Model SM87A User Guide
27C2964 (Rev. 6)
Printed in U.S.A.
©2006, Shure Incorporated
SM87A
SUPERCARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE
The Shure Model SM87A is a professional-quality, hand-held
condenser microphone for use in sound reinforcement, broadcasting,
and studio recording installations. Its super-cardioid polar pattern
provides greater rejection of unwanted sound sources, making it
ideal for miking individual instruments in a multi-microphone setting
or for miking single sources in a reverberant or noisy environment.
The SM87A features a controlled low-frequency roll-off tailored
for optimum performance when close-miking sound sources.
An integral three-stage wind and pop filter protects against
wind and breath noise. Its built-in shock mount reduces stand
and handling noise. The SM87A operates on phantom power.
FEATURES
Highly directional supercardioid pickup pattern
Controlled low-frequency roll-off
Very low RF and magnetic hum susceptibility
Minimally affected by varying load impedance
Built-in wind and pop filter
Transducer element shock mounted
Rugged construction for outstanding reliability
Field-usable over a wide range of temperature and
humidity conditions
Accepts a wide variety of phantom power sources,
including DIN 45 596 voltages of 11 and 52 Vdc
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APPLICATION AND PLACEMENT
Some of the most common applications and placement
techniques are listed in the following table. Keep in mind
that microphone technique is largely a matter of person-
al taste—there is no one “correct” microphone position.
SUGGESTED MICROPHONE
PLACEMENT
TONE QUALITY
Lips less than 15 cm (6 in.) away
or touching the windscreen, on
axis to microphone.
Robust sound, emphasized bass,
maximum isolation from other
sources.
15 to 60 cm (6 in. to 2 ft.) away
from mouth, just above nose
height.
Natural sound, reduced bass.
20 to 60 cm (8 in. to 2 ft.) away
from mouth, slightly off to one side.
Natural sound, reduced bass and
minimal ”s” sounds.
.90 cm to 1.8 m (3 to 6 ft) away.
Thinner, distant sound; noticeable
levels of ambient noise.
GENERAL RULES FOR MICROPHONE USE
Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source and at
a 125° angle away from unwanted sources. Don’t place un-
wanted sound sources directly to the rear of the microphone
since supercardioid microphones, such as the SM87A, have
a narrow pick up range at about 180°. Refer to Figure 1.
Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired
sound source. Refer to the table above.
Use only one microphone for each sound source.
Keep the distance between microphones at least three times
the distance from each source to its microphone.
Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces.
Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
Use the fewest number of microphones as is practical.
Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.
Avoid excessive handling to minimize pick up of mechanical
noise and vibration.
Do not cover any part of the grille with your hand.
180
o
125
o
125
o
90
o
0
o
90
o
CORRECT
0
o
90
o
180
o
INCORRECT
CORRECT
125
o
90
o
0
o
180
o
90
o
90
o
POSITIONING UNWANTED SOUND SOURCES
FIGURE 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
