Shure Beta 87A Handheld Condenser Microphone Review / Test
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- Опубліковано 1 сер 2024
- Today, I have the Shure Beta 87A in the Audio Hotline Studio! This is a Handheld Condenser microphone that is meant for live singing vocals... but as a lot of us know, just because a microphone is meant for something, doesn't mean it can't be awesome for other uses! I have always felt like podcasters, UA-camrs, and other spoken word applications have looked past handheld Condenser mics as being a viable option. There are multiple Handheld Condensers that I have tried out that have been AMAZING options for spoken word, as well as great for singing and live vocals. So I was hoping that the Beta 87A would be another great option for multiple uses! I tell you MY OPINION at the end of this video.
We all have different opinions on audio equipment, and we all have different expectations and uses... So be sure to check out the testing and audio samples and see if this is right for you!
Thanks for watching the Audio Hotline! I'll see you Audio Nerds next time!
==========TIMESTAMPS==========
Intro: 0:00 - 1:23
Microphone Wants VS Needs: 1:23 - 3:18
What Comes in the Box: 3:18 - 4:00
Mic Specs: 4:00 - 6:06
Mic Testing: 6:06 - 8:50
MY OPINION on the Beta 87A: 8:50 - 11:03
Outro: 11:03 - 11:52
===========MIC LINK===========
Want to purchase the Shure Beta 87A:
Links:
B&H: bhpho.to/2TeeAX7
Amazon: amzn.to/2z2ZE7n
====GEAR I USE TO MAKE MY VIDEOS (w/ affiliate links)===
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Sigma EF 18-35mm f/1.8 (APS-C):
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Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L (MACRO):
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============AUDIO============
Rode Video Mic Pro+:
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Hercules Mic Stand:
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SE Dynamite:
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Your reviews are so good! A few weeks ago I ended up buying a mic from seeing it in your videos. You keep it straight to the point but also don't miss anything - keep doin what you're doin
Thank you! I appreciate it!
I just love Shure beta 87A it is the absolutely best mic I ever had in my life it is so nice and light in my hand as I hold it in my hand when I singing and speaking so for me it is absolutely gold worth so much clarity and so bright and clear for my bit of dark voice helps me to get perfect resultats in my opinion
I am so very happy to see this review.. as I wanting to find a Microphone.. I do "Need" this :)
I like your take on this mic.
I lost power when I was writing a much longer comment so...
I'm the guy who should really be using a dynamic but is using a LCC because I like the sound, so I might be the exact use case for a mic like this. I didn't think this was that bad for spoken word. Smooth throughout and unmuffled, the exact reason I like the condenser sound better. Maybe expensive for the quality of sound you get, but certainly usable. I'll trust you when you say use the SM 86 instead. I'm more in the Behringer market segment anyway.
I laughed when I heard the "get mic'd" line. Best mic review intro.
enrique kahn yeah, it definitely isn’t bad, It is more of the price issue that I struggle with especially when mics like the RØDE M2, At2010, and SM86 exist at a lower price in the handheld condenser market. I think all of those mics would give this one a run for it’s money.... also, I have a review for all of those mics in case you wanna check em out! 😉
thanks for the comment!
I prefer this mic over my Rhode NT1A for Live Streaming. I like the sound of the Rhode but it picks up a ton of background noise from the room. The Beta 87a sounds better in my opinion and also is great for not picking background noise just like you said. I will say though if I was only plugging directly into my focus right 1i2 I would probably prefer the Rhode. I use a Phonic Summit 16 channel digital console interface into my Cubase DAW. Then run the monitor speaker out cables into the focus right scarlet which goes to my streaming software so with the extra Mic Pre in the signal chain allows me to get enough power to crank the Beta 87a. I also use the slate digital everything bundle plug-in with Izotope as well to get the mic to sound as professional as possible. I just don't want to shell out 400 for the SM7B. The 87a works great for what I'm using it for. Great Vocal mic as well.
What is your opinion on the Shure KSM8? I'm looking for a vocal mic for recording as well as live performances. Does the quality justify the extra expense in your opinion, or would you go with the mic in this video?
Yeah. I have a large-diaphragm condenser and I rarely get to use it because I don't have a treated space (except my small closet). I would definitely love to try a handheld one, even if it's a cheaper one.
Found ya buddy!!
🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻, Amazing review thanks for sharing it, sounds awesome by the way!
I've used this to record pod before...but thats not what i got it for.
I bought one about 15 years ago when i was the front man in a band that played too loud and it really helped me cut through the mix. it did it's job, then it sat in a drawer for a decade.
then i remembered i still owned it right when another guy joined my pod cast cast. he talked the least and had terrible vocal craft, he was never going to sound good so it really didn't matter, and unlike most people round thees parts. I like any excuse not to get another mic, rather than any excuse to get one.
Please review the sE V7 dynamic supercardioid vocal mic. I’d love a comparison between that mic and the Shure Beta87A or even the Beta58!
This is an excellent microphone.
Thank you a lot for your very very good review! But I wish to ask... I don't do podcasts, I need a mic that I can use either for lives and for voice records when my tlm102 is meanwhile recording my acoustic guitar. I need so an high quality microphone that sounds good with the quality of the neumann (I had this problem with other microphones), do you think this is the right choice? I have just a pickup in my guitar and it sounds crap if I record it via pick-up while recording my voice with the neumann, I wanted something more.. and, needing a live mic too, I am just thinking that this could be the best way to spend 300€.. what do you think about it? Can it be the right choice or the self noise can be a problem for recording singing voice? I was thinking about the SM86, but I wanted a little bit more quality and fidelity, I'm liking more the sound of this beta87a... can you give me an advice? Thank you really a lot. Your reviews are amazing!
Which is better this or xm8500
Cool video!
What microphone do you prefer, shre beta 87a or sennheiser e965? :c
Is it 24v or 48v Phantom powered?
I am the owner of a professional sound/lighting company. I am also in the process of replacing all of my vocal mics for live stage performances. I have been using the Shure Beta 58a dynamic mics for a few years and have decided to replace them with the Shure Beta 87a condenser mics.
Hello. Thank you for the tutorials you publish
Which one do you like more?
Shure Beta 87A or Rode M2 Handheld ?
Thank you for answering🙏🌺
Looking at others reviews, they both a good job.
Have you check is review on the M2?
Horridoh, which headphones are u using or recommending for monitoring your recording? Kind regards & keep up the good videos
Steffen W. Schilke I really like the Sennheiser HD 650 headphones, they are a bit expensive though. A cheaper option I recommend are the BeyerDynamic
DT 770 headphones. Thanks for your comment!
thanks for taking the time to review this mic. One thing I will say, this mic is not designed for Podcasting, so commenting on that makes no sense. This mic is for Live vocals and maybe instruments. Thanks again.
My answer for that... have you ever listened to a band that does spoken word live? 😂 Just playin'!
My real answer haha:
You can't put mics in a box like that. That's silly. We wouldn't know the RE20 is great for a kick drum, bass, and a lot of instruments if it just stayed in the broadcasting room. Some people would make the opposite argument for the SM7b. There are TONS of mics "meant" for something that are KILLER at other things. Mics are meant to capture a source, their intended purpose might be what they are best at... but not always.
Lauten Audio just sent me the LS-208; it was designed for snare drums... They wanted me to review it as a spoken word / podcast style mic and do some guitar tests...Why not? Learning what it sounds good on and what it can be used for is the fun part! Like I said, a mic is meant to capture an audio source, what source it is, is irrelevant, it's all about whether it sounds good or not.
@@AudioHotline the title of your video is Shure Beta 87 review, so the intent use of the mic should be kept in mind when reviewing. At least that's my opinion. I am not trying to give you a hard time. There are many mics that can be used for many things, but that does not mean you should. Just like I could take my Porsche 911 for Uber, but I shouldn't. Again I am just giving an opinion and yours is just as important. Have a blessed day young man.
@@edwinrivera3118 to straighten one thing out, in the users manual it says “for professional sound and studio recording applications.” Yes, It is popular to bring “studio quality to a live mix” like shure states but in fact this is not only “meant” to be a live microphone. Here’s the thing, we aren’t talking apples to oranges here, we are talking oranges to tangerines. It is meant to record vocals… meaning it is tuned for the human voice. I am not over here testing it with a trumpet the whole time and calling it a review.
I like that you said it’s “for live vocals and maybe instruments.” That contradicts your comment since this mic is tuned for the human voice, therefore it is way more appropriate to use for spoken word than instruments. I think you are just being a musician purist… which is actually the only reason I replied. After 18 years of being a musician I have heard a lot of audio purists opinions and I just think it is a silly concept to put everything in a box and say it has to stay there. As a musician and even as a Content creator, thinking outside of the box is what we are supposed to do so I don’t understand why the tools we use have to live in a box when we aren’t supposed to.
I actually think a good way of putting this is with what you said. You could use your Porsche 911 (beta 87a) for Uber (instruments), but you probably shouldn’t. However, you could use it for UberLux (spoken word), maybe it isn’t as good as you starting your own car service (singing) but it would still get the job done and make you money.
INSTANT SUB
WHERE THE FUCHE HAS THIS CHANNEL BEEN ALL THIS TIME !!!!!!!!!!!!
How do you hook it up to my computer? I’m a beginner
You'll need an audio interface. Something like a Focusrite Scarlett Solo or Audient iD4. These can provide the +48v of Phantom Power that this mic requires and also be able to send the signal to your computer via a usb cable.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo: amzn.to/2IIXaQ9
Audient iD4: amzn.to/2Kb3nox
Your voice sounds good. A little sibilant on words ending with an "s", but not sibilant on words beginning with an "s". Your voice also seemed darker or smoother.
I do like it... but my main issue is that I just feel like it is a bit pricey when the RØDE M2 and SM86 are cheaper and would give this a run for it’s money. I am thinking about doing a handheld condenser microphone comparison video: Beta 87a vs AT2010 vs SM86 vs RØDE M2 vs Behringer SB 78A... should I?
Audio Hotline of course you should. You can make your point. You might of had a cold because you were so Barry White on the mic yesterday. Peanutses. Classic.
I can’t get enough of your comments, babe 🎶😂
Hello, Great video. Is this Shure mic 87A is the same as Sennheiser e865? or which mic that is equivalent on the Sennheiser? Thank you.
Thank you!
Yes, they are basically each companies offering of a Handheld Super-Cardioid Condenser microphone for around $250. Definitely comparable.
I do have a review of the Sennheiser e865 if you want to learn more about it:
ua-cam.com/video/dEvdNeuOOi4/v-deo.html
Thanks for watching!
Between the three which one would you pick for Vocal singing concert? Sennheiser e865, e945 and Shure Beta87A? Can you please share your thought? Thank you.
@@AudioHotline Thank you for answer the question. Between the Shure 87A and Sennheiser e865, which one would you pick? Thank you
@@alvinhoang1800 for my use case, and my voice I would personally take the e865.
Amazing mic but I agree on the price…found it for $70 at a pawn shop so obviously I couldn’t say no…a steal at this price point
If I want to record singing on tiktok and I:
1. Sing musical, opera, and a little bit of pop from time to time
2. use our bedroom, which is small and stuffed with furniture.
3. I dont want to wear headphones while recording.
4. I still look for a giid recording computer program.
5. My budget is not that big.. student life.
What microphone and equipment should i use? 😭😵💫 heeelp
Have you or could you test the AKG C5
Who's the better mic?
Akg c5 vs shure beta87a/c
For a video that is about detailed listening, It's crazy how many are hearing peanutses wrong.....
I like the mic only thing i don’t like it no on and off bottom
Bro are you podcasting? I'd love to have you on my show as a guest.
Yeah man, I am in the middle of starting an Audio Hotline Podcast, as well as a second one called Rant With Me. I have given this channel a lot of attention. I’ve been trying to get better and faster at putting this type of content out. Now that I am a lot more comfortable with the workload, I am going to start those Podcasts.
I am down to guest on your show! Just hit me up, audiohotline@gmail.com and we can set it up!
@@AudioHotline that's awesome! Will do 👍🏾
Many videos and nobody shows how to connect this mic and a that panthon power unit or mixer they talk about, then to a speaker. They just assume we all know. 😢
Where the letter grade at? ;(
I had a bit of an issue with the footage at that part and had to take it out. I am not getting rid of the grades though!
What I said:
“For live singing a “B”
And for everything else a “C+””
@@AudioHotline Thank you, my mic guru
Shure's website claims that a POP FILTER is built-in into the Beta 87A?? Ummm, that can't be, if you are able to make such loud popping peen....uh, peanutzes! :) Sorry, came to find out that the pop filter was built into the now extinct SM87A. Ah, well. I guess I'll look seriously into an AKG C7 Supercardioid with built in pop filter. Same price of $250. Reviews say it is remarkable in eliminating/preventing feedback. Sounds awesome, because those screeching feedback sounds give my wife a convulsion! :)
They are really meant for LIVE vocals on stage.......
Doesn’t mean it won’t sound solid as hell for other stuff! I’ve played in bands for most of my life and have experienced plenty of mics and pieces of gear that were “meant” for something, but were great at other things. Our world is shifting and there is a lot more content being created inside rooms compared to on stages. Those people are looking for mics too.
Also, there are a lot of live vocalists that watch my videos to hear how a mic sounds. A controlled environment is a great way to hear a mic’s frequency response.
@@AudioHotline Correct. :-) I agree on all points there as well. Truth is for things such as podcasting I would use this over a regular large diaphragm condenser.
I absolutly don't agree with you, as a professional producer/engineer, working in big studio's and with loads of experience with both local and more well known bands for over 40 years. This mike is very good for recording vocals in the studio in a "live" situation, so for example when recording vocals of someone who is also playing a acoustic guitar.
I don't think you should use these type of mikes for podcasts.
It’s meant for the voice bro… podcasting is spoken word. Just chill on your high horse.
Here are the reasons people should use this microphone for podcasts:
For quiet sources, the fact that this is a condenser helps not turn the preamp as, as much and introduce a higher noise floor.
It has great off-axis rejection, so it’s amazing for untreated rooms and the reverberation in them.
It is quite literally tuned for the human voice, so spoken word sounds great.
In a situation where you want to use it for an interview style podcast you can hand hold it and use it on the go.
It pretty much checks a lot of podcasters requirements…Can you name any actual reasons why it shouldn’t be used? I mean, if it sounds good, it sounds good right?