Shure SM81
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
Shure
SM81
Product Info
Article Number:
123453
Brand:
Shure
Model:
SM81
Category:
Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
Price:
$449.90
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The SM81 is a workhorse mic, plain and simple. It's got a clean, detailed sound that's fantastic for acoustic instruments like guitars, pianos, and drum overheads. If you're looking for a reliable, high-quality mic that'll stand up to years of use, this is a solid choice for the serious hobbyist or working studio.
Product Description
Shure SM81 Condenser Small Diaphragm Microphone, Condenser Studio Microphone
- The Shure SM81 is a high-quality
- directed condenser microphone with cardioid directivity designed for studio recording
- broadcasting
- TV recordings and public addressing. Its very linear
- wide frequency range
- low inherent noise and low noise sensitivity at high-frequencies
- have made the SM81 the standard for recording acoustic instruments such as guitar
- piano and drums. This extremely robust microphone operates on phantom power and performs reliably under extreme temperatures and humidity conditions. The SM81 is equipped with a three-way switchable high-pass filter and 10 dB attenuation. Foam windscreen
- and case for carrying and storage are included.
- Cardioid polar pattern for maximum isolation of the signal source and reduced background noise
- High-quality
- permanently polarised condenser microphone
- Linear frequency response for precise sound reproduction
- Low inherent noise and high clipping protection
- Distortion-free recordings even at high sound pressure
- Low sensitivity to interference at high-frequencies
- 3-Step switchable high-pass filter: Linear
- 6 or 18 dB / octave reduction
- Switchable 10 dB attenuation
- Phantom power in accordance with DIN 45 596 with voltage from 12 to 48 V
- Robust steel version
- Can be used even under extreme temperature and humidity conditions
- Frequency range: 20 – 20
- 000 Hz
- Output impedance: 85 ohms
- No-load sensitivity: -45 dBV/Pa (5.62 mV)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (131 dB SPL at 250 Hz
- 800 Ohm load): < 0.5 %
- Maximum sound pressure (at 1 kHz
- 800 Ohm load): 136 dB SPL
- Windshield and microphone clamp included
PROS
- • Exceptional transient response captures subtle acoustic details
- • Robust, all-metal construction ensures long-term reliability
- • Cardioid pattern provides excellent isolation in noisy environments
- • Versatile high-pass filter and pad handle diverse recording situations
CONS
- • Can be brittle-sounding on certain vocals without careful EQ
- • Cardioid pattern limits placement flexibility compared to omni mics
- • Price point places it above entry-level small-diaphragm options
Product Video
Key Features
Mic Type
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Range
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Max SPL
134 dB
Sensitivity
-31 dBV/Pa (11 mV)
Connector
XLR
Weight
295 g
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Frequently Asked Questions
The KM 184 is generally considered more 'musical' out-of-the-box, while the SM81 is more neutral and benefits from some EQ. Both are excellent, but the SM81 requires a bit more finesse.
It *can* be used for vocals, but its brighter character might require EQ to soften it. It's generally better suited for instruments where clarity and detail are paramount.
The pad reduces the microphone’s sensitivity, allowing you to record louder sources without distortion, especially useful for snare drums or amplified instruments.
