Shure SM81 – Premium Condenser Microphone for Acoustic Instruments Shure SM81 is a globally acclaimed cardioid condenser microphone designed for the most demanding sound engineers. With its flat, natural frequency response and precision sound reproduction, the SM81 has become a standard in professional studios and live performance settings. It’s the ideal tool for capturing acoustic guitars, pianos, strings, choirs, cymbals, and other dynamic sources with high fidelity.

Natural Sound and Full Control The SM81 delivers a flat frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring transparent and accurate audio capture. It features a -10 dB pad for handling high SPL sources without distortion and a three-position low-cut filter (flat, -6 dB/oct, -18 dB/oct) to reduce low-frequency rumble, proximity effect, or stage noise. These onboard controls give engineers maximum flexibility right at the source.

Built for Demanding Conditions Its robust metal housing protects the internal components from mechanical damage and electromagnetic interference. With an impressively low self-noise of only 18 dB(A), the SM81 excels at capturing subtle audio nuances. It operates reliably across a wide temperature and humidity range, making it suitable for outdoor and live stage use as well as in studio environments.

Typical Applications Acoustic guitar Piano Drum overheads / cymbals String and brass instruments Choirs and ambient recordings Technical Specifications Type: Electret condenser microphone Polar pattern: Cardioid Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz Sensitivity: -45 dBV/Pa (5.6 mV/Pa) Self-noise: 18 dB(A) Max SPL: 136 dB (pad off), 146 dB (pad on) Pad: -10 dB (switchable) Low-cut filter: flat / -6 dB / -18 dB per octave Phantom power: 12–48 V Weight: 230 g Included in the Box Shure SM81 microphone Microphone clip Protective case Thread adapter Summary Shure SM81 is an essential tool for any sound engineer who values top-tier audio quality and precision. Whether in a studio or on stage, it delivers reliable performance, natural tone, and professional versatility that make it a long-term investment in excellent sound.