Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Microphone at FrontEndAudio.com

Shure SM81 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Details

The Shure Model 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.

Shure SM81 Cardioid Condenser Microphone 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 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

Shure SM81 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Specifications

Type Condenser (electret bias)
Frequency Response 20 to 20,000 Hz
Polar Pattern Cardioid (unidirectional) response—uniform with frequency, symmetrical about axis
Impedance 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 Level 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 §Ù Load .4 dBV (0.63 V) 150 §Ù Load .15 dBV (0.18 V)
Total Harmonic Distortion Less than 0.5% (131 dB SPL at 250 Hz into 800 . load )
Connector Output Configuration and Connector Balanced, transformer-coupled output; male XLR connector
Polarity Positive pressure produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3
Dimensions 212 mm / 8.34 in./ in length, and 23 1/2 mm / 0.92 in./ in diameter. ( Handle diameter: 20.1 mm / 5/32 in. )
Weight 230 grams (8 oz)
Power Requirements Supply Voltage 11 to 52 Vdc, positive, pins 2 and 3 / Current Drain 1.2 mA max. The SM81 requires phantom power. This may be supplied to the microphone by a mixer, preamplifier or console with built-in phantom power or from an external power supply (such as the Shure model PS1A). Phantom power sources providing between 11 and 52 Vdc are suitable.

Shure SM81 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Applications

Acoustic Guitar
Acoustic Bass
Strings
Piano
Woodwinds
Orchestra
Cymbals
Live Recording
Ensemble Vocals

Shure SM81 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Downloads

Shure SM81 Manual

What We Think - Shure SM81 Review

"The Shure SM81 is a classic microphone that finds new relevance and necessity in the modern digital recording world. It's smooth response and non-hyped top-end make the SM81 a go-to mic for classic sounding acoustic guitars, drums and percussion recording. Feed the SM81 into a nice preamp, point it at an acoustic guitar, press record, and sit back and enjoy. It's really that simple. Live sound engineers have known for years that the SM81 is a flat out killer on drum overheads. My experience with them in that context is that they show the steely body of the cymbals, again, without the annoyingly bright over-emphasized top-end that a lot of modern condenser mics do. There's a kind of 'meaty-air' of the kit that comes across. All in all, the SM81 is required equipment."

Alan Moon - Front End Audio

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