AudioChainsDB
Shure

SM86

microphone

$189

Used market: $145*

Manufacturer datasheet

Specifications

5 of 7 values have a recorded source
Connectors
XLR 3-Pin Male·
Has Built In ADC
no·
Transducer Type
Condenser Electret✓
Sensitivity dBV
-50✓
Output Impedance ohms
150✓
Phantom Power Required
yes✓
Connection Architecture
XLR-Only✓

Expert Audio Engineering Commentary

Tonal Profile

Handheld cardioid condenser for stage vocals, with a three-stage pop filter and a shock-mounted cartridge.

Gain Staging Advice

-50 dBV/Pa sits 9 dB above an SM7B and 16 dB below an AT4040 - handheld condensers live between the two families, and this is usually the cheapest way off a hungry dynamic without moving to a studio microphone. Phantom power is the actual decision, not the level: an SM58 works into a passive mixer, an SM86 does not work there at all.

* Estimated with the depreciation fallback (~77% retained value). · checked on 8/5/2026