A studio standard for miking acoustic guitar, piano, and cymbals.

The Shure SM81 Condenser Mic is a unidirectional cardioid mic with studio, broadcast, and sound reinforcement versatility. Its wide frequency response, low noise, low RF susceptibility, and rugged construction allow it to excel in all applications. It is furnished with a swivel adapter, 10dB attenuator with locking switch, a 3-position low-cut filter, foam windscreen, and a case for carrying and storage.

The SM81 requires phantom power.

Shure SM81 Condenser Mic Features:

• 20Hz-20kHz frequency response
• Flat response curve for accurate reproduction of sound sources
• Low noise and high output clipping level
• Low distortion over a wide range of load impedances
• Cardioid polar pattern with maximum rejection and minimum coloration of off-axis sounds
• Low RF susceptibility
• Selectable low-frequency response: flat, 6, or 18dB/octave roll-off
• Phantom powering
• Rugged steel construction
• Field-usable over a wide range of temperatures and humidities

Get it. You'll use this mic a lot.

Shure SM81 Condenser Mic Specifications:

• Type: Condenser (electret bias)
• Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000Hz
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid (unidirectional) response-uniform with frequency, symmetrical about axis
• Output Impedance: Rated at 150Ω (85Ω actual)
• Recommended minimum load impedance: 800Ω (May be used with loads as low as 150Ω with reduced clipping level)
• Output Configuration and Connector: Balanced, transformer-coupLED output; male XLR connector
• Sensitivity (at 1,000Hz): Open Circuit Voltage: -45dBV/Pascal (5.6 mV), (1 Pascal = 94dB SPL)
• Clipping Level (at 1,000Hz): 800Ω Load: -4dBV (0.63 V), 150Ω Load: -15dBV (0.18 V)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 0.5% (131dB SPL at 250Hz into 800Ω load)
• Maximum SPL: (at 1,000Hz): 800Ω load: 136dB (attenuator at 0) 146dB (attenuator at -10), 150Ω load: 128dB (attenuator at 0) 138dB (attenuator at -10)
• Hum Pickup: -3dB equivalent SPL in a 1 mOe field (60Hz)
• Self-Noise (equivalent sound pressure levels; measured with true rms voltmeter) 16dB typical, A-weighted, 19dB typical, weighted per DIN 45 405
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 78dB (IEC 651)* at 94dB SPL, *S/N ratio is difference between 94dB SPL and product's equivalent self noise (SPL A-weighted)
• Overvoltage and Reverse Polarity Protection: Max. external voltage applied to pins 2 and 3 with respect to pin 1: +52 VDC, Reverse polarity protection: 200 mA max. (diode-clamped)
• Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3
• Cartridge Capacitance: 54 pF
• Low Frequency Response Switch Positions: Flat; -6dB/octave below 100Hz; -18dB/octave below 80Hz
• Attenuator Switch Positions (Lockable): 0 or -10dB
• Power: Supply Voltage: 11 to 52 VDC, positive, pins 2 and 3, Current Drain: 1.2 mA max
• Environmental Conditions:
• Temperature:
• Storage: -29° to 74° C (-20° to 165° F)
• Operating: -6.7° to 49° C (20° to 120° F)
• Humidity:
• Storage 0 to 95% relative humidity at room temperature (72° to 80° F, 22° to 27° C)
• Case: Steel construction with vinyl metallic paint finish and stainless steel screens
• Dimensions (D x W): 212mm x 23.5mm, 8.3" x .93"
• Weight Net: 230g (8oz.)

Shure SM81 Condenser Mic

Write A Review

Average of 26 User Ratings

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

Customer Reviews

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

Good on Overheads

Posted by hoovie87 from Sebastian, FL on Mar 1, 2010

Experience w/product: I have used it

Reviewer's Background: Live Audio Engineer

Reviewer's Play Style: Christian, Worship, Rock

I use these every week as drum overheads. They sound pretty nice. They pick up sound pretty evenly from lows to highs. In the mix I usually put a high shelf filter on there and roll off the bass. It gives the symbols a nice sparkle. They've been faithful to us.

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

home studio

Posted by C.E.O from Mt.View,Hi. on Aug 17, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Musician,Recording engineer

Reviewer's Play Style: Country,Rock,Blues

What can I say. A great quality mic. for acoustic guitar recording. Neuuman 184 is also fantastic, but I was pleasently surprised by the sensitivity and crisp reprodution this mic. gives a 6 string acoustic. Running this thru a UA LA-610 preamps make a world of difference. I've got 2 fantastic for X/Y configuration. Shure quality for sure!

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

Great for piano!

Posted by awesome-o from NYC on Jul 23, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: complicated

Reviewer's Play Style: classical

I bought 2 of these - one new one used. I used them to record piano in stereo into Protools. I recorded a $120,000 Steinway D 9 foot grand piano. The results were great. I tried 4 set ups and each one was awesome. The sound is very true to the source. At one point I asked the pianist to stop playing so I could listen to the recording only to realize she wasn't playing and it was the recording I was hearing.

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

solid mic for tracking acoustic instruments

Posted by kai from San Francisco, CA on May 31, 2009

Experience w/product: I have used it

Reviewer's Background: Active musician

Reviewer's Play Style: folk-pop

I used the SM81 to home-record a variety of acoustic instruments for a folk-pop album, including acoustic guitar, mandolin, and violin, as well as egg shaker and other simple percussion. The SM81 handled these various sounds well, making it a good choice if you want to optimize and minimize your mic collection. The only weak spot I found was with the mandolin: this mic offers a pretty flat response, and with the mandolin, the resulting sound was too woody/bassy. I found a higher-frequency-capturing mic was better for that. But the SM81 handled all the others very well.

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

Great multi purpose mic

Posted by Masoundman from Tennesse on Nov 10, 2008

Experience w/product: I have used it

Reviewer's Background: Active Sound Technician

Reviewer's Play Style: Anything

I have used several condenser mics in the past at different venues. I had a chance to use two of these in a youth music event. Lots of different acts. I had a choir, two singer-songwriters and a band. These two mics were amazing for the choir and one of the songwriters had a natural guitar (no pick-up) and one them picked up her guitar (placed at the fret board) quite well. I would love to be able to have two of my own but the price is a little high for me.

View more product reviews »

If you would like to write a review, please see our product review guidelines.

Shure SM81 Condenser Mic

Read 26 Reviews