The SM87A and Beta87A are both supercardioid, condenser microphones designed for handheld vocal applications. The differences between the two are subtle, and best determined by auditioning both microphones at a local Shure dealer, to determine which one sounds better for your specific application. The Beta87A, however, does feature a more consistent supercardioid polar pattern, giving it a slight edge in gain-before-feedback.
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Question I see microphones with the word Beta attached to them. For example, the "Beta 87A" transmitter cost more than the "87A" transmitter. My question is, what does "Beta" mean and why are "Beta" products more expensive? ...
The primary difference is the pick-up pattern. The Shure BETA 87A is a supercardioid; the Shure BETA 87C is a cardioid. The 87C was introduced for performers using in-ear monitors. In brief, a cardioid mic is often preferred by in-ear monitor users as it sounds more "natural" with the ...
