Shure Beta 87C Cardioid Condenser Vocal Microphone

• Uniform cardioid pattern: good gain before feedback and little off-axis colouration
• Extended response with a slight presence rise and controlled proximity effect
• Built-in pop filter against breath noise and plosives
• Internal cartridge shock mount that absorbs bumps and reduces handling noise
• Dent-resistant hardened steel grille and break-resistant stand adapter

Shure aims the Beta 87C first at singers who use a personal monitor system, such as Shure's PSM in-ear monitoring systems: ambient sound arriving from behind the mic is strongly reduced, which leaves a clean, warm voice in the earpieces. The user guide recommends placing loudspeakers and monitors directly behind the mic, then checking the placement before the show.

Its sibling, the Beta 87A, uses a tighter supercardioid pattern, with null points at about 125 degrees. The 87C keeps the wider pickup area of a cardioid.

Like any condenser microphone, the Beta 87C needs phantom power. It performs best at 48 V, but works from as low as 11 V, with slightly less headroom and sensitivity. It draws 1.2 mA and connects with a balanced XLR-to-XLR cable, which most modern mixers provide for.

Lips less than 15 cm away, or touching the windscreen, give a robust sound, emphasized bass and the strongest isolation. From 15 to 60 cm, just above nose height, the sound turns natural, with less bass; slightly off to one side, it also softens sibilance. To keep the low end from swelling up close, the bass response rolls off gradually. Shure reminds users never to cover the grille with a hand.

• Lead vocals on stage with in-ear monitors
• Touring, where the mic takes handling night after night
• Backing vocalist who keeps the monitors behind the mic
• Vocal takes at rehearsal or in a home studio

Other handheld condenser vocal microphones, from other manufacturers. Data as published by each manufacturer.

Does the Beta 87C need phantom power?

Yes. It is an electret condenser mic that needs 11 to 52 V phantom power. Shure says it works best at 48 V; at lower voltages it loses a little headroom and sensitivity.

What is the difference between the Beta 87A and the Beta 87C?

The polar pattern. The Beta 87A is supercardioid, tighter, with null points at about 125 degrees; the Beta 87C is cardioid and rejects mostly sound arriving from the rear, which suits it to singing with in-ear monitors.

What is the polar pattern of the Beta 87C?

Cardioid, and very consistent. The mic picks up the front and strongly reduces the rear, so monitors and loudspeakers go directly behind it.

Is there a wireless version of the Beta 87C?

Yes, as a capsule. Shure fits it on some wireless handheld transmitters, such as the QLXD2/B87C, the handheld transmitter of its QLX-D digital line; the capsule alone sells as part number RPW122. The model on this page is the wired version, with an XLR output.