Shure SM86 Cardioid Condenser Stage Vocal Microphone

zZounds Gear Experts Say...

Deliver studio-quality sound with this cardioid condenser vocal mic. The Shure SM86 is ideal for live performance and built to survive the rigors of touring.

Overview

The Shure SM86 is a unidirectional (cardioid) condenser vocal microphone for professional use in live performance. An extremely rugged microphone, the SM86 withstands the rigors of touring while delivering studio-quality sound. The tailored frequency response of the SM86 reproduces vocals with clarity. A cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while minimizing unwanted background noise. The built-in 3-point shock mount minimizes handling noise, and a 2-stage pop filter reduces wind and breath "pop" noise. The SM86 is an excellent selection for use with both stage monitors and personal in-ear monitors.

Features:

- Condenser cartridge for studio-quality sound
- Tailored frequency response for a clear reproduction of vocals
- Rugged construction withstands the rigors of touring sound
- Cardioid polar pattern minimizes unwanted background noise
- Excellent choice for stage monitors and personal in-ear monitors
- Built-in 3-point shock mount minimizes handling noise
- 2-stage "pop" filter reduces wind and breath noise

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

Transducer Type: Condenser (electret bias)

Frequency Response: 50 to 18,000 Hz

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Output Impedance:
150 Ohms at 1 kHz
Recommended minimum load impedance: 600 Ohms

Sensitivity (at 1,000 Hz)
Open Circuit Voltage: 50 dBV/Pa (3.15 mV)

Output Clipping Level
1000 Ohm Load at 1,000 Hz: +3 dBV (1.41 V)

Maximum SPL (at 1,000 Hz)
1000 Hz load (1% THD): 147 dB

Self-Noise: 23 dB typical, A-weighted

Dynamic Range (1000 Hz): 124 dB (maximum SPL to A-weighted noise level)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 71 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 of the output connector.

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

Current Drain: 5.2 mA

Connector: 3-pin (XLR) professional audio

Case: Dark gray enamel-painted steel with matte-finished silver colored steel grille

Dimensions: 24 x 49 x 183 mm (.95 x 1.92 x 7.2 in.)

Net Weight: 278 grams (9.8 oz.)

Environmental Conditions:
Operating: -18 to 60 degrees C (0 to 135 degrees F) (relative humidity <90%)
Storage: -29 to 74 degrees C (20 to 165 degrees F) (relative humidity <80%)

Certification:
Eligible to bear CE Marking. Conforms to European EMC Directive 89/336/EEC. Meets applicable tests and performance criteria in European Standard EN55103 (1996) parts 1 and 2, for residential (E1) and light industrial (E2) environments.

Furnished Accessories:
Break Resistant Microphone Clip A25D
Microphone Bag 26A13
5/8 in. to 3/8 in. Thread Adapter 31A1856

Optional Accessories:
Phantom Power Supply PS1A
Shock Stopper Isolation Mount A55M, A55HM
Popper Stopper Windscreen A85WS
7.6 m (25 ft.) Cable C25F

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item: Shipping Weight: 1.25 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 10 x 5 x 4 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): SM86
Open Box (Very Good): Shipping Weight: 1.25 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 10 x 5 x 4 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): SM86

Documents and Manuals

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-516-2525
Email: service@shure.com

User Guide

Reviews

(44 ratings)

Submitted October 25, 2003 by a customer from performanceaudio.com

"A great new mic from Shure that is Shure to turn some heads!"

Overall:

(see rating details)

This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.

What a great new mic from Shure! Finally, a Shure vocal condensor mic that I can use on male vocals! I want one, I want one, I want one.

Sound
This is a really great sounding mic. You can use it anywhere that you would use the good 'ol 58 but it has a smoother sound and doesn't have the dreading 3k build-up that the 58 can have. I used this mic in an acoustic setting with two guitars and a lead vocal and was very happy. The sound was always present and clear, never harsh or nasaly. This is especially a great mic if you have a singer that knows how to work a mic. It has very good off-axis sound and the proximity effect reduction doesn't leave you jumping for the low-cut when the singer gets close. I would compare this to the AKG C900 as being smoother and more natural sounding. This is probably due to the lower cut-off frequency of 18k vs 20k. Comparing to the Sennheiser e865, this mic has a more present sound and will cut through a dense mix a little better. Overall, a very good performer in the crowded vocal mic arena.

Features
As can be expected from the Shure SM series, this mic has a very solid feel and the build quality is top-notch. I would not be afraid of using this mic anywhere that I would normally use a 58. As far as accesories, it comes with the standard Shure SM fare: A clip and pouch. The only draw back I can see with this mic is that it requires phantom power. While this is not a problem… read more for a professional sound technician, a musician with lesser equipment won't be able to use this mic without some sort of phantom power adaptor.

Quality
No complaints here. I want one myself! This mic maintains the legendary build quality of the venerable Shure SM line. I'm sure we've all seen the SM58 with the grill completely bashed in and still working. This mic has the same feel and ruggedness and would not hesitate using it in adverse conditions.

Value
I the field of hand-help vocal condensors, this mic fares very well. The price is well below the popular Neumann KSM-105 and has a street price similar to the AKG C900 and the Sennheiser e865. I used to want the C900, but I think I would rather have the SM86 now that I have tried it.

Manufacturer Support
I've always had wonderful customer support from Shure. Wheather it's a broken mic, or just a lost clip, they've always come through for me. No complaints here.

The Wow Factor
Of course I do, and so should you. At this price point, it's hard to pass up. This mic is like bringing studio quality condensor mics to the stage. I plan on purchasing one in the next few weeks.

Musical Style:
I hate country and techno. I can listen to pretty much anything else.

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