Shure BETA87A

The Shure Beta 87A is a premium quality supercardioid hand-held electret condenser vocal microphone with exceptionally smooth frequency response and high sound pressure level capability. Used for professional sound reinforcement, broadcasting, and studio recording applications, the Beta 87A combines superb performance with the ruggedness needed for touring and field production.

The Beta 87A features a controlled low-frequency roll-off that compensates for proximity effect and prevents the ™ boomy™ sound often associated with close pick-up. The characteristic Shure presence rise brightens the upper midrange. The tight supercardioid pattern, with null points at approximately 125 degrees, provides maximum isolation from other vocalists or instruments while offering minimal off-axis coloration. The Beta 87A operates on phantom power.

Cartridge Type
Condenser (electret bias)

Frequency Response
50 to 20,000 Hz

Polar Pattern
Supercardioid

Output Impedance
Rated at 150 ohms (100 ohms actual +/- 20%)
Recommended minimum load impedance: 800 ohms

Sensitivity (at 1,000 Hz)
Open Circuit Voltage -52.5 dBV/Pa (2 mV)
(1 Pa = 94 dB SPL)

Clipping Level (at 1,000 Hz)
1000 ohm Load: -6 dBV (0.5 V)

Maximum SPL (at 1,000 Hz)
140.5 dB (0.25% THD, 1000 ohm load)

Self-Noise
(equivalent sound pressure level; measured with true rms voltmeter)
23.5 dB typical, A-weighted
25.5 dB typical, weighted per DIN 45 405 Dynamic Range
117 dB (maximum SPL to A-weighted noise level)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
70.5 dB at 94 dB SPL (IEC 651)
(S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise A-weighted.)

Polarity
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3

Power
Phantom Supply Requirement: 11 to 52 Vdc, positive at both pins 2 and 3

Current Drain: 1.0 to 1.2 mA

Connector
Three-pin (XLR) professional audio

Case
Aluminum construction with blue metallic finish, and hardened steel grille with nickel satin chrome plating

Net Weight
207 grams (7.6 oz)