Condenser-like Performance, Compact Dynamic Convenience
Boasting a sleek, lightweight design and bolstered by vibration-damping technology, the Telefunken M81-SH sets an impressive benchmark for low-profile dynamic microphones. Building upon the strengths of the M80-SH, the M81-SH delivers the same minimal proximity effect, excellent feedback rejection, and an articulate midrange. However, the M81-SH's top end is slightly restrained, giving you a flatter overall tonality that’s ideal for brass, woodwinds, and percussion. Additionally, a custom-wound impedance-matching transformer maximizes power transfer from the mic to your preamp, delivering a stronger signal — even over long cable runs. Moreover, its compact form factor makes it the go-to mic for tight-fit applications, such as drum- and amp-miking duties, as well as for vocal positions for drummers and keyboard players. Beyond that, the M81-SH’s potent SPL handling and unrivaled off-axis rejection certify top-caliber performance with extra-loud sound sources with minimal unwanted leakage. Designed and hand-assembled in the USA, the M81-SH includes a space-saving right-angle XLR cable, plastic mount, and rugged zip pouch.
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Work the mic without working against it
Telefunken engineered the M81-SH’s head and capsule to actively counteract the proximity effect inherent to supercardioid polar patterns, so working close to the mic keeps your vocals tight and articulate rather than thick and muddy. You get all the focused directionality and feedback rejection that a live performance demands, without sacrificing clarity when it matters most.
Consistent sound no matter what you’re plugged into
At Sweetwater, we know that every mixing board hits differently. After all, varying preamp impedance levels from venue to venue can quietly undermine your microphone’s performance, shifting tone, dulling transients, and robbing you of the sound you’ve dialed in. The M81-SH eliminates that variable with a custom-wound, American-made transformer that automatically matches impedance to whatever board you’re plugging into. Night after night, city after city, your vocal sound remains stable and steady.
The multi-tool your mic locker is missing
The M81-SH’s ultra-thin diaphragm delivers a fast, transparent response, capturing transient detail and nuance that thicker diaphragms simply can’t. Unlike many dynamics that color the source with a pronounced midrange push, the M81-SH presents your sound with pristine purity. That honesty is what makes it a genuine multi-tool, perfect for articulate, open capture in front of a guitar amp, securing every crack and snap of a snare drum, and letting the performance speak for any sound source that demands accuracy.
Telefunken M81-SH Features:
- Dynamic supercardioid mic for brass, woodwinds, and percussion
- Sleek, lightweight design bolstered by vibration-damping technology
- Wide-range 50Hz–18kHz frequency response with a flatter tonality than the M80-SH
- Low-mass capsule and diaphragm respond quickly, giving you clear, detailed reproduction
- Capsule design reduces proximity effect, so your sound doesn’t become muddy or indistinct
- American-made, custom-wound transformer automatically matches impedance
- Compact form factor makes it easy to place on snare drums and other hard-to-get-to sources
- Potent SPL handling tackles extra-loud sound sources
- Unrivaled off-axis rejection safeguards against unwanted leakage
- Made in the USA with high-caliber components
- Includes a right-angle XLR cable, plastic mount, and zip pouch
