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Shure SM81 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

A classic small-diaphragm cardioid condenser, the Shure SM81 captures drum overheads, piano, and any acoustic source with detailed accuracy.

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The Shure SM81 is a world-standard microphone for capturing the unique timbre and characteristics of acoustic instruments. Whether you're trying to record that 100-year-old Steinway Grand piano you found in your Grandpa's attic or the vintage parlor guitar that's been passed down for generations, you want a mic that can capture every last nuance. The Shure SM81 is that microphone.

The SM81 is a cardioid condenser with a wide frequency response and low RF susceptibility that makes it perfect for guitars, pianos, cymbals, mandolins and any other acoustic instruments. Thanks to it's extremely low-noise characteristics, you can be sure that the SM81 only picks up the tones you're after.

Applications:

- Guitar
- Piano
- Cymbals
- Broadcasting
- Sound Reinforcement zZounds is an authorized dealer of Shure products.

- Type: Condenser (electret bias)
- Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid (unidirectional) response
- SM81LC Version: With windscreen, no cable. Phantom power required.

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging: Shipping Weight: 2 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 12 x 6 x 3 in

Shure Warranty

Shure Warranty

If you have additional warranty questions, please call the manufacturer at 800-25-SHURE

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Product Description

zZounds is an
authorized Shure dealer

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.

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.

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
- 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

About Shure

S.N. Shure began his company's relationship with the products of personal sound by launching a one-man operation in 1925 that sold radio parts kits. Since then, Shure microphones and audio electronics have been the tools of choice for politicians, musicians, corporations, churches, and broadcasters across the world. Anyone who considers sound to be an important part of his or her self-expression has probably used one of Shure's microphones, phonograph needles, or other professional audio products.

Our extended 30-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee applies on this product. Buy it, and if it isn't just right for you, return it!

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Customer Reviews

5 out of 5 (48 ratings) Rate and Review This Product

Read 2 Shure SM81 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Reviews

This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful. "Save your money for the thing"

Sound: If your looking for an absolutely true sounding mic you'll be thrilled with the SM81. It is clean and transparent thanks to its proven rugged construction and Flat 20-20khz capability. Feature: I have used this mic for drum overheads (outstanding imaging). One of the few condensers that I would use on Snare (on top or underneath). It's Low Freq. roll-off switch is very smooth sounding and makes it an extremely versatile mic. If you do Live recordings, just pop two of these babies up in the room (I prefer using a Near-coincident pair technique) and wait till you hear the spacial realism. Also great for acoustic guitars. No self respecting studio should be without a pair of these. They once came in matched sets, but these mics are so consistent that is not necessary. Sure has some outstanding good mics over the year but the SM81 is in my opinion a Hall of Fame mic. Ease of Use: Even if your technical mic skills are lacking, the SM81 is very simple just point it at what you want to hear. The Unidirectional nature of this mic helps to reject sounds from the side and from in back. With that in mind you can use your creativity to either focus what your recording or depending on proximity capture an area of sound. Shure includes very useful specifications and you can find micing tips on-line. Quality: The SM81 is supremely reliable and the product meets the specifications that accompany the mic. I purchased my first SM81 in 1985 after years of on-the-road and in studio use it is still operational today. Value: This is a microphone worth saving your money for. The SM81 is a classic great. I other condenser mics that cost more than double the price of the SM81 and in certain applications, it my mic of choice. Manufacturer Support: I once knew some of the folks at Shure and I can tell you they are passionate about their mics, and their customer's satisfaction. I have not used their customer support channel though. The Wow Factor: In my opinion the SM81 is one of my favorite condensers for drum, live and acoustic micing period. It reliable and true. How much more sexy could you get when making music. Overall: I need to purchase two more because I know that someday the two I have had for 20+ years are just going to die. I have played with many other fine microphones, but none are a substitute. it's kinda like your favorite pizza. there's all kinds but you know exactly the one that satisfies you every time.

Style of Music: ALL

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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful. "SM-81 IS THE MAC-DADDY OF MICS"

Sound: Our quartet uses it for all four parts. We set all four mic alike except mine is a little hotter because I am the bass singer. JD Sumner & the Stamps and the Master's V used all SM-81. This is the cleanest mic I have ever sang over in my 30+ years in gospel. It give a clean respone when I sing those ultra notes, or the tenor hits that high c to when the lead or baritone sing on e of those tear jerkers I have not found a place it did not sound good Feature: I hate the foam windscreen that come it. We use the Wintech 1200 Quality: Road Rugged I have dropped mine several times it stills works great Value: Well worth money. but can get expensive when you one for everybody but you get what you pay for.

Style of Music: Southern Gospel, Church

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