Shure
Shure SM81
Best professional choice for capturing detailed acoustic instrument recordings.
The Shure SM81 is a high-quality, unidirectional condenser microphone engineered for professional studio recording, broadcasting, and sound reinforcement. It excels with acoustic instruments, offering a wide frequency response, low self-noise, and minimal RF interference. Its robust steel construction ensures durability, while its ability to operate reliably across various temperatures and humidity levels makes it versatile. The SM81 features selectable low-frequency response and a lockable attenuator pad for precise sound shaping, making it a trusted standard for critical audio capture.
$439.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
193
/ 1735
#193 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-14%
Below average
Transducer Type
Condenser
/ Condenser
Who it's for
- Engineers seeking transparent and accurate acoustic instrument recordings
- Touring professionals needing gear that survives rigorous daily use
- Studio owners requiring one reliable mic for diverse acoustic sources
Who should skip it
- Home recordists working with a limited equipment budget
- Podcasters using basic interfaces lacking phantom power capabilities
- Vocalists recording without proper pop filters or mic technique
Performance breakdown
Frequency Accuracy
Captures every nuance with a flat, transparent, and highly detailed response.
Self-Noise Floor
Extremely quiet operation ensures clean recordings even in delicate acoustic settings.
Build Durability
Rugged steel construction built to survive decades of demanding studio use.
SPL Handling
Easily manages loud sound sources without distortion or unwanted signal clipping.
Environmental Versatility
Reliable performance remains consistent regardless of temperature or humidity fluctuations.
Sound Shaping
Selectable filters and pad offer essential control for diverse recording tasks.
Key Specs
Transducer Type
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity
-45.0 dBV/Pa
Maximum Sound Pressure Level
146 dB SPL
Impedance
85 Ω
Power Requirements
11-52 VDC Phantom Power
Connectivity
XLR
Features
- Accurate sound reproduction with wide frequency response.
- Exceptional clarity with low self-noise.
- Consistent sound with uniform cardioid pattern.
- Resists interference for clean audio.
- Adjustable low-frequency response for tonal control.
- Durable steel construction for longevity.
- Reliable performance in diverse environments.
- Versatile sound shaping with attenuator pad.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Shure SM81 for its exceptional sound quality and unwavering reliability. Reviewers frequently highlight its clear, natural, and detailed audio capture, making it a top choice for acoustic instruments and overheads. Its robust build ensures consistent performance across countless sessions, solidifying its reputation as a dependable studio workhorse. Users appreciate its precise sound reproduction and durable construction, confirming its status as a premium and trustworthy microphone investment.
Know before you buy
Yes, the SM81 is a condenser microphone and requires 11-52 VDC phantom power from your audio interface or mixing console to function.
Absolutely. With a maximum SPL of 146 dB, it can handle high-volume sound sources without distortion, and the built-in attenuator pad helps manage extremely loud signals.
These switches allow you to roll off low-end frequencies, which is helpful for reducing rumble, proximity effect, or unwanted background noise during recording.
The microphone is built with a rugged steel housing and is engineered to maintain consistent performance across a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels, making it reliable for field recording or live sound.
The SM81 features a uniform cardioid polar pattern, which is highly effective at capturing sound directly in front of the mic while rejecting noise from the sides and rear.
While it can be used for vocals, the SM81 is widely considered an industry standard for acoustic instruments like acoustic guitar, piano, and orchestral strings due to its flat, accurate frequency response.
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Ready to buy?
$439