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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)

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 169 ratings

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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

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)
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)
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Price$99.00$249.00$99.00-14% $111.45
Typical:$129.99
$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

Warranty & Support

Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here. [PDF ]

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Shure

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)


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Product guides and documents

WARNING:

CHOKING HAZARD -- Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.

WARNING:

CHOKING HAZARD -- Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.

What's in the box

  • 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
  • 10 dB Attenuator Lock
  • Carrying Storage Case
  • Windscreen
  • 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


    From the manufacturer

    module 1
    2

    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.

    2

    2

    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

    1

    2

    3

    4

    Front

    Box

    With Clip

    With Windscreen

    polar pattern 1

    polar pattern 2

    response

    Polar Pattern (Example 1)

    Polar Pattern (Example 2)

    Frequency Response


    From the brand

    Looking for specific info?

    Customer reviews

    4.8 out of 5 stars
    4.8 out of 5
    169 global ratings

    Customers 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

    13 customers mention13 positive0 negative

    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

    8 customers mention8 positive0 negative

    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

    3 customers mention3 positive0 negative

    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

    3 customers mention3 positive0 negative

    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

    it just sounds really good
    5 Stars
    it just sounds really good
    i love this mic! i bought it for the purpose of recording acoustic guitar and it is killer at doing just that. the low-pass option on the mic really 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.
    Thank you for your feedback
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    Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2020
    Customer image
    3.0 out of 5 stars Great mic, accessories are another story.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2020
    THIS IS NOT A REVIEW FOR THE MIC, JUST THE ACCESSORIES. The mic itself is awesome, no problems at all, but the mic clip that came with it was defective. It had plastic covering the threading that attaches to the mic stand, making it completely unusable. From other reviews I’ve read, people have had it not even be included at all. Pretty unbelievable for the amount of money I’m spending and a stain on the name of a legendary brand like Shure. The quality control where these things are packaged must be almost non existent.
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    3 people found this helpful
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    Top reviews from other countries

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    Rafael
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lindo microfone, excelente para instrumentos, over de bateria, chimbal e até voz.
    Reviewed in Brazil on February 3, 2024
    Consumer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great microphone, I used it for classical guitar
    Reviewed in Canada on May 22, 2023
    Efrén t.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Increíble calidad
    Reviewed in Mexico on November 4, 2021
    One person found this helpful
    Report
    JK
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good for acoustic guitar
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 19, 2021
    Aniruddha Joshi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely microphone for my Sitar and Surbahar
    Reviewed in India on December 11, 2020
    Customer image
    Aniruddha Joshi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely microphone for my Sitar and Surbahar
    Reviewed in India on December 11, 2020
    One of the best products i have ordered though it is bit expensive but it worth
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    5 people found this helpful
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