Mic Archive
Shure SM86
Photo: Shure, from its user guide, p. 1.

Shure

Shure SM86

Electret condenser, cardioid, handheld vocal mic for live stage use, with three-point shock mount and two-stage pop filter

Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.

Type
Condenser (electret)
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−50 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
23 dB(A)
Max SPL
147 dB SPL
Impedance
150 Ω
Rated range
50 – 18k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1. "Frequency Response"; relative dB. Distance, room and smoothing not stated (the user guide calls it "typical").

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 (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1. "Polar Pattern" (the user guide: "Typical polar pattern"); two plots (250 Hz to 1 kHz, 2500 Hz to 10 kHz), 0° at the bottom, rings labelled -5 to -20 dB. Approximate reading error up to about 1 dB; some frequencies are identified by reasoning, not by the legend: 500 Hz.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the user guide
Sensitivity−50 dBV/Pa (3.15 mV/Pa), 1 kHz, open circuit voltage. "–50 dBV/Pa (3.15 mV)".p. 2
Self-noise23 dB(A), typical, A-weighted
Max SPL147 dB SPL, 1 kHz, 1% THD, 1000 ohm load
Signal-to-noise ratio71 dB, re 94 dB SPL (IEC 651)
Dynamic range124 dB, 1000 ohm load; max SPL to A-weighted noise
Output impedance150 ohm, at 1 kHz
Rated load impedance600 ohm, recommended minimum. "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."
Rated frequency range50 Hz to 18 kHz
Poweringphantom, 11 to 52 V DC. "11 to 52 Vdc, positive at both pins 2 and 3".
Current draw5.2 mA
Weight278 g, net; also 284, spec sheet. "Net: 278 grams (9.8 oz)"; the spec sheet says "284 grams (10 oz)".
Dimensions49 × 183 mm. Dimension drawing: 183 mm (7.2 in.) long, 49 mm (1.92 in.) across the grille, 24 mm at the connector end (head diameter × length). The spec sheet gives "183 mm (6-3/16 in.) L x 49 mm (1-1/4 in.) W", the inch figures misprinted.
Supplied accessoriesA25D break-resistant microphone clip; 26A13 microphone bag; 31A1856 5/8" to 3/8" thread adapter. Furnished accessories.
Output clipping level+3 dBV (1.41 V) at 1 kHz into 1000 ohm
PolarityPositive pressure on the diaphragm gives positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3
CircuitElectret cartridge, FET impedance converter, LF response filter, discrete class A amplifier, RFI filter, reverse voltage protector
CaseDark grey enamel-painted steel with matte silver steel grille
Shock mount and pop filterBuilt-in three-point shock mount; two-stage pop filterp. 1
Proximity effect (Shure)Up to 15 dB bass boost close to the source; the bass response rolls off gradually to compensate
Operating temperature–18 to 60 °C (relative humidity < 90%); storage –29 to 74 °C (< 80%)p. 2
Optional accessoriesPS1A phantom supply; A55M, A55HM Shock Stopper isolation mounts; A85WS Popper Stopper windscreen; C25 7.6 m cable
From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy)
ConnectorXLR-3 male. "Three-pin professional audio connector (male XLR type)".p. 1
Replacement grilleRPM226
ModelsSM86-LC: with stand adapter and zippered pouch

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

Other mics