Telefunken USA M80-SH Low Profile Dynamic Microphone
Best low-profile dynamic microphone for drummers and keyboardists in tight spaces.
The Telefunken USA M80-SH is a low-profile dynamic microphone engineered for tight spaces, perfect for drummers and keyboardists. It maintains the M80's signature wide frequency response and high SPL handling, making it versatile for drums and guitar amps. Its supercardioid pattern minimizes proximity effect and maximizes off-axis rejection for clean stage sound. Experience detailed, condenser-like performance enhanced by a custom transformer, capturing both loud and nuanced sources beautifully. This USA-made microphone includes a right-angle XLR cable and two drum mounts for immediate, flexible setup.
$249.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
203
/ 2337
#203 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-51%
Below average
Microphone Type
Dynamic Instrument Microphone
/ Dynamic Instrument Microphone
Who it's for
- Studio engineers seeking condenser detail in a rugged dynamic build
- Live performers needing clean signals without high-gain preamp requirements
- Drummers and guitarists miking tight spaces with limited clearance
Who should skip it
- Touring professionals requiring extreme durability for heavy-duty road use
- Budget-conscious buyers needing to outfit an entire drum kit
- Vocalists prone to harsh sibilance or heavy plosive sounds
Performance breakdown
Transient Response
Captures fast, punchy transients with the precision of a condenser mic.
Off-Axis Rejection
Supercardioid pattern effectively isolates sources while minimizing unwanted stage bleed.
SPL Handling
Easily manages high-volume sources like snare drums and guitar cabinets.
Form Factor
Low-profile design fits perfectly into cramped drum and keyboard setups.
Build Integrity
Hand-assembled in the USA with a rugged, road-ready construction.
Setup Versatility
Included right-angle cable and mounts make immediate deployment effortless.
Key Specs
Microphone Type
Dynamic Instrument Microphone
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid
Maximum SPL
135 dB (for 1% THD)
Frequency Range
50 Hz – 18 kHz, ±3 dB
Impedance
Over 200 ohms
Capsule Size
25 mm
Output Connector
XLR
Model
M80-SH
Features
- Condenser-like detail in a dynamic mic
- Supercardioid pattern minimizes bleed
- Handles high sound pressure levels
- Custom transformer for sonic accuracy
- Low-profile design for tight spaces
- Right-angle XLR simplifies routing
- Includes two drum mounts
- Designed and hand-assembled in the USA
What customers say
The Telefunken M80SH earns high praise for its exceptional clarity and robust build, making it ideal for demanding live and studio work. Reviewers consistently highlight its ability to deliver condenser-like detail with the durability of a dynamic microphone. It is frequently cited as the best choice for snare drums, providing crisp attack and full body that needs little adjustment. Users value the road ready construction, confirming the quality justifies the cost. Furthermore, its low profile design solves common placement challenges on drum kits and guitar cabinets. While positioned at a premium price, professionals agree the superior sonic performance and reliable form factor offer significant value over standard options.
Know before you buy
The M80-SH features a low-profile, shorter housing specifically designed to fit into tight spaces where a standard-length microphone would be cumbersome. While the internal capsule and sonic performance remain identical to the original M80, the SH model is optimized for drum kits and cramped instrument setups.
Yes, the M80-SH is built to handle high sound pressure levels up to 135 dB. It is specifically engineered to capture loud sources without distortion, making it an excellent choice for close-miking drums and guitar amplifiers.
The supercardioid polar pattern is highly directional, which is excellent for isolating a specific sound source. It excels at rejecting off-axis noise, helping you maintain a clean signal even in busy live stage environments.
No, the M80-SH is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power to operate. You can plug it directly into any standard XLR input on your audio interface or mixing console.
The M80-SH comes with two specialized drum mounts designed to attach the microphone directly to your drum hardware. It also includes a right-angle XLR cable to ensure a clean, low-profile connection in tight spots.
While it is optimized for instrument recording, the M80-SH shares the same high-quality capsule as the standard M80, which is widely used for vocals. Its detailed, condenser-like response makes it a versatile tool for both studio and live vocal applications.
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