Sound is clear and bright but thin, often needing EQ. Reviewers praise its clarity and highs, especially for female vocals and speech, but multiple commenters describe the low end as thin, requiring bass boost via EQ, particularly for male or bassy voices. One user found it thinner than a Samson C01 after processing, while others found the top end too harsh or 'jumping out.'

Low output and gain hunger surprise many first-time users. Several commenters were confused or thought their mic was defective because it needed the gain pushed unusually high compared to other condensers, one nearly returned it before finding this was normal. Others noted crowd/background-noise rejection is a real strength versus dynamic and other condenser mics, aiding its live-sound reputation despite the gain quirk.

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