Shure SM86 vs Shure SM58

A review of the Shure SM86 condenser vocal microphone, in comparison to the legendary Shure SM58. The SM86 is described by Shure as the 'big brother' to the '58 and is a versatile alternative to the industry standard vocal mic, for both vocal and (surprisingly) instrument applications.
Also includes an explanation of the way in which dynamic and condenser microphones work, and demonstrations of both mics.
Buy on Amazon (affiliate links):
SM58: amzn.to/3gdCsmZ
SM86: amzn.to/3RARyIx
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Ways to get in touch - I love hearing from my viewers!
Website: glbproductions.com/
Facebook: / glbproductions

[@KentClarkVoiceover]

Most thorough review and instruction I've seen -- extremely helpful.

[@GLBProductions]

Kent Clark Thanks for watching!

[@arnoldtvisagie]

I never knew a mic is so deeply engineerd. These are quality reviews. I enjoy your presentations Bruno!

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching!

[@edwardsamuel9265]

Bruno, off late I've become your fan, cant stop watching your videos. BTW I'm from Bangalore, India and your videos are so precise and any layman can understand how you present and explain audio engineer and other stuff. I've now understood a lot of audio stuff. Many thanks for all your knowledge sharing. Now i know why distortion and other noise show-up in my church. Thanks again.

[@kshe2592]

This was an excellent review. Thank you for sharing GLB Productions

[@GLBProductions]

K Sherman You're welcome, thanks for watching :)

[@GLBProductions]

- Thanks for subscribing! Pick up of background noise will always be more of an issue with condensers than dynamics, which is the trade-off for the improved high frequency and transient response of these mics. Different tools for different situations :)

[@MrBoogaloo86]

Surely eq adjustment can improve trade off effect, no?

[@Arobsyt]

Such a great review! Gave me so much to look into.

[@GLBProductions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anthonygroce]

Fantastic video. Perfect balance between amateur and professional information. I use the 58's all the time and sadly have never crossed paths with the 86. Found this very interesting. Thank you for this video!

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching! The SM86 is quite a sleeper in Shure's lineup - most people know the Beta 87 but that mic is voiced like the rest of the Beta series and is also quite a bit more expensive.

[@gregoryguzman2582]

Thank you. Very well put together comparison between the 2 microphones.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@kainejoyes2981]

As always fantastic info-great explanation and a proper in-depth look at the subject 👍🏻🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching!

[@JonTario1]

Amazing review. Thank you! I'm sold on the 86!

[@GLBProductions]

+Jon Tario Glad to hear that, it's a good mic!

[@kevc6115]

You would make a great teacher Bruno!!! Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks KC, I've been an educator for almost 15 years 😊

[@kevc6115]

@@GLBProductions Ahhh! It really shows. The videos are awesome. Short, concise just enough tech info without getting too bogged down. Top Class!! FYI, I have started making my own audio cables thanks to you.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks KC, happy new year to you and all the best for 2020!

[@tauriello]

When it comes to definition, you just can't beat a condenser. Thanks for this thorough comparison. I thought the difference between the mics was especially striking on the guitar. There are so many useless mic reviews on YT. This one was very helpful!

[@GLBProductions]

Pete Tauriello Agreed, the additional high frequency information is so important in that regard. Having said that, many modern dynamic mics from companies like Audio Technica have an amazing amount of high end response - for example my current favourite vocal mic, the AE4100, goes from 90Hz all the way to 18Khz, which in live sound is practically indistinguishable from a condenser. Thanks for watching and commenting :)

[@Elricwulf]

Thank you for this in depth review and comparison of the mics, Christoph Waltz! ;)

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome Christoph.

[@iamantoniofernandez]

This is tremendously helpful and thorough! Thank you 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Antonio, thanks for watching!

[@simimik.]

Very well done review! One of the best!!

[@GLBProductions]

+Jan Mikhail Pesimo Thanks for watching :)

[@miagy420]

Great review, i bought an sm86 vs an sm58 some while ago, revisited now the reviews and was reminded of why i bought the sm86. Good mic by the way.

[@GLBProductions]

miagy420 Yes, the '86 is a very under-rated microphone - in many cases people who listen to it don't realise it's a condenser, they just think it's a dynamic with lots of top end. I'm very glad Shure has kept it in their line up!

[@gordonbainbridge8371]

As usual, a focused, appropriately detailed and clear presentation. Your general outline and ability to expand on points show an extreme degree of mental organization to summon up relevant technical and experiential detail. I hope you are also teaching at a local university. I've watched hundreds of KZbin lectures over the years, from whitewater kayaking to discussions of Marcel Proust, and I've never seen anyone so good.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks Gordon - it's not mental organisation, it's lesson planning 😊 I have learned not to rely on my memory for any of these videos - I always have lots of notes on hand, and sometimes even a full script of what I'm going to say. Thanks for your support!

[@Alexey_Sevastopol]

Автор молодец, очень наглядное и грамотное сравнение. Спасибо за интересное видео!

[@43kishu]

Very Helpful for both Buyer and end user Great Job

[@GLBProductions]

Kishu Agnani Thanks for watching!

[@sweetfoampunishment3286]

Outstanding review! Thank you so much! Subbed!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome and Happy New Year!

[@SabiReznor0666]

You think about every detail. Great video!

[@GLBProductions]

+SabiReznor0666 I'm glad you appreciate the detail - some people just want 5 minute videos ;)

[@Ganasmrithi]

hello sir..this is pradeep ,a singer from india... your review of the microphones is really informative... thanks a lot for adding this video

[@arde35]

Great test! Thank you!

[@TonyCace]

Great review !!!!

[@GLBProductions]

Tony Cace Thanks for watching!

[@JoePenaProductions]

Nice job, Bruno. The higher frequencies really stood out in vocals, shaker, and guitar samples. By the way, I'm glad you didn't try the "drop test" with the SM86. Thanks.

[@GLBProductions]

- Thanks for watching! And no, those drop tests are only for people who get free microphones ;)

[@vocalead]

What an unbelievable comparison. Thank you so much for such thoroughness. I'm a pro singer, and prefer by far the SM86, it's an awesome mic with such beautiful, crisp sound. The problem however is that it's so susceptible to feedback, given of course its condenser nature.

[@GLBProductions]

Juan Manuel You're welcome, thanks for watching. If you are having feedback issues with the SM86 it might be worth investigating a mic with a super or hypercardioid pickup pattern like the Shure Beta 87A.

[@REDMANNATION]

Excellent excellent job... Thank you for this valuable information!

[@GLBProductions]

REDMANNATION You're welcome, thanks for watching. Which mic did you decide on?

[@ankitkumar2011]

awesome review Bruno!

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching Ankit!

[@GLBProductions]

- Thanks for the positive feedback, much appreciated.

[@STOG01]

Awesome reviews coming from you. The others reviewers need lessons from your book for sure.

[@ceotariqnelson8802]

THANK YOU!!!! This is an EXCELLENT Video! Great Job!!! I Need to have at least one Shure SM86 in my collection!!! Now I need to see how the Shure SM86 sounds compared to the PG-81 and the SM-81

[@GLBProductions]

+CEO Tariq Nelson Yes, the '86 is a great mic to have. Thanks for watching!

[@banluesak1]

Thank you for showing this review SM86 has much more details.

[@GLBProductions]

Yes that is a characteristic of condenser mics :)

[@herberar]

Great review ! Thanks a lot !!!

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Excellent comparison!!

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching!

[@ZacharyV]

Excellent release!

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching :)

[@moomamedia5414]

An excellent comparison. Thank you.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching!

[@sxseb6485]

Very good demonstration! Pro!

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks for this. I'm very curious about the condenser vs dynamic debate as it relates to sensitivity. Do you think the difference is the actual mics or that the gain level needs to adjusted down due to the powered condenser and when all things are equal, the two mics would actually have the same sensitivity to background "noise." In the end it may come down to frequency response as the actual difference between sensitivities.

[@GLBProductions]

Hello Ray, thanks for watching! Hmm, I'm not a microphone designer or a recording engineer, so to me the business of mic sensitivity is somewhat academic much of the time. The one time that it is important to me as a live sound engineer is when it comes to matching a new mic to ann existing mic. So for example if I'm going to replace an SM58 with a Beta 58a I know that I need to reduce my channel gain by 3dB in order to keep gain structure throughout the signal chain identical. When it comes to dynamics vs condensers there is the added complication of the fact that condensers have self-noise. This tends to be of more interest to the recording engineers - in live sound we work in a very noisy environment with stage bleed, crowd noise, wind, passing traffic etc. But it is important to understand that a condenser will add noise to the signal chain, whereas a dynamic will add none. Ok, so to answer your question - the sensitivity difference IS due to the mics themselves, because the measurement is independent of the mic's self noise: all they do is apply a test tone to the mic and then measure the voltage at the output. In practice which mic is noisier will depend on the quality of the mic preamp in your mixer. In this case, the SM58 will need 4.5dB more gain than the SM86 to achieve the same output for a given input. Whether or not this extra gain creates an end result that is noisier than the condenser or not will need to be worked out on a case by case basis. In practice though, almost nobody will be able to hear this difference at a live event. Thanks for raising this question, it's a good issue to be aware of.

[@narrsam]

Thank you for the great review, it's rich and thorough as all of your videos. Just wondering, would you say that the SM68 is better suited for a group choir where the group will have to stand a bit further from the microphone? And then again, will it be harder to manage feedback noise in this case as opposed to using a dynamic mic? I'm having troubles fixing our church sound problems while keeping in to a budget. We have a traditional choir and we cant afford to have a dedicated microphone for each person.

[@GLBProductions]

Hi Samer I have done a video on the best way to mic up a choir with as few mics as possible, you can watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGHIgZiLbcxgaZI

[@rotwiler50]

Excellent review thanks

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching :)

[@naveenmadhavravindran5202]

Great review...very useful.. thanks 👍

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Naveen :)

[@ThePaulgregg]

I have just recently subscribed to your channel. I am very glad to have found you. You certainly know your stuff. My ear tells me the sm-58 sounds most natural without coloring the original sound and the sm-86 definitely has more presence that is for certain. I suspect unless the singer is directly in front of or holding the 86, it could conceivably wash a mix slightly with background noise on a loud stage. And perhaps feedback more easily. I really like your channel.

[@davidwaldo3141]

We are about to buy some Shure wireless mics and I was having a tough time deciding between the SM58 and SM86 heads. This video was really informative - since we will mostly be using our mics in conference/seminar situations (no music, no recording) it looks like the SM86 might be a little more forgiving for people who are unaccustomed to holding microphones. Thanks!

[@GLBProductions]

I would agree with that - just be sure to go easy on the gain. Despite what Shure claim, other things being equal an SM86 will generally feed back before an SM58 because of its greater high frequency sensitivity. It's one of those inevitable design tradeoffs.

[@asadwaseemofficevideos3401]

GLB Productions I want to buy this

[@waimeaguyz9074]

Awesome review

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Waimea :)

[@TheSoundman57]

Very useful review Bruno - thanks for taking the time to do it. I would agree with your comments about the SM86 suiting certain types of voice better than the SM58. To my ears the 86 is a bit more 'open sounding' in the upper frequency range. I own and use both models - some singers look warily at the 86 if it's offered so I say to them 'try it' and then decide. Most are more than happy to continue using it.

[@GLBProductions]

+TheSoundman57 I have been using the '86 a lot of late especially with my own singing - I find that it's easier to 'work' than a dynamic and wonder why I never tried a vocal condenser before. I'm planning to get one of the Audio Technica vocal condensers soon to compare to my AE4100.

[@em8969]

Fantastic video!!!

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching! 😄

[@mediocreman2]

I bought an 86 a few years ago and have used 58's for years. Can't believe how much better the 86 sounds on your review.

[@GLBProductions]

Yes, the additional high end and clarity is very obvious when recording, less so when using the mic live.

[@GLBProductions]

- Thanks for your interesting and valuable observations! The voicing on the two mics is very similar, so boosting the high end on the SM58 should give you a sound close to that the of '86. However, bear in mind that doing so in a live situation is likely to lead to feedback at the boosted frequency. For recording it should be fine. The SM86 definitely picks up more background noise, and in my experience is best suited to quieter stages, or to recording.

[@imjerome]

that said, which one is best for house environment karaoke singing. will it be 58 for less feedback? thanks

[@gfpnomade]

Thank you very much for this video! =)

[@GLBProductions]

- You're most welcome, thanks for watching!

[@PeterWinnett]

Great job on this review..........Regards, Pete

[@GLBProductions]

Peter Winnett Thanks for watching :)

[@antoinesouris835]

Great review, I love the well explained details. As a pianist-singer I am planning to shift from my sm58 to a mic that allows me more flexibility while I sing and play the piano....The sm 58 doesn't help a lot with that. Trying to see what are best options available that wouldn't give feedback issues as well.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks Antoine :) The SM86 was recently discontinued and there is no direct equivalent in Shure's current lineup. The KSM9 and Beta87c are alternatives but are significantly more expensive.

[@D34thM4r10]

nice review!!! could u pls.. do a Shure SM87A vs SM86 ??

[@Zimbilik]

I would like to tell you that might be best in-depth comparison i've ever watched on youtube. Amazing work. Subscribed immediately. Thanks to you we've seen the real difference between a our two options. We've decided to go with SM-87A (which is not what you compared though).

[@GLBProductions]

- Thanks for watching. The SM87A has a supercardioid polar pattern as opposed to the cardioid polar pattern of the SM86, so you will get a tighter pickup pattern at the front of the mic and an increased proximity effect over the SM86. Hope the new mic works out!

[@Zimbilik]

Sorry, I've just realized that SM87A and Beta 87A are totally different microphones. One says just "condenser" and the other says "electret condenser". We've chosen to go with the Beta. This is going to be used for live and mostly for pop sound.(to give you an exact sample, here's our band and this is for the lead vocal: facebook.com/photo.php?v=522233047880654 ) Would it be better to go for Beta 87A?

[@GLBProductions]

- Actually they are both electret condenser microphones - if you look at the specifications page of the Shure website you'll see this indicated. Electret condenser just means that the mic's diaphragm is permanently polarised, as opposed to having the polarising voltage supplied externally. The beta series has a more aggressive 'in your face' sound compared to the SM series and are better for rock/metal etc. There's a short comparison from Shure here: Products in comparison: Condenser microphones SM86, SM87, Beta 87A, Beta87C, KSM9 I suggest you try both mics and see which one your singer prefers.

[@Zimbilik]

You, sir, are an amazing person. Can't thank you enough.

[@GLBProductions]

Zimbilik Not at all, you are most welcome. All the best with your music!

[@gosatta1]

Thanks, that was really useful and informative. We have been a studio act for several years, but are now rehearsing a live band. We can't easily test tech where we are based, so your review has convinced me that the SM86 would better suit the light, airy female vocals in our music than the 58. We've been using a Rode Nt1 in our studio for a long time and the 86, a condenser like the Rode, would give us a live sound comparable to the studio vocal sound. Keep up the great work!

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for the message! If you like the Rode NT1 sound a live alternative would be the Rode S1 - coming from the same company means it would likely have a more similar sound. I haven't tested this mic but it's something to consider.

[@gosatta1]

Cheers! Will look into it.

[@almthomson]

Like this review - thanks

[@GLBProductions]

- You're welcome, thanks for watching :)

[@nitrofx80]

Excellent Job Sir. Excellent indeed!.

[@GLBProductions]

nitrofx80 Thank you for watching!

[@arfurlife]

excellent work sir.. thankyou

[@GLBProductions]

arfurlife You're welcome, thanks for watching.

[@vaah8948]

Best information.

[@pinkybirdy]

Bruno! I'm your newest fan. Thank you for making such a perfect video. I have to say I got a bit lost in the technical and diagram bits, but your explanations and demonstrations are great for a not so technically minded person like me. Do you do a review of the new digital handheld mics? Thinking specifically of Shure vs Senheiser. I've a big purchase in the future and I would love a compare video like this on those systems.

[@GLBProductions]

Hi there Vicky, nice to hear from you. You have a GREAT voice! I'm generally not a fan of the mics with built in electronics, I prefer to keep those outside the mic in the mixer and/or digital interface. Electronics always wear out and need updating, well-built mics should last a lifetime. If you are looking at a specific model of Shure or Sennheiser just drop me a msg, I can take a look and see what I think :)

[@World-Superbike]

Great video, wonderfully informative. I hear a Welsh undertone in your voice - very interesting

[@EliNews]

Great job!

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching!

[@ashleydadyaltamirano1263]

Rely a deep review. I hope to see about the set up

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrBoogaloo86]

Great video. I'd like to hear an SM57 v SM86 comparison, if at all possible.

[@jimfrey5658]

Bruno, Excellent comparison as always. Unfortunately my Mackie VLZ4's phantom power, when turned on, effects all channels. Is there a work around for this?

[@GLBProductions]

Jim Frey Yes that's how smaller mixers tend to be, mainly due to price point constraints ;) What is the situation in which you find that you need a workaround for this issue?

[@esotericaudiophile3884]

This really helps! I have a new mic invention and need to see the differences between Shure mics. Seems that with my invention, I can transform both mics into something even better sounding than the most expensive studio mics. I can change the freq response naturally, even with no preamp. Thanks for these comparisons, appreciate it!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome :)

[@MrCallingoccupants]

Is your invention in production now?

[@biboba604]

Hi,I've been watching this channel and I'm loving it.Since you are also a Singaporean,can I ask where will I be able to get the Shure SM86 here?I live at the North-east side.And,it'll be great if you could do vocal comparisons with these mics as well.Please answer and thank you!

[@GLBProductions]

In Singapore check out Wailian electronics at Sim Lim square they have good prices on Shure gear. Alternatively you can try the distributor E&E at Outram Road.

[@anuragaudio]

that's supereb ... very much in depth... love it thanx.. plz keep it up..... :-)

[@GLBProductions]

- Thanks for watching :)

[@Anindya_Mitra]

You just changed my outlook totally! I could grasp everything you said and lucidly demonstrated. SM 86 is superior, according to my perception. Thank you, Bruno.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Anindya!

[@JeremaineYeoKW]

Hi dude, excellent video! Just to share, I've tried on a SM86 this evening and discovered that this mic actually able to pick up my vocal very well (and loud) even when I placed the front of the mic at around 90 degree to my lips. I suppose it has got to do with the theory of a condenser mic (i.e. wider range). Anyway, I'm really very impressed by your explaination on the difference between the "dynamic" and "condenser" theory. I've benefit a lot, and will share this video with my friends. :-)

[@GLBProductions]

- Yes the SM86 is a very under-appreciated mic and is often better than the '58 for general vocal applications. Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@mkmahajan]

@@GLBProductions sir please suggest me what model will be best to record live karoake track in the room size 9" ×12". For output sound I have sony home theater speaker in which we can insert mic cable to sing. Kindly suggest. I am v gud vocalist with the grace of god

[@GLBProductions]

@@mkmahajan You can record Karaoke using either mic just fine - depends whether you prefer the sound of a dynamic or a condenser.

[@titrationss]

Hello and wonderful video! I had a question I couldn't find the answer too in the comments section. I do inward vocals for metal style music . Mostly guttural low sounds and less often some really sharp screechy highs. Would the 86 be better for my inward vocal style? Thank you.

[@GLBProductions]

titrationss Without hearing your voice through the two mics I'm afraid I can't give you a good answer to that question. Most metal singers will use a dynamic mic though, so you may be better off with the SM58.

[@mrgurtarsingh]

THNX DEAR. ITS VERY HELPFUL TO ME

[@GLBProductions]

Gurtar Singh You're welcome, thanks for watching.

[@computerjantje]

Good review. I agree with almost everything you say fully. I am a live stage sound engineer for 15 years and work with both these microphones. Mostly in wirelsess versions but the microphones(heads) are the same as the wired versions. I let the type of voice of the singer decide which type to use. Overall I think the sound of the 86 is better for singers both male and female who have a better voice. For more average singers or party bands where the clearness of the voice is a little less important, the sm58 is more "forgiving" :)

[@GLBProductions]

+computerjantje Yes these days I never use the SM58 as singer's microphone, there are many better, more modern options out there. However as a mic for spoken word applications the '58 still works well in many situations.

[@TomBsChannel]

Superb review. Really informative for a novice such as myself. Can I ask, of the two, which you would recommend for recording, given the background noise that is picked up by the 86. To my ear, it would sound like a more articulate mic but do you think the background noise might negate that benefit. Thanks, Tom

[@GLBProductions]

Tom Byrne Thanks for getting in touch Tom. You could use either one - there have been superb recordings made with the SM58 even though it's not a condenser. The background noise picked up by the SM86 can be managed by choosing your recording location carefully and just getting close to the mic to maximise your signal to noise ratio. If in doubt I'd say start with the SM58 because it's half the price of the 86 :)

[@TomBsChannel]

GLB Productions Thanks so much for your response. I do have the sm58 & find it great. It's just that I have been offered an sm86 and they seem to read very well review wise on the Net as the 58's big brother. I just wanted your feedback before I press ahead or not. Many thanks.Regards, Tom

[@GLBProductions]

Tom Byrne You're welcome, all the best with your music!

[@aaronmai68]

If I do home karaoke vocal recording, which one should I use? Thanks

[@GLBProductions]

Try both and see which one you prefer.

[@GLBProductions]

- I would agree with you, I feel it has a much more balanced sound and much greater clarity. However it is almost twice the price of the SM58, which always has to be taken into consideration ;)

[@YanaMusicOfficial]

Refreshingly cohesive & informative - thank you! Could you please advise on where you purchased that desk mic stand (18:37)?

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Yana, thanks for watching. I got that stand at my local music store - just ask for a short round-based mic stand, or desk mic stand, they're pretty ubiquitous. BTW you have a lovely voice, hope your channel continues to grow!

[@YanaMusicOfficial]

Thank you very much for responding, I will definitely do that :) Wow, thank you so much for checking out my channel and for such a lovely compliment, you are awfully kind

[@streambumper250]

I just download your video and converted the file into mp3 format. Then for the SM58 samples I boosted 6k Hz and above by 5dB. The result is a sound very close to the SM86 but without all the noises.

[@rubberduck7228]

wonderful review brother bruno. it was indeed very informative. because of this video i am pondering of getting myself an sm58. but tell, what then is the difference between the sm58 and the beta58? i hope you also make a video of these latter microphones. god bless you and your church.

[@GLBProductions]

emilio roe serquiña gapit Thanks for watching, glad you found the video helpful. The Beta 58 has a more aggressive sound with more upper midrange and a hotter output. It was designed for rock/metal singers who had to hear themselves on loud stages. If your stage volume is very high the Beta58 is a better choice, otherwise the SM58 is perfectly fine. God Bless you too brother!

[@computerjantje]

+GLB Productions if the stage volume is very high then expect to have a short carreer in music or learn to live with a beep or noise in your hearing or deafness eventually :) Modern stages should be more quiet and as everyone can wear in-ear monitors and the drummer should sell his akoutic drumset to avoid getting jobless, the stagesound should become less and with that the soundqualty will increase a lot :)

[@GLBProductions]

***** I couldn't agree with you more. Nevertheless, there are many clubs and smaller venues out there without the luxury of in ear monitors.

[@PatrickGanster]

Thank you, very interrresting.

[@GLBProductions]

- You're welcome, thanks for watching :)

[@frajaralon]

great job thank you

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Francis, thanks for watching!

[@FrancisMaxino]

This should be called 'dynamic vs condenser' microphones and their difference.

[@megadrivejeroi1224]

I just used SM86 in outdoor wedding where I had behind 2 yamaha speakers on poles and 15" subwoofer and we sung karaoke. When music was playing not anykind of troubles like feedback or nothing. Only when silence the mic may cause more feedback than sm58. The response is similar than 58 but the range is outstanding. 58 has lot less of range than 86 and this makes 86 better for loud vocal singer like girls who needs range for the mic.

[@MOBHouse]

Bro can you do a review on Heil microphones as well?

[@GLBProductions]

- I'm afraid that these mics are quite rare in Singapore, so it may be a while before I can get my hands on one. Which models are you interested in seeing a review of?

[@Motorman2112]

You've said that the SM86 "has more reach". How do you explain this? This seems confusing given that the mic doesn't "go and get" the sound but simply responds to the sound that arrives AT it. The Inverse Square Law would seem to dictate that this would be the same for both mics. My only explanation is that this is because the signal level from the SM58 has proportionally more low end response, which is lost due to "inverse proximity effect". This loss of low end wouldn't be as noticeable on the SM86 because there isn't as much of it to begin with. Thoughts?

[@GLBProductions]

- Yes you are absolutely correct - there is no such thing as a zoom lens when it comes to microphones! However I have noticed that almost all microphones designed for picking up sounds at a distance, such as gooseneck and shotgun mics, are condensers. So I would attribute this to a) a greater sensitivity to begin with, and b) greater high frequency response. When it comes to the spoken voice, a loss of high frequencies is often interpreted as being a loss of volume, which is why audiences often complain that they 'cannot hear' when in fact they cannot understand what is being said.

[@raffiboutchakjian4201]

Thanks you are really a help. At my church I used all sorts of microphones condensers and dynamic (but not Sure). Finally I selected the goose neck condensers they are really sensitive and not causing me troubles as the other ones (the problem was from the speakers , they don't know how to use microphones) my question is does it worth it trying out the SM58 or 86 ? and what is the difference with beta58 . Thank You for your response.

[@GLBProductions]

- I would first try to educate the members of your church who lead or speak in services about proper microphone technique. It should include topics such as how to position the microphone and how to adjust a microphone stand. This will allow them to better use the microphone already available and save the church on buying additional equipment. The Shure Beta series are designed for loud stages, so they have more high midrange and a hotter output to allow a singer to be heard over a loud band. Personally I prefer the SM series for general purpose use.

[@raffiboutchakjian4201]

Thanks for the advice

[@MalinowyWampir]

Thank you!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Peter!

[@MykCabanilla]

Can you use the grille interchangeably between SM86 and SM58?

[@GLBProductions]

No - the grille design is part of the sound of the microphone.

[@vtipy-srandy-happy-humor-j6687]

Hi you could take a test Shure SM86 VS Shure beta 87 A ?

[@ternitamas]

such a detailed and thorough review, nice! Sorry what do you say here 16:36 "suitable as a ...?? microphone, or a podium microphone"

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks! That word is "Lectern" which is the place from where scripture is read in a church or cathedral.

[@ternitamas]

@@GLBProductions thanks!!

[@SoundsFromSound]

Wish you lived closer man, love to jam with you sometime and share in some gear tests!

[@GLBProductions]

Maybe in another life ;)

[@SoundsFromSound]

GLB Productions You never know... :)

[@thromboid]

17:54 Excellent pop test. :)

[@YanaMusicOfficial]

I'm sorry to bother you again, but I just received my Shure SM86 and it works great with my PreSonus, but when plugging it into my PA system, there is no sound. I wonder if it's something very obvious I'm missing? It seems to work straight forwardly in your video, so I have no idea what it could be

[@GLBProductions]

Hello Yana, it's probably that your phantom power is not on :)

[@ElectromaticG5120]

But nonetheless, thank you very much for testing. These reviews are very handy.

[@GLBProductions]

- You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@baluadhe7521]

I want the mic ,which will catch speech sound from long distance.please suggest if any?

[@GLBProductions]

For that application you should choose a shotgun microphone aka a line gradient condenser.

[@Tschosef]

thank you !

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Tschosef!

[@tearitloosetearitloose4670]

Great job... Would you say the sm86 is a bit brighter than the 58? Kind of like the Beta 87A?

[@GLBProductions]

It definitely sounds brighter than the SM58 by virtue of being a condenser - they naturally have more high frequency response due to the different technology used in the transducer. Compared to the Beta 87A, it is a different type of brightness: the Beta series were all designed and engineered with more 'bite' to cut through on loud stages, the SM86 has more detail and air than the SM58. This difference is subtle but very important.

[@tearitloosetearitloose4670]

@@GLBProductions Thanks a lot... I've been using the Beta 57A for vocals for many years and I'm now looking for a wireless system.. I've been thinking about the SM86?

[@GLBProductions]

You would need to try one out to be sure, as there are significant differences between those two mics!

[@MegaAluchi]

Great!! I noticed that the 86 sounds much fuller, but I have a fear that if I use it for home recording with my electrical guitar that is plugged into Roland Tri Capture audio interface, it may pick up my hands plucking the strings, since it is condenser and more sensitive. I currently am using SM58 for singing, but I am thinking of getting another dynamic to place close to the first one while playing the guitar. The reason is that I tend to look towards the left hand and not talking on axis. What you think of this? should I get another dynamic of the same or another dynamic beside the SM58, or may be one of those Condensers for my room or studio recording? thanks

[@GLBProductions]

+Aluchi Del Pasado When recording guitar and vocals together it is normal to get some 'bleed' from one mic into another - it's almost impossible to get perfect separation. If you are very concerned about this consider a super or hypercardioid mic like the Shure Beta 87A. On the two-mic idea: is this for recording or live use?

[@MegaAluchi]

it is for home recording. I basically use Shure sm58 for vocal, and no micing for guitar. I plug in the electrical guitar into the mic input of Roland Tri Capture audio interface. I am just concerned that the condenser mic may pick up my stumming hands every time I pick a string. Thanks again

[@GLBProductions]

+Aluchi Del Pasado It definitely will - in fact if you listen carefully I'm sure your SM58 also picks up your guitar when you play and sing at the same time. If you want absolute separation you need to record the guitar and vocal separately.

[@MegaAluchi]

How can I do this separately? thanks for the help

[@GLBProductions]

+Aluchi Del Pasado You would use your recording software to first record the guitar track using the pickup and/or mic. Then wearing headphones you would listen to the guitar track whilst recording the vocal. Standard studio multitrack technique :)

[@aboalthoq]

in my point of view the sm-86 so much clear voice / sm 58 have bass in it

[@luispilongo6480]

Hello sir.. mind if i ask you is there such thing as unbalanced mic? If there is then how am I gonna make it a balanced mic? I ask this because of cellphone interference that occurs as I used mic with cable at about 15 meters and with a TS connector.

[@GLBProductions]

Luis Pilongo Yes there are unbalanced microphones for consumer use, such as connecting directly to computers, or for karaoke use. These microphones can be identified by their TS connectors and/or by the presence of a battery in the mic, but the best way to be sure is to look up the specifications of the mic.

[@luispilongo6480]

GLB Productions Thank you sir... :)

[@Sivim]

thank you for that

[@GLBProductions]

meir You're welcome, thanks for watching.