Mic Archive
Shure Beta 87A
Photo: Shure, from its spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1.

Shure

Shure Beta 87A

Electret condenser, supercardioid, handheld vocal mic for stage and studio

Type
Condenser (electret)
Pattern
Supercardioid
Sensitivity
−52.5 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
23.5 dB(A)
Max SPL
140.5 dB SPL
Impedance
150 Ω
Rated range
50 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet, p. 1. "Frequency Response"; relative dB. The sheet doesn't label the curves; distances from the 2019 user guide (p. 7), which prints the same graph with labels. Room and smoothing not stated.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the spec sheet, p. 1. "Polar Pattern"; two plots (250 Hz to 1 kHz, 2500 Hz to 10 kHz), 0° at the bottom, rings labelled -5 to -20 dB.

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All specs

From the spec sheet
Sensitivity−52.5 dBV/Pa (2 mV/Pa), 1 kHz, open circuit voltage. "−52.5 dBV/Pa (2 mV)".p. 1
Self-noise23.5 dB(A), typical, equivalent SPL, A-weighted. The 2005 guide adds "25.5 dB typical, weighted per DIN 45 405" (p. 2).
Max SPL140.5 dB SPL, 1 kHz, 1% THD, 1 kohm load. The 2019 guide gives the same; the 2005 guide gives the same figure at "0.25% THD, 1000 ohm load" (p. 2).
Signal-to-noise ratio70.5 dB, re 94 dB SPL at 1 kHz, A-weighted
Dynamic range117 dB, 1 kHz, 1 kohm load
Output impedance150 ohm, rated; 100 ohm actual. The guide (p. 5): "EIA rated at 150 Ω (100 Ω actual)"; the 2005 guide: "100 ohms actual ±20%".
Poweringphantom, 11 to 52 V DC. "11 to 52 Vdc phantom (1.2 mA)". The guide: "performs best with a 48 Vdc supply (IEC-61938)", with "slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity" down to 11 V (p. 5).
Current draw1.2 mA. The 2005 guide: "Current Drain 1.0 to 1.2 mA".
ConnectorXLR-3 male. "Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male".
Weight207 g, net. "Net: 0.207 kg (0.475 lbs)".
Clipping level−6 dBV (0.5 V) at 1 kHz, 0.25% THD, 1 kohm load
PolarityPositive pressure on the diaphragm gives positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
From the user guide
Rated frequency range50 Hz to 20 kHz; also [20, 20000], 2015 spec sheet. Both user guides say 50 to 20,000 Hz, and the graph starts at 50 Hz; the 2010 and 2015 spec sheets say "20 to 20,000 Hz".p. 5
Dimensions51 × 192 mm. Dimension drawing: 192 mm (7 9/16 in.) long, 51 mm (2 in.) across the grille, 21 mm at the connector end (head diameter × length).p. 7
Supplied accessoriesA25D microphone clip; 95A2314 zippered carrying bag. Furnished accessories.p. 8
HousingAluminium with painted blue metallic finish; hardened steel grille with nickel satin chrome platingp. 6
Proximity effect (Shure)6 to 10 dB bass boost below 100 Hz at about 6 mm from the sourcep. 4
Greatest rejectionAbout 120° (supercardioid nulls)
Replacement partsGrille RK312; cartridge R193; plug (connector) assembly 90J1984p. 8
Optional accessoriesA55HM Shock Stopper isolation mount; A85WS foam windscreen; C25F 7.5 m cable
From the user guide (Recording Hacks copy)
Rated load impedance800 ohm, recommended minimum. "Use a minimum load impedance of 800 ohms for maximum signal handling and minimum distortion. The load may be as low as 150 ohms, but a reduction in output signal strength and output clipping level results."p. 2
Self-noise, DIN 45 40525.5 dB typical
Low-frequency roll-offElectronic; compensates for proximity effect at close rangep. 1

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Shure, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on shure.comRecording Hacks

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