The Shure BETA®87A stands out as a high-quality supercardioid electret condenser vocal microphone, renowned for its exceptionally smooth frequency response and capability to handle high sound pressure levels. It is widely chosen for professional uses including sound reinforcement, broadcasting, and studio recording, thanks to its excellent performance paired with durability suitable for both touring and outdoor productions.

This microphone boasts a controlled low-frequency roll-off to effectively counteract proximity effect, avoiding the "boomy" sound that can occur with close vocal pick-up. It also features the signature Shure presence rise, enhancing the upper midrange for clearer vocals. The tight supercardioid pattern of the Beta 87A, with null points at around 125 degrees, ensures superb isolation from other singers or instruments while maintaining minimal coloration of sound outside its direct pickup area. For its operation, the Beta 87A requires phantom power.