Shure
Shure PGA81
The Shure PGA81 is a professional-grade condenser microphone engineered for pristine acoustic instrument sound. Its cardioid polar pattern focuses on your source while minimizing background noise, making it perfect for detailed recordings and live performances. Featuring a sleek black metallic finish and built with Shure's renowned durability, this microphone delivers exceptional performance in demanding environments. It's an ideal choice for capturing the nuances of acoustic guitars, percussion, and woodwinds with clarity and precision.
$129.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
672
/ 1735
#672 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-75%
Below average
Type
Condenser
/ Condenser
Who it's for
- Accurate Condenser Sound
- Reliable Shure Build Quality
- Excellent Entry-Level Value
Who should skip it
- Requires Phantom Power
- High Sensitivity to Room Noise
- Lack of Advanced Features
Key Specs
Type
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Response
40-18,000 Hz
Sensitivity
-48.5 dBV/Pa
Max SPL
129.5 dB
Weight
6.6 oz
Connector
XLR
Power
48V phantom power
Features
- Designed for clear acoustic instrument reproduction
- Cardioid pattern rejects noise and feedback
- Updated industrial design with black finish
- Legendary Shure quality and construction
- Suitable for studio and live sound
- Requires 48V phantom power
What customers say
The Shure PGA81 is celebrated for its outstanding value in capturing acoustic instruments. Users consistently praise its clear, accurate, and uncolored sound, noting its flat frequency response is perfect for acoustic guitars, strings, and drum overheads. This sonic precision offers a notable improvement over similar dynamic microphones, making it a top choice for home studios and live sound. The microphone's durable, road ready construction also earns high marks, reflecting Shure's commitment to reliability. Many feel the PGA81 provides performance typically found in more expensive condenser microphones, establishing it as a dependable workhorse that excels far beyond its price point for precise acoustic recording.
Know before you buy
No, the PGA81 does not use batteries. It requires 48V phantom power, which is supplied by your audio interface or mixing console via the XLR cable.
Yes, the PGA81 has a maximum SPL of 129.5 dB, meaning it can handle high-volume sound sources without distorting. It is commonly used for acoustic guitars, pianos, and overhead drum miking.
The cardioid pattern is directional, meaning it focuses on the sound source directly in front of the microphone while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. This makes it an excellent choice for live environments where you need to isolate an instrument from other stage noise.
While the PGA81 is specifically voiced for acoustic instruments, it can be used for vocals if you prefer a very flat, neutral sound. However, because it is a sensitive condenser microphone, you will likely need a pop filter to manage plosives.
Yes, the PGA81 is built with Shure’s standard industrial design and a robust metallic finish. It is engineered to withstand the rigors of professional live performance and demanding studio environments.
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