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Shure SM81 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

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Description
The Shure SM81 cardioid condenser instrument microphone is a highly acclaimed piece of equipment that has been used by professional musicians and recording studios all over the world. Shure has built a reputation on creating reliable, excellent-sounding products that are a fantastic value. With its wide frequency response, the SM81 does an excellent job at producing clear acoustics for large range of instruments. It also has a unidirectional, cardioid polar pattern that helps to isolate the main source and reduce background noise, making it versatile enough to be used in a live or studio setting.
Tailored Acoustics for Versatility
This mic has a tailored frequency response with a wide range of 20Hz–20kHz, which is ideal for a variety of instruments. With its low distortion, minimal RF susceptibility and high-output clipping level the SM81 performs extremely well in many different applications. The cardioid polar pattern does an excellent job of rejecting off-axis sound and delivering a high-gain signal before encountering any interference. It has a clear tonal range and does well in catching sonic details for a balanced acoustic performance.
Rugged Durability for Versatile Portability
This condenser mic runs on phantom power and is usable over a wide range of humidity and temperature conditions, making it extremely versatile and durable. The rugged steel body is created to endure the rigors of gig work and gives this mic a long-lasting life. The SM81 delivers a full, balanced sound perfect for any instrument, and versatile enough for studio or live application, making it a well-rounded, accessible mic that is made to last. Included with this dynamic microphone is a carrying case, attenuator-switch lock and a swivel adapter.

Features
- 20Hz–20kHz frequency response
- Flat response curve for accurate sound reproduction
- Low-noise and high-output clipping level
- Low distortion over a wide range of load impedances
- Cardioid polar pattern with maximum rejection
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Specs
- Analog or digital: Analog
- Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz
- Max SPL: 146dB
- Connectivity: XLR
- Capsule: Condenser
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Type: Mounted
- Switches: Yes
- Phantom power required: Yes
- Diameter: 2"
- Length: 7.56"
- Weight: 1.37 lb.
- Case: Yes
- Clip: Yes
- Shockmount: N/A
- Power supply: N/A
- Cable: No
- Stand: No
Warranty
2 year warranty on wired mics.
Warranty terms vary. Check with manufacturer for specific product warranty.
Featured Articles
Reviews
4.83
12 Reviews
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend
- Home Studio1
- Performances1
- Professional Recording1
- Experienced1
- Durable1
- Easy To Use1
- Good Audio1
- Lightweight1
- Versatile1
Reviewed by 12 customers
Great for small scale school plays
submitted3 years ago
byDave
fromConnecticut
Great for high school plays, etc. Placed several of these @ 3 feet from the small platform stage. They were @ 24 inches off the ground and aimed upwards towards the kids. I had no idea if this approach was going to work. Much to my surprise, everything worked out great. I ISO recorded the three mics and mixed later. 'Used Adobe De-Reverb to reduce some of the echo from the hard walls at the back of the stage. As the kids moved across the stage, I would simply pick them up with whichever mic was nearby. I'm sure there were much better approaches to this problem, but considering the quick time frame, I'm pleased with the results.
Yep,it's a 81, classic
Verified Buyer
submitted6 years ago
byColin
fromUndisclosed
Standard for OH and Hi Hats and Acoustic Guitar. Got a great buy on it!
Yes
Verified Buyer
submitted7 years ago
byEDDIE
fromundisclosed
Works great with my Martin acoustic.
Wait to you hear these babies!
Verified Buyer
submitted7 years ago
bysteve
fromundisclosed
Wait to you hear these babies!
Reliable mic
Verified Buyer
submitted8 years ago
byDan
fromundisclosed
Reliable workhorse for overhead sound.
BEST OVERHEAD DRUM RECORDING AND LIVE SOUND MICROPHONES BY FAR
submitted11 years ago
byEd Pigan
fromMurrysville, PA
I have used 2 SM81's in the studio and when I play live for about 6 years now. As others have said, these Mic's pick up the Toms very well, but in my opinion, excel on the cymbals. They pick up every cymbal ping and handle the wash as well. These Mic's also pick up my HI-Hat (open and closed) very well. I believe in keeping things simple, I use an AKG D 112 for my Bass Drum and a SHURE SM57 for the Snare in combination with these 2 SM81 Condensers running through a Peavey Mixer (so I can control Mix, Panning, Tone and Volume right at the set) and the sound is consistent, very clear and powerful. I highly recommend these Microphones.
Q&A
Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.
submitteda year ago
asked byMiles
fromPasadena, CA
Does this microphone have a gain knob?
No, it doesn't.submitted3 years ago
asked byChris
fromundisclosed
What in component, coating etc. on the SM81 qualifies it for Prop65? The actual website for Prop65 doesn't specifically talk about individual products. It's very general.
I’m sorry, I don’t know. Perhaps an inquiry to Shuresubmitted3 years ago
asked byChris
fromundisclosed
Why does this Microphone have a Prop 65 warning? What about it reaches that classification?
Please see "https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/"