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[MARK PAVLETICH]

Is there any benefit from having these in the mic locker ? What differences and advantages are there in having these around as opposed to another SM58, Beta 58A or BETA 87A ?

[Jim McKeveny]

The SM86 was a fine sounding element in its day. Lots of the capsules were the premium option on the then SOTA Cetec-Vega wireless systems. It has been many years since I have seen one in use. I can think of no forward benefit keeping them in inventory. Museum pieces perhaps??

[Art Welter]

MARK PAVLETICH wrote on Wed, 09 February 2011 01:53

Is there any benefit from having these in the mic locker ? What differences and advantages are there in having these around as opposed to another SM58, Beta 58A or BETA 87A ?

SM 86 is cardoid, SM 87A supercardoid. Similar difference in polar response between the SM 58 and Beta 58.
Both the 86 and 87 are condenser microphones, and have more extended high frequency than the dynamic microphones, also better transient response. Those features can bring out the "air" on some vocalists, or highlight nasty stuff on others.

The extra HF also brings more cymbal wash into the vocal microphones, on weaker vocalists with loud drums the 87 may be preferred, while a strong vocalist may prefer the larger distance range the 86 has.

I have not looked to see if there is now an 86A, updating the 86.

[Scott Helmke (Scodiddly)]

The SM86 does not have quite as exaggerated a presence peak as the SM87 - it's a bit smoother.  Nice mic, still has its uses.  

I think they haven't Beta-ized it yet because they wanted a good condensor in the SM line.

[Tim McCulloch]

Yes.  The SM-86 rocks, particularly in places where you want a SDC for vocals that has a bit of presence built in, but not an exaggerated peak.

[Royce Covington]

Art Welter wrote on Thu, 10 February 2011 07:32

The extra HF also brings more cymbal wash into the vocal microphones, on weaker vocalists with loud drums the 87 may be preferred, while a strong vocalist may prefer the larger distance range the 86 has. I have not looked to see if there is now an 86A, updating the 86.

I think it's the opposite...

The SM86 drops off quite a bit in the HF above 10k or so and tops out at 18k.  whereas, the SM87 has some erratic transients in the top-end and has a range to 20k.  

In my experience, the 87s weren't as desirable, especially, for artists on IEMs, and with loud drum/cymbal bleed on a live stage.

I can't imagine why it wouldn't be beneficial to have a diverse selection in the mic arsenal, rather than more of the same old thing?  I actually prefer the 86 to a 58 for general live-vocal applications.

R~

[(Brian) Frost]

the sm86 is my favorite vocal capsule on a shure wireless.  airy and clean, but not bright and spittly like a beta 87.  The KSM9 might be better for some people but the 86 is the best all arounder from shure in my opinion.

[Stuart Pendleton]

I have both and FAR prefer the SM86.  It is one of my favorite mics. For me, the question would not be "do I keep it?" The question would be "what could I possibly replace it with for anywhere near the same price that would be better?"

[dustin Bradley]

i love using the sm86.  in my opinion, it's sounds much better than sm58 or sm/beta87.  sm86 is a wonderful vocal mic that i reach for first most of the time.

[ProSoundWeb Community]