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Every Icon Has a Story. What's Yours? | Shureplay button

Every Icon Has a Story. What's Yours? | Shure

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How to choose the best mics for drums

How to Mic a Drum Kit Using SM Microphones | Shureplay button

How to Mic a Drum Kit Using SM Microphones | Shure

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Microphone Techniques for Drums | Shure

Shure

collapse expand iconDescription

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.

Shure SM81 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • 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

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

collapse expand iconSpecs

Audio
  • Analog or digital: Analog
  • Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz
  • Max SPL: 146dB
  • Connectivity: XLR
Pattern and Type
  • Capsule: Condenser
  • Polar pattern: Cardioid
  • Type: Mounted
  • Switches: Yes
  • Phantom power required: Yes
Size and Weight
  • Diameter: 2"
  • Length: 7.56"
  • Weight: 1.37 lb.
Included Accessories
  • Case: Yes
  • Clip: Yes
  • Shockmount: N/A
  • Power supply: N/A
  • Cable: No
  • Stand: No

collapse expand iconWarranty

One year warranty on wireless mics, mixers, and circuitry products.
2 year warranty on wired mics.
Warranty terms vary. Check with manufacturer for specific product warranty.

collapse expand iconReviews

4.83

12 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

10524030201
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  1. Home Studio1
  2. Performances1
  3. Professional Recording1
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Pros
  1. Durable1
  2. Easy To Use1
  3. Good Audio1
  4. Lightweight1
  5. Versatile1

Reviewed by 12 customers

  • Great for small scale school plays

    4

    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

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted6 years ago

    byColin

    fromUndisclosed

    Standard for OH and Hi Hats and Acoustic Guitar. Got a great buy on it!

  • Yes

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted7 years ago

    byEDDIE

    fromundisclosed

    Works great with my Martin acoustic.

  • Wait to you hear these babies!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted7 years ago

    bysteve

    fromundisclosed

    Wait to you hear these babies!

  • Reliable mic

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 years ago

    byDan

    fromundisclosed

    Reliable workhorse for overhead sound.

  • BEST OVERHEAD DRUM RECORDING AND LIVE SOUND MICROPHONES BY FAR

    5

    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.

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collapse expand iconQ&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?

    Does this microphone have a gain knob?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    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.

    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.

    Open Reply - Thomas
    I’m sorry, I don’t know. Perhaps an inquiry to Shure

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byChris

    fromundisclosed

    Why does this Microphone have a Prop 65 warning? What about it reaches that classification?

    Why does this Microphone have a Prop 65 warning? What about it reaches that classification?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Please see "https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/"