Shure SM81
Small-diaphragm Cardioid Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Universal Cardioid Condenser Mic!
If you've been looking for precise, detailed sound reproduction, you've found it in this fantastic mic from Shure. The SM81 is a world-standard for choir and overhead cymbal applications. Its ruler-flat frequency response can be modified via a bass roll-off switch. A unidirectional design captures all the sound you could want and more.
| Specification |
Detail |
| Freq. Response |
20Hz-20kHz |
| Kind |
Condenser |
| Max. SPL |
146 dB |
| Notes |
10 dB pad |
| Notes |
Bass Rolloff |
| Polar Pattern |
Cardioid |
|
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A Must Have Mic
by phagood from Nashville, TN USA
September 13, 2008
Music Background: Live Sound, Recording Engineer, Music Business Student
Whether you are in the studio or touring live, this mic is a must have. I always keep a few around because they are so versatile. Great on almost everything. Choir, overhead, acoustic guitar, strings, ... read more [+] woodwinds. They are expensive but well worth having a couple. close [-]
A Swiss Army Mic...
by M. Hensley from Washington University
June 6, 2008
Music Background: T.D. in performance venue
We have four SM81's, having just bought two new ones. I've found them great when paired on a Steinway and of course perfect for overhead drums. Tonight, I have all four out on stage working under a v ... read more [+]ariety of high energy Indian drums but just last week we used one with wonderful results on a delicate Flamenco guitar performance; just a truly excellent mic. In my opinion, if you are putting together a mic inventory, make sure to include some SM81's. You will quickly learn to rely on their versatility and great sound. close [-]
What a snare mic!
by Bob Nicholson from Chicago
April 17, 2008
Music Background: Recording Engineer, Live Sound Engineer, Drummer
I purchased my first SM81 in the mid 80's and I'm about to purchase my 3rd. I was never quite happy with my snare sound and I had an arsenal of drum mics to choose from. A fellow engineer at the studi ... read more [+]o suggested trying the SM81 on the snare drum. It's not quite as indestructible as an SM57 so you need to pay attention to placement (top mic). The SM81 is awesome, very transparent and the low cut position comes in handy with the snare. Its polar pattern is also very nice for the snare position. You cant go wrong with this mic because you can use elsewhere with great success. close [-]
Vocal Bass microphone
by Paul Kemper bass for The Crownsmen Quartet from Parkersburg, West Virginia
March 1, 2008
Music Background: Sang bass in Gospel Quartet's for 26 years, now with The Crownsmen Quartet
Over the years singing in Southern Gospel Quartet's I have used all kinds of Mic's.
To get that rich full low bass in a studio is very easy, but on stage doing a live concert, we all strive to ... read more [+]have that same studio quality sound.
After useing The Shure SM81 it gave me the very clean and full bottem double low C note
That why The Crownsmen put there trust in Shure Microphones the other members use Shure Beta 87A.
All of our road equiptment was purchased at Sweetwater Sound,Thru Dan Vanamerongen. close [-]
Acoustic Guitar, Overheads, Ambience ....
by Christopher Paglia from Byfield, MA
October 8, 2008
Music Background: Musician, Live & Recorded Sound
These have come to be one of my favorite mics for acoustic guitar. One at the sound hole and one on the "sweetspot" of the finger board. I find them to be transparent, which is also why some people do ... read more [+]n't like them - they don't have a lot of their own character - which leaves the character up to what you are recording! That a good thing when you need it! Also great as overheads, apparently there used to be an omni capsule you could buy for these, but now it's not easy to obtain. I think I would give it higher marks if I could get an omni cap. close [-]
Read more reviews
See Also: Condenser Mics
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