Shure SM86From real comments

Verdict distilled from 17 mentions across 8 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment82%
PROS 82%
CONS 18%

Rank based on 17 mentions across 8 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a vocal mic with clear, airy highs that cuts through a mix
  • You're doing spoken word or need controlled low end
  • You want a condenser sound that stays natural, not flat or dull

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You perform on a stage where it might pick up cymbals or bleed as an overhead
  • You can't add a windscreen to control breath noise
  • You've had bad luck with it before and prefer a dynamic mic

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Lewitt MTP W950
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 SM86
Clear, cutting presenceAiry, lively top endSounds clearest / best overall in shootoutsBreath noise without a windscreenCan pick up excess stage bleedDisliked by at least one experienced user
Shure SM86
Clear, cutting presence
Airy, lively top end
Sounds clearest / best overall in shootouts
Breath noise without a windscreen
Can pick up excess stage bleed
Disliked by at least one experienced user

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Listeners repeatedly praise the SM86's clarity and cut-through presence. Across multiple shootout comments, users rank the SM86 above the Sennheiser E865 and Audio-Technica AT2010, calling it clear, punchy, and 'alive' rather than flat or dull. One comment says its clarity was 'incredible' on a singer's voice, and another notes it takes more nuance and pierces more in a mix compared to boomier alternatives, making it a strong pick for cutting through busy arrangements.

Its airy top end comes with a breath-noise tradeoff. One detailed comparison comment describes the SM86 as having 'airy' highs unlike the E865, but warns it needs a windscreen because it picks up significant breath noise. This suggests the same condenser character that gives it presence and sparkle also makes it more sensitive to plosives and breathing than flatter-sounding dynamic-style competitors, requiring accessory management.

Users find real-world uses beyond typical live vocal duty. One commenter loves the SM86 specifically for spoken word thanks to its controlled low end, pairing it with the SM87A for stage vocals instead. Another calls it an 'overlooked little gem' rarely discussed compared to other SM-series mics, while one user in a jazz club found it doubled as an overhead due to stage size, and another sold theirs quickly after disliking it.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?