BETA 181
Ultra-Compact Side-Address Microphone
The Shure Beta 181 is an ultra-compact, small-diaphragm side-address condenser microphone, designed for discreet placement and control in live and studio environments. Featuring interchangeable cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional and bidirectional capsule options for superior versatility, the small diaphragm design provides superior audio with consistent, textbook polar responses in a form factor small enough to get close to the source in the tightest conditions..
- Applications
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Acoustic Bass
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Acoustic Guitar
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Percussion
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Piano/Organ
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Snare Drum
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Studio Ensemble
- Microphone Types
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Condenser:
Lightweight, sensitive diaphragm. Precisely and smoothly captures sound nuances. Powered by battery or phantom power supply.
- Polar Patterns
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Bidirectional:
Picks up sound equally from the front and back of the microphone.
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Cardioid:
Picks up the most sound in front of the microphone and some from the sides. Less susceptible to feedback in high volume environments.
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OmniDirectional:
Equally sensitive to sound from all directions, but cannot be "aimed" to isolate one area.
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SuperCardioid:
Screens unwanted sound sources. Ideal for individual instruments in a multi-microphone setting, or single sources in noisy environments.
- Frequency Responses
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Tailored:
Smooth, extended response. Tuned to accentuate specific types of instruments or voices.
- Form Factors
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Side-Address
- Model Lines
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BETA
- Features
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- Interchangeable polar pattern capsules attach to a compact preamplifier with integrated XLR connections for the ultimate in low-profile application flexibility (Each Beta 181 ships with one polar pattern capsule and one XLR preamplifier. Capsules available separately for custom flexibility.)
- Precision-engineered, compact side-address design features innovative locking ring to provide secure connection between capsule and preamplifier
- Frequency response tailored for wide dynamic range applications for use in high SPL environments
- Furnished with stand adapter, windscreen and carrying case (carrying case will securely protect up to four polar pattern capsules)
Application recommendations:
- BETA 181/C (cardioid) for drum overhead, piano, acoustic instrument applications, M/S stereo technique (paired with Beta 181/BI)
- BETA 181/S (supercardioid) for snare drum, acoustic instrument, close-miking applications
- BETA 181/O (omnidirectional) for ambient/room, instrument ensemble applications
- BETA 181/BI (bidirectional) for mono drum overhead, dual instrument sound source applications, Blumlein stereo technique (pair of Beta 181/BI)
- Specifications
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- Type
- Condenser (Electret)
- Frequency Response
- 20 to 20,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern
- Cardioid, Supercardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional
- Phantom power required?
- 11–52 V DC phantom power (IEC-61938) 2.4 mA, maximum
- Accessories
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Name Availability 
A57F
Works with Beta 181, KSM137, KSM141, SM63, SM63L, SM63LB, SM81, VP64A, VP64AL, MX412, MX418, MX412S, MX418S, MX412SE, and the MX418SE microphones and standard microphone stands.
Where To Buy 
A181WS
Replacement foam windscreen for use with Beta 181.
Where To Buy
A181C
Works with Beta 181.
Where To Buy 
RPM181/C
Cardioid Polar Pattern Capsule. Works with Beta 181.
Where To Buy 
RPM181/S
Supercardioid Polar Pattern Capsule. Works with Beta 181.
Where To Buy 
RPM181/O
Omnidirectional Polar Pattern Capsule. Works with Beta 181.
Where To Buy 
RPM181/BI
Bidirectional Polar Pattern Capsule. Works with Beta 181.
Where To Buy 
RPM181/PRE
Replacement XLR Preamplifier. Works with Beta 181.
Where To Buy - User Guides
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File Language Type File Size BETA181 Condenser Microphone User Guide Chinese-Simplified, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish PDF 8.49 mb