Shure
Shure SM86-LC Cardioid Condenser Vocal Microphone
★★★★★
Condenserphantom power
Capture Vocal Excellence with Studio-Grade Clarity Introducing the Shure SM86, a professional-grade cardioid condenser vocal microphone engineered for live performance. Renowned for its rugged construction and studio-quality sound, the SM86 delivers exceptional clarity and minimizes unwanted noi...
$209.00*
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Overview
Capture Vocal Excellence with Studio-Grade Clarity
Introducing the Shure SM86, a professional-grade cardioid condenser vocal microphone engineered for live performance. Renowned for its rugged construction and studio-quality sound, the SM86 delivers exceptional clarity and minimizes unwanted noise.
Specifications:
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: Tailored for vocals
- Shock Mount: Built-in three-point
- Pop Filter: Two-stage
- Connector Type: XLR
- Phantom Power: Requires 11 to 52 Vdc
- Impedance: Recommended load impedance of at least 600 Ohms
Key Features
The SM86 requires phantom power. This may be supplied to the microphone from an external power supply (such as the Shure model PS1A) or directly from preamplifiers, mixers, or consoles with built-in phantom power. Suitable sources should provide 11 to 52 Vdc phantom voltage.
A load impedance of at least 600 Ohms is recommended. The load may be as low as 150 Ohms, but a reduction in output level and output clipping level will result.
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 monitors
Built-in three-point shock mount minimizes handling noise
Two-stage "pop" filter reduces wind and breath noise
Cardioid vocal microphone offers an extended high frequency response and rugged construction to withstand the rigors of touring. Features include a built-in 3-point shock mount to minimize handling noise and a 2-stage pop filter to reduce wind noise.
Specifications
Microphone Type
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Power Requirement
Phantom Power (11 to 52 Vdc)
Recommended Load Impedance
≥ 600 Ohms
Shock Mount
Built-in Three-point
Pop Filter
Two-stage
Frequency Response
Tailored for vocals
Construction
Rugged
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Features a condenser cartridge, providing studio-quality sound reproduction for vocals.
- Offers a tailored frequency response specifically designed for clear and accurate vocal reproduction.
- Built with rugged construction, ensuring it can withstand the physical demands and rigors of touring.
- Utilizes a cardioid polar pattern to effectively minimize unwanted background noise, focusing on the vocalist.
- An excellent choice for stage monitors and personal monitors due to its precise sound capture and rejection.
- Incorporates a built-in three-point shock mount, significantly minimizing handling noise during performances.
- Equipped with a two-stage "pop" filter, which effectively reduces wind and breath noise for cleaner audio.
👎 Cons
- The SM86-LC requires phantom power for operation, which means it cannot be used with mixers or interfaces lacking this feature without an external power supply.
- A load impedance of at least 600 Ohms is recommended; lower impedances (e.g., 150 Ohms) can result in reduced output and clipping.
- The cardioid polar pattern, while effective for background noise reduction, may not be suitable for applications requiring omnidirectional pickup.
- While rugged, specific details on its water resistance or extreme environmental durability are not provided.
- As a vocal microphone, its tailored frequency response may not be ideal for capturing instruments or other audio sources where a flat response is preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Shure SM86-LC microphone require batteries to operate?
No, the Shure SM86-LC requires phantom power, which can be supplied by an external power supply, preamplifiers, mixers, or consoles with built-in phantom power, providing 11 to 52 Vdc.
Can this microphone be used for recording instruments?
While it is a high-quality condenser microphone, the SM86-LC features a tailored frequency response specifically for clear reproduction of vocals. It may not provide the optimal flat response often desired for instrument recording.
What kind of background noise reduction does this microphone offer?
The SM86-LC features a cardioid polar pattern, which is designed to minimize unwanted background noise by primarily picking up sound from the front of the microphone.
Is this microphone durable enough for live performances and touring?
Yes, the Shure SM86-LC is built with rugged construction to withstand the rigors of touring sound, making it a reliable choice for stage use.
Does this microphone help with reducing breath sounds or "pops"?
Yes, the SM86-LC includes a built-in two-stage "pop" filter, which effectively reduces wind and breath noise for cleaner vocal delivery.
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