If you’re seeking recording equipment, few businesses offer as many or as broad a range of options as Shure. Shure microphones are a ubiquitous feature in music recording industry, having been invented in 1925 and being the maker of most of the microphones used in presidential addresses, live concert venues, and radio stations. Give one of the oldest American microphone manufacturers a go if you’re looking to jumpstart your podcast, band, or even just improve your conference call game.
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Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone
- ONE MICROPHONE FOR EVERYTHING - Studio Recording, Home Recording, Podcasting and Streaming. The SM7B Is Trusted By The Worlds Leading Vocalists,...
- STUDIO VOCAL RECORDING - The SM7B’s Dynamic Cartridge With Smooth, Flat, Wide-range Frequency Response Produces Exceptionally Clean and Natural...
- PODCAST and BROADCAST - Found In The Top Podcasting Studios Around The World, The SM7B Air Suspension Shock Isolation and Pop Filter Eliminate Both...
The Shure SM7B takes some beating as an all-around vocal microphone. It’s been adopted by some of the biggest names in music recording studios throughout the years — Michael Jackson swore by these vocal mics – and more recently by the podcasting community, thanks to its rich, balanced tone. It’s an excellent choice for home recording because it has built-in protection against electromagnetic hum, which means your computer monitor won’t interfere with your signal. It’s also built to survive all kinds of performing circumstances, much like the rest of the Shure SM line of audio products.
The Shure SM7B microphone is developed primarily for home recording musicians and songwriters. Simply said, if you have a good preamp to utilize with it, the SM7B mic is a superb dynamic microphone with an SM58-like character that works well for powerful studio recordings.
The SM7B is a dynamic microphone, which means it doesn’t have its own preamp and isn’t as sensitive as condenser microphones. As a result, it’s not ideal for delicate singing voices, but it can easily handle loud vocals — the capsule is strong enough to take all that audio performance in studio setups. The SM7B, on the other hand, is far more sensitive than the Shure SM58-LCs. Its capsule parts are thinner and more sensitive, and it may simulate an excellent condenser mic with a competent preamp.
The audio sound pattern of the SM7B mic has a minor “character.” The SM7B can give your recorded voice the traditional Shure SM58 “live” flavor if you pair it with the correct preamp since it resembles the SM58’s presence enhancing curve. The mic is also more sensitive, with some of the characteristics of condenser mics with a cardioid pickup pattern.
Overall, the Shure SM57Bs offer a smooth, flat, and neutral wide-range frequency response if you desire a hybrid between a dynamic and a condenser mic. It boasts a very clean sound and a very natural vocal reproduction, making it one of the most flexible home studio microphones available. This is the best Shure microphone in 2023.
Shure SM58LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
- EXEPTIONAL VOCAL PERFORMANCE - The SM58-LC delivers high-quality vocal reproduction, thanks to its tailored frequency response and brightened midrange...
- INDUSTRY STANDARD - The first choice for performers around the globe, the SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone is ready to bring any performance to life....
- CLARITY & CARE - The uniform cardioid polar pattern reproduces every note as it was intended, delivering warm, crisp sound time after time.
Most newcomers start with Shure SM58-LC dynamic microphones, and for good reason. These microphones have been around for a long time and have become a mainstay in the music industry for beginners, as well as a “rite of passage” for any new artist.
The SM58-LCs, in particular, have a frequency range calibrated for singing, with a brighter midrange and well-tuned bass rolloff to control proximity effect. They aren’t as sensitive as other big diaphragm condensers, but they still capture enough information to compete with them. With the SM58-beta, Shure attempted to improve on the SM-58LCs, but the beta mics sound brighter and less well-balanced for vocals. The SM58-LCs are the ones to get if you want to go with something tried and true price tag.
The SM58 LCs have a low cost of entry and perform well in comparison to other large diaphragm condensers. Furthermore, these mics are as tough and long-lasting as they come. They are sturdy enough to withstand the occasional accidental fall and will last for a long time. These are some of the most well-known Shure microphones, and you can’t go wrong with them if you’re just getting started or need to expand your home studio. This is one of the best shure microphones in 2023.
Shure SM57-LC Instrument Microphone
- VERSATILE INSTRUMENT RECORDING - The SM57 excels in capturing the true essence of instruments, making it perfect for studio recordings or live...
- EXCEPTIONAL DURABILITY - Built like a tank, the SM57 is known for its rugged construction, ensuring it can withstand the demands of any environment.
- PRECISE INSTRUMENT REPRODUCTION - With its tailored frequency response, the SM57 captures the nuances and details of instruments with clarity and...
The Shure SM57 is a classic Shure microphone that has been in production for decades—and with good reason. This mic’s die-cast steel structure makes it ideal for taking on tour or transporting from studio to studio. Instead of holding the SM57 in your hand, set it directly in front of the instrument you’re recording (or your mouth if you’re in a hurry). This implies that, depending on your intended use, you’ll need to link this microphone with a specific stand and some sort of amp or interface.
It was created as a microphone for instruments, but it’s also been used for vocals. It is quite content to perform in a studio or on stage. It will be difficult, if not impossible, to find something better at this price point for recording vocals or drums (especially the saner drum). However, when it comes to miking up amps, it shines. The frequency response of 40 to 15,000 Hz and its natural occurrence are well-known. When recording drums, guitars, and vocals, they ensure a superb sound. It’s also known for its adaptability, being able to deal with a wide range of situations. It’s the kind of mic you keep in the studio as a backup in case something goes wrong. his is the best Shure mic in 2023.
Shure BETA 52A Super Cardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone with High Output Neodymium Element
- Frequency response shaped specifically for kick drums and bass instruments
- Built-in dynamic locking stand adapter with integral XLR connector simplifies setup, especially inside a kick drum
- Studio quality performance, even a high sound pressure levels
Shure is well-known for producing high-quality microphones. One of the reasons that makes some of those mics so popular is their vast range of functions and applications pickup patterns from sound sources. However, every now and then, they produce a microphone that, while it has features, is meant for a single function. The Beta 52A is one of them.
This is a dynamic microphone made specifically for use with kick drums. It appears to be that way due of the way it is constructed. It has a steel mesh grille that can withstand moderate wear and tear and is made of die-cast metal. It comes with a locking stand adaptor that makes setting up within the bass drum a breeze. There are also XLR connections.
Any potential mechanical noise is essentially eliminated. This is made possible by a pneumatic shock mount system that eliminates vibrations. It boasts a huge 174dB SPL. As a result, it delivers studio-quality sound even at very high sound pressure levels. This mic is designed to pick up low frequencies and does a fantastic job at it. While we’re on the subject of kick drums, why not put one in front of a bass cabinet? We believe you will be surprised by the findings. Shure has once again produced a microphone that excels in one area while still being capable in another.
Shure BETA 87A Supercardioid Single-Element Vocal Condenser Microphone
- Smooth frequency response with gradual presence rise
- Highly consistent super cardioid polar pattern provides superior gain-before-feedback
- Electronic low-frequency roll-off compensates for proximity effect
The Shure BETA 87A is one of the best microphone technology to have in your home recording studio. This mic truly shines in terms of recording brighter vocals with a dazzling high-end and a steady presence rise when compared to the Shure SM58 and SM86. The off-axis noise reduction is good, despite the mic’s sensitivity. When singing, you must get close to the microphone. This supercardioid pattern provides good feedback rejection in regions where monitor placement isn’t perfect.
The sound quality of the BETA 87A is very clear, and there is no indication of muddiness in the sound presence boost. There is a noticeable difference in sound clarity between the SM 58-LCs and the SM 58-LCs. As a result, unlike the SM58s, the 87A mic won’t cover up vocal flaws, so be aware that it will pick up sounds in your singing that you don’t want.
Aside from that, the BETA 87A features a large dynamic range of 117dB and minimal distortion characteristics. It also incorporates a low-frequency electronic roll-off that compensates for the proximity effect of build quality. The BETA 87A mic, like other Shure condensers, has a built-in pop filter to decrease plosive sounds and breath noises in home studios.
Shure SM86 Cardioid Condenser Vocal Microphone for Professional Use in Live Performance with Built-in 3-Point Shock Mount
- 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...
- 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...
- Condenser cartridge for studio quality sound
The Shure SM86-LC dynamic mics are a step up from the SM58-LC dynamic mics in terms of sensitivity. This mic will provide you with everything you need to record clean vocals and fine nuances. The clarity of the vocals produced by this mic is astonishing, and you’ll notice a difference in your recordings once you start using it. Although there is a slight increase in the high-end, your vocals seem more natural and fluid.
A load impedance of at least 600 ohms is recommended for the greatest sound quality. Even if the load is as low as 160 ohms, the output level may be reduced and output clipping may occur. The SM86-LC also has a 3-point stack mount that reduces handling noise and a 2-stage pop filter that reduces wind noise. The mic has a cardioid polar pattern that reduces undesirable background noise and is ideal for recording in a home studio.
The Shure SM86-LCs produce a highly clear, sharp, and natural vocal sound, with a hint of Shure ruggedness in the mic structure.
Shure 55SH Series II Iconic Unidyne Dynamic Vocal Microphone
- VINTAGE STYLE - Classic look and feel inspired by the original Shure Unidyne microphone from the 1930s.
- RICH SOUND QUALITY - Dynamic cartridge with a cardioid polar pattern and tailored frequency response for natural sound reproduction.
- RUGGED CONSTRUCTION - All-metal construction with a chrome-plated die-cast casing for durability and a vintage aesthetic.
A historic microphone is the Shure 55SH Series II, which imitates the old car-grille style of early twentieth-century microphones. This is one of those mics that is instantly recognizable and adds an air of respectability to a recording location if you’re attempting to kit out an open mic setup or a small live event.
This is another Shure mic that doesn’t require phantom power and is made of durable die-cast metal, so you can throw it around with no worries. Because the mic’s swivel mount allows for 125 degrees of movement, you can simply position it to your mouth. The design of the 55SH Series II is appealing, but it comes at a cost: weight. With a weight of 626g, it’s perhaps not the ideal choice for travelers. Another wonderful alternative for live performances is this dynamic mic, which has a cardioid pickup pattern. While it’s a capable microphone, it’s not suitable for many applications, so read the whole review if you’re interested in its appearance.