The Shure SM86 is a condenser microphone with cardioid polar pattern for professional live use. The robust condenser microphone can withstand every stressing situation on stage, and still provides studio quality. The matched frequency response of the SM86 provides a precise reproduction of the voice, and the cardioid polar pattern, pointing directly to the signal source, ensures a almost noise-free signal. The built-in three-point shock absorber reduces handling noise, while the two-layer windscreen minimizes wind and pop noise. The SM86 is an excellent choice for both stage and in-ear monitoring.
The SM86 from Shure is a cardioid condenser microphone that has been optimised for vocals, and it delivers a studio-quality sound on stage and enables the singer's voice to be transmitted cleanly. The mic's manufacturing quality is rock solid, with the capsule and the internal electronics reliably protected from damage during live use by a robust housing and metal grille. Shure specifies the microphone's frequency range as 50Hz to 18kHz, the sensitivity as 3.15mV/Pa, and the maximum sound pressure level (SPL) as 147dB. The SM86 is operated with phantom power, which must be between a minimum of 11V and a maximum of 52V.
A look at the Shure SM 86's frequency response shows that it is not linear, but rather tailored for a clear reproduction of the human voice. In order to minimise the proximity effect, Shure's developers have reduced the bass range considerably, with the result that vocals do not sound too bass-heavy even at very short distances from the capsule. Between 2kHz and 12kHz, there is a general boost that provides increased transparency and presence. When it comes to the critical S and T sounds, there is a slight offset in the opposite direction to avoid unnecessary sharpness in the sound. Moving the mic away from the mouth reduces the volume less than is the case with other models, such as the SM58.
The Shure SM86 is designed primarily for professional live use, where it will impress with a sound that has plenty of presence and optimally supports the human voice, so that vocals can cut through the mix properly. The capsule of the SM86 is mounted on a three-point shock mount, which means that handling noise (including accidental foot contact with the microphone stand) will no longer be a problem. On top of that, the mic's price-performance ratio is simply outstanding: Technicians, bands, and both professional and up-and-coming vocalists will find Shure's SM86 to be a highly fitting companion.
The American company Shure began developing microphones during the early 1930s and is one of the pioneers of the audio engineering sector. Models such as the 55 Unidyne - known to many as the "Elvis microphone" - and the SM57 and SM58 which appeared in the mid-1960s are still ubiquitous in live sound production today. They enjoy cult status among musicians and technicians alike. In the 1990s, Shure introduced the first wireless microphones and in-ear monitoring systems and became a market leader in this field. In addition to microphones, Shure offers a wide range of earphones and headphones for studio and live use, as well as various accessories.
As mentioned above, the Shure SM86 condenser microphone is particularly at home on the stage, where its very robust design will ensure that typical mishaps, such as the mic being dropped on the floor, do not cause too much damage. The capsule's built-in shock mount prevents the transmission of structure-borne sound, and an internal two-stage pop filter reduces wind and breathing noise. In addition, the cardioid polar pattern will allow easy handling while forgiving any off-axis speech and also reducing annoying background noise coming from behind the microphone. Additionally, the SM86 produces very little feedback.