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Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone for Guitar, Piano, and Cymbals, Includes Swivel Adapter, Attenuator-Switch Lock, Windscreen, Carrying Case, No Cable Included (SM81-LC)
Recommended Uses For Product | Streaming, Singing |
Brand | Shure |
Connectivity Technology | Wired |
Connector Type | XLR |
Special Feature | The Shure Model SM81 is a high-quality, unidirectional condenser microphone designed for the most demanding professional applications in studio recording, broadcasting, and sound reinforcement. It is especially suitable for applications requiring extremely wide frequency response, low noise and distortion characteristics, very low RF susceptibility, and reliable operation over a wide range of temperature and humidity extremes. The case is constructed of steel for ruggedness, with a stainless ste See more |
Compatible Devices | Radio, Amplifier, Speaker |
Color | Black |
Included Components | Carrying Storage Case, 10 dB Attenuator Lock, Microphone Clip for AMS26, Beta 181, KSM137, KSM141, MX412, MX418, MX412S, MX418S, MX412SE, MX418SE, SM62, SM63, SM63L, SM63LB, SM81, VP64, VP64A, VP64AL and standard microphone stands, Windscreen See more |
Polar Pattern | Unidirectional |
Audio Sensitivity | 18 dB |
About this item
- This microphone requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 Vdc supply (IEC-61938). However, it will operate with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity with supplies as low as 11 Vdc. Most modern mixers provide phantom power. You must use a balanced microphone cable: XLR-to-XLR or XLR-to-TRS.
- 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.
- 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
- Rugged steel construction for durability. Field-usable over wide range of temperature and humidity conditions.
- Cardioid condenser instrument microphone offers a wide frequency response and low self-noise. Features include flat response curve, low noise and high output clipping level, low distortion over a range of load impedances, and low RF susceptibility.
Compare with similar items
This Item Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone for Guitar, Piano, and Cymbals, Includes Swivel Adapter, Attenuator-Switch Lock, Windscreen, Carrying Case, No Cable Included (SM81-LC) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | ||
Price | — | $99.00$99.00 | $249.00$249.00 | $99.00$99.00 | -14% $111.45$111.45 Typical: $129.99 | $10.99$10.99 |
Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Sound quality | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.3 | — |
Value for money | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | — |
Sold By | — | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | LEFXMOPHY |
power source | PHANTOM POWER: All condenser microphones require phantom power to operate. Please refer to the User Manual for more details on power requirements. | Corded Electric | PHANTOM POWER: All condenser microphones require phantom power to operate. Please refer to the User Manual for more details on power requirements. | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric |
connectivity tech | Wired | XLR | Wired | Wired | USB, XLR | XLR |
connector type | XLR | XLR | XLR | XLR | USB, XLR | 3.5 mm Jack |
model number | SM81-LC | SM58LC | BETA 91A | SM57-LC | SAM C02PR | LF-SM81-POP-FILTER-3PACK |
material | Alloy Steel | Metal | — | Plastic | — | foam |
battery quantity | 1 aaa, 1 9v | 0 aaa, 0 unknown | 1 aaa, 1 9v | — | — | — |
audio sensitivity | 18 decibels | -54.5 decibels | -48.5 decibels | -56 decibels | 40 decibels | 0 decibels |
frequency response | 20 KHz | 5015000 hertz | — | 15000 hertz | — | — |
signal-to-noise ratio | 78 decibels | — | 78 decibels | 78 decibels | 80 decibels | 78 decibels |
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Product information
Item Weight | 8 ounces |
---|---|
Product Dimensions | 8.34 x 0.94 x 0.94 inches |
ASIN | B0002D0JHE |
Item model number | SM81-LC |
Batteries | 1 AAA batteries required. |
Customer Reviews |
4.8 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #26,623 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #45 in Vocal Condenser Microphones |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | July 16, 2004 |
Color Name | Black |
Compatible Devices | Radio, Amplifier, Speaker |
Connector Type | XLR |
Material Type | Alloy Steel |
Power Source | PHANTOM POWER: All condenser microphones require phantom power to operate. Please refer to the User Manual for more details on power requirements. |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product guides and documents
WARNING:
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What's in the box
Videos
Videos for this product
1:30
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Shure SM81 Microphone Review
✅ Anne Caroline Santos ✅
Videos for this product
2:26
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Shure Brand Video - Sound Extraordinary
Shure Incorporated
Product Description
Product Description
The Shure SM81 is a high-quality, unidirectional 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. POWER REQUIREMENTS NOTE: This microphone requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 Vdc supply (IEC-61938). However, it will operate with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity with supplies as low as 11 Vdc. Most modern mixers provide phantom power. You must use a balanced microphone cable: XLR-to-XLR or XLR-to-TRS.
Amazon.com
Built to withstand the rigors of regular stage and studio use, the Shure SM81 unidirectional condenser microphone is a great choice for studio recording, broadcasting, and sound reinforcement. Its wide frequency response, low noise characteristics, and low RF susceptibility make it a perfect match for applications involving acoustic instruments, especially guitar, piano, and cymbals.
Ruggedly constructed, the SM81 operates on phantom power and performs over a wide range of temperatures and humidity conditions. It comes with a swivel adapter, attenuator-switch lock, foam windscreen, and case for carrying and storage.
Key Features
Frequency response.
Polar pattern.
- 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
Specifications
- Type: Condenser (electret bias)
- Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid (unidirectional) response-uniform with frequency, symmetrical about axis
- 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 Configuration and Connector: Balanced, transformer-coupled output; male XLR connector
- 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 ohm Load: -4 dBV (0.63 V); 150 ohm Load: -15 dBV (0.18 V)
- Total Harmonic Distortion Less than 0.5% (131 dB SPL at 250 H: z into 800 ohm load)
- Maximum SPL (at 1,000 Hz):
- 800 ohm load: 136 dB (attenuator at 0) 146 dB (attenuator at -10)
- 150 ohm load: 128 dB (attenuator at 0) 138 dB (attenuator at -10)
- Hum Pickup: -3 dB equivalent SPL in a 1 mOe field (60 Hz)
- Self-Noise (equivalent sound pressure levels; measured with true rms voltmeter): 16 dB typical, A-weighted; 19 dB typical, weighted per DIN 45 405
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 78 dB (IEC 651)* at 94 dB SPL
*S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB 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; -6 dB/octave below 100 Hz; -18 dB/octave below 80 Hz
- Attenuator Switch Positions (Lockable): 0 or -10 dB
- Power:
- Supply Voltage: 11 to 52 Vdc, positive, pins 2 and 3
- Current Drain: 1.2 mA max.
- Case: Steel construction with vinyl metallic paint finish and stainless steel screens
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Overvoltage and Reverse Polarity Protection:
From the manufacturer
Industry Standard. Professional Utility.
SM Microphones are equal to the demands of high-energy performance, proven time and time again through decades of rigorous use by performers and engineers of all experience levels. The renowned sound and construction of the SM Microphone line has remained the metric by which all other microphone performance has been judged, setting standards for minimized handling noise and improved gain before feedback. In live performance and recording applications, SM Microphones are legendary - virtually indestructible professional gear.
The Shure SM81 is a high-quality, unidirectional 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. POWER REQUIREMENTS NOTE: This microphone requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 Vdc supply (IEC-61938).
- The SM81 is ruggedly constructed. It performs over a wide range of temperatures and humidity conditions.
Shure SM81-LC
Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone for Studio Recording
Cardioid condenser instrument microphone offers a wide frequency response and low self-noise. Features include flat response curve, low noise and high output clipping level, low distortion over a range of load impedances, and low RF susceptibility.
- This microphone requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 Vdc supply (IEC-61938). However, it will operate with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity with supplies as low as 11 Vdc
- 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
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Front |
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With Clip |
With Windscreen |
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Polar Pattern (Example 1) |
Polar Pattern (Example 2) |
Frequency Response |
From the brand
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, sound quality, frequency response, and sturdiness of the microphone. For example, they mention it's a legendary instrument mic, perfect for recording acoustic guitar, and very sensitive to wind noise. That said, they say it captures shimmering high frequencies without being sharp to the ear. That, and they say the mic is much more rugged than they look.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the microphone. They mention that it is a legendary instrument mic, perfect for recording acoustic guitar, and helps them make beautiful recordings.
"fantastic microphone. super detailed. pretty neutral. very rugged. a Shure classic." Read more
"The SM81 is a gorgeous mic with a dead flat response. The sound is transparent and absolutely accurate...." Read more
"...Guess what? The SM-81 mics were the most neutral (that's a very GOOD thing!), the most musical, the least distorted sounding mics of the group...." Read more
"These set the standard for high-quality instrument mics for live sound...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the sound quality of the microphone. They mention that it has a great sound, is very sensitive to wind noise, and helps eliminate appliance hum in their apartment.
"The SM81 is a gorgeous mic with a dead flat response. The sound is transparent and absolutely accurate...." Read more
"The price is right and the sound is great. Plus I love the thin sleek design." Read more
"...They are also much more rugged than they look. They are very sensitive to wind noise, so be sure to buy the A81WS windscreens if you use them..." Read more
"...It sounds absolutely perfect! Very happy with it. Other mics I own are the Neumann U87 ai and Shure sm7b...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the frequency response of the microphone. They mention that it has a superb response and low distortion. It is true to its reputation for capturing shimmering high frequencies without being sharp to the ear.
"The SM81 is a gorgeous mic with a dead flat response. The sound is transparent and absolutely accurate...." Read more
"...Besides the obvious advantages of a superb frequency response and low distortion, the directional pattern is extremely smooth, which means you will..." Read more
"This mic really holds true to its reputation for capturing shimmering high frequencies without being sharp to the ear. Wonderful drum overheads!" Read more
Customers are satisfied with the sturdiness of the microphone. They mention that it is much more rugged than it looks.
"fantastic microphone. super detailed. pretty neutral. very rugged. a Shure classic." Read more
"...They are also much more rugged than they look...." Read more
"...helps eliminate the appliance hum in my apartment and the build quality is superb. i would definitely buy this mic 10 times again if i needed to." Read more
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Well, in a word, no, I found nothing better in its price range (under $400). I brought in five different mics (from a vendor that accepts returns with no restocking fees), and placed them all among the string players, the choir, the soloists, and the organ. The recording was digital, with 96 kHz sampling and 24-bit resolution. Then came two weeks of listening and editing.
Guess what? The SM-81 mics were the most neutral (that's a very GOOD thing!), the most musical, the least distorted sounding mics of the group. Their sound pickup off-axis (where many mics add unwanted coloratio) was essentially indistinguishable from the straight-ahead sound. Wonderful! Since that project, we have bought 2 more SM-81s, and they continue to help us make beautiful recordings.
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2020
Top reviews from other countries
Reviewed in India on December 11, 2020