The Shure SM81 Condenser Microphone is a high-quality, unidirectional classic electret condenser microphone designed for studio recording, broadcasting, and sound reinforcement.
Its wide frequency response, low noise characteristics, and low RF susceptibility have made it a standard for applications involving acoustic instruments, especially guitar, piano, and cymbals. The SM81 is ruggedly constructed. It operates on phantom power and performs over a wide range of temperatures and humidity conditions. It is furnished with a swivel adapter, attenuator-switch lock, foam windscreen, and case for carrying and storage. Other accessories are available.
Shure SM81 Condenser Microphone Features
- 20 Hz to 20 kHz 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, uniform with frequency and symmetric about axis, providing maximum rejection and minimum coloration of off-axis sounds
- Low RF susceptibility
- Selectable low-frequency response: flat, 6 or 18 dB/octave rolloff
- 0 dB/10 dB lockable attenuator switch
- Phantom powering (DIN 45 596 voltages of 12 to 48 Vdc)
- Rugged steel construction for durability
- Field-usable over wide range of temperature and humidity conditions
Shure SM81 Condenser Microphone Specifications
- Type Condenser (electret bias)
- Frequency Response 20 to 20,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern Cardioid (unidirectional) responseâ?"uniform with frequency, symmetrical about axis
- Impedance Output Impedance Rated at 150 ohms (85 ohms actual) Recommended minimum load impedance: 800 ohms (May be used with loads as low as 150 ohms with reduced clipping level)
- Output Level Sensitivity (at 1,000 Hz) Open Circuit Voltage 45 dBV/Pascal (5.6 mV) (1 Pascal = 94 dB SPL) Clipping Level (at 1,000 Hz) 800 - Load .4 dBV (0.63 V) 150 - Load .15 dBV (0.18 V)
- Total Harmonic Distortion Less than 0.5% (131 dB SPL at 250 Hz into 800 . load )
- Connector Output Configuration and Connector Balanced, transformer-coupled output; male XLR connector
- Polarity Positive pressure produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3
- Dimensions 212 mm / 8.34 in./ in length, and 23 1/2 mm / 0.92 in./ in diameter. ( Handle diameter: 20.1 mm / 5/32 in. )
- Weight 230 grams (8 oz)
- Power Requirements Supply Voltage 11 to 52 Vdc, positive, pins 2 and 3 / Current Drain 1.2 mA max. The SM81 requires phantom power. This may be supplied to the microphone by a mixer, preamplifier or console with built-in phantom power or from an external power supply (such as the Shure model PS1A). Phantom power sources providing between 11 and 52 Vdc are suitable.
Shure SM81 Condenser Microphone Applications
- Acoustic Guitar
- Acoustic Bass
- Strings
- Piano
- Woodwinds
- Orchestra
- Cymbals
- Live Recording
- Ensemble Vocals
Shure SM81 Condenser Microphone Includes
- 1 x Shure SM81 Condenser Microphone
- 1 x Shure Swivel Adapter
- 1 x Shure Attenuator-switch Lock
- 1 x Shure Foam Windscreen
- 1 x Carrying Case
- 2 Year Warranty
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Shure SM81
May 28th 2011For the price, you can’t beat this microphone! It sounds great on almost all acoustic instruments especially acoustic guitar. You can easily compare this microphone to high end microphones and you won’t even notice a big difference in the quality of the recordings.
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Great for overheads, acoustics
Mar 20th 2011If you must use more than a couple of mics to record your drums, then I think a pair of SM81s is a great choice for overheads... I've also used this mic for acoustic guitar (on its own, and as a complement to other mics), and I think it shines there as well - adds a shimmery presence without causing that nasty overwhelming high-end kind of sound...
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