Shure
Shure Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone
Best versatile condenser for capturing professional-grade acoustic and amplified instrument recordings.
The Shure PGA81-XLR is a professional-grade cardioid condenser instrument microphone designed for sensitive acoustic performances and recordings. Its updated industrial design features a black metallic finish for a discreet look, while its legendary Shure construction ensures durability in demanding environments. This microphone is ideal for a variety of applications, including stereo recording, piano, acoustic strings, brass, woodwinds, choir, and drums. It requires phantom power to operate and comes with an XLR-XLR cable.
$135.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
193
/ 1735
#193 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-73%
Below average
Frequency Response
4018000
/ -, Hz
Who it's for
- Acoustic musicians needing crisp, detailed high-frequency capture
- Touring professionals requiring gear that survives heavy road use
- Studio engineers tracking multiple instruments in shared spaces
Who should skip it
- Users with basic interfaces lacking 48V phantom power
- Live performers working in environments with high vibration
- Budget-conscious hobbyists seeking an entry-level price point
Performance breakdown
Transient Response
Ultra-thin diaphragm captures fast acoustic attacks with remarkable precision and clarity.
SPL Handling
Switchable pad manages loud percussion and brass without unwanted signal distortion.
Self-Noise Floor
Transformerless circuitry ensures pristine recordings even in quiet, delicate acoustic environments.
Off-Axis Rejection
Cardioid pattern effectively isolates instruments while minimizing unwanted room reflections.
Frequency Balance
Delivers a natural, flat response with smooth highs and controlled lows.
Build Durability
Rugged construction stands up to the rigors of frequent studio sessions.
Key Specs
Frequency Response
40-18,000 Hz
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Microphone Type
Condenser
Pad
15dB
Diaphragm
Ultra-thin
Preamplifier
Class-A, transformerless circuitry
Connectivity Technology
XLR
Recommended Use
Instrument Recording
Features
- Natural sound reproduction
- Smooth highs and tight lows
- Handles high sound pressure levels
- Clean recordings with low self-noise
- Transformerless circuitry for fidelity
- Focused sound with cardioid pattern
- Includes a protective carry case
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise this professional condenser microphone for its exceptional clarity and sonic accuracy across various sources, from acoustic instruments to drum overheads. Its consistent performance in both studio and demanding live settings highlights its remarkable versatility. Reviewers frequently cite the robust build quality, confirming its reliability for heavy use. The sound reproduction is valued for being flat and uncolored, offering engineers maximum mixing flexibility. While the initial cost is significant, users agree the superior performance and durability confirm its status as a worthwhile, long-term professional investment. This microphone consistently delivers industry-standard results.
Know before you buy
Yes, the PGA81-XLR is a condenser microphone and requires +48V phantom power from your audio interface or mixer to function.
Absolutely. The microphone is designed to handle high sound pressure levels, and it includes a 15dB pad to prevent distortion when recording loud sources.
The cardioid pattern focuses on capturing sound directly in front of the microphone while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. This makes it ideal for isolating specific instruments in a room or studio setting.
While it is specifically voiced for acoustic instruments like guitars, strings, and woodwinds, its natural frequency response can also work well for choir or group vocal recordings.
It includes an XLR-XLR cable, a stand adapter, and a protective carry case. You will just need a microphone stand and an audio interface or mixer that provides phantom power.
The Class-A transformerless design helps maintain signal fidelity and provides a cleaner, more transparent sound with lower self-noise compared to traditional transformer-based designs.
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$135