Shure Beta 87A vs. Beta 58A

[sajs]

For gigs I have been using the Shure Beta 58A for a long time. Is the Beta 87A worth the extra $100? I will try to get to a music store this weekend to hear the difference myself.

I just wanted to hear any pros and cons from anyone who uses a 87A live. Thanks, Steve.

 

[boingoman]

As I see it, yes, it's worth it. It's a condenser, so it needs phantom. It sounds great on a wide range of vocals, and the A is supercardioid, so it has pretty good rejection. It also means your technique has to be decent, but if you use a Beta58 you already know how to work a supercard mic.

You could also try some other mics, about the same or less than an 87. Sometimes much less. Sennheiser e series, Audix OM 5, 6, 7, Rode S1, CAD 195, for example. All good vocal mics. I use Beta58s because it's expected, but I think there are better mics out there without spending more money, necessarily.

That being said, unless it just doesn't match your voice, the 87 is a great choice, well worth the extra money.

 

[sajs]

Thanks. I will try out those as well.

 

[WERNER 1]

I noticed a pretty big difference in our/my vocals when we switched from the Beta 58's to the 87's......very nice mic's (IMO)

Rick