Shure SM86 Cardioid Condenser Stage Vocal Microphone

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.

$189.00

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Overall User Ratings (based on 44 ratings)
  • Overall:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(44) (see rating details)
Submitted April 2, 2017 by Ricky Williams in Houston, TX

"Everything I've wished for in a mic"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I received this a few days ago and used have used it on a couple of my gigs now. Right off the bat I was blown away by how full it sounds. I regularly use an SM58, and I've used a few high-dollar Sennheiser mics as well. The SM86 blows them all out of the water. This has the nice big, warm, fat sound you know and love about the SM58, mixed with the beautiful high-end detail you get from the expensive Sennheisers. This was the first mic I was able to just plug in and use with a flat EQ (at least for my voice). All in all it's a fantastic mic. I prefer it over the Beta 87 hands down.

Musical Background:

Professional cover musician

Musical Style:

Acoustic, rock, pop, reggae, hip hop, country
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Submitted October 25, 2003 by a customer from performanceaudio.com

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

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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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 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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Submitted July 19, 2015 by Fermin G in Holland, MI

"Not the sound I expected"

Overall: 0.5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I personally did not like the sound and it is not very loud...you do not get a good gain level before feedback...very dissapointed

Musical Background:

15 years

Musical Style:

Latin
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