- Cardioid Polar Pattern
- Picks up the most sound in front of the microphone and some from the sides. Less susceptible to feedback in high volume environments.
- Flat Frequency Response
- Wide, uniform response. Consistent sensitivity through frequency range.
SM81Instrument Microphone
- Condenser
- Lightweight, sensitive diaphragm. Precisely and smoothly captures sound nuances. Powered by battery or phantom power supply.
- Recommended Uses
- Live Choirs
- Studio Instrument
- Orchestra/Strings
- Woodwinds
- Acoustic Guitar
- Acoustic Bass
- Acoustic Bass
- Piano/Organ
- Cymbals
- Percussion
The Shure SM81 is a high-quality, unidirectional condenser microphone designed for studio recording, broadcasting, and sound reinforcement. Its wide frequency response, low noise characteristics, and low RF susceptibility have made it a standard for applications involving acoustic instruments, especially guitar, piano, and cymbals.
SM81-LC - With windscreen, no cable. Phantom power required.
The SM81 is ruggedly constructed. It operates on phantom power and performs over a wide range of temperatures and humidity conditions. It is furnished with a swivel adapter, attenuator-switch lock, foam windscreen, and case for carrying and storage. Other accessories are available.
- 0 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response
- Flat response curve for accurate reproduction of sound sources
- Low noise and high output clipping level
- Low distortion over a wide range of load impedances
- Cardioid polar pattern, uniform with frequency and symmetric about axis, providing maximum rejection and minimum coloration of off-axis sounds
- Low RF susceptibility
- Selectable low-frequency response: flat, 6 or 18 dB/octave rolloff
- 0 dB/10 dB lockable attenuator switch
- Phantom powering (DIN 45 596 voltages of 12 to 48 Vdc)
- Rugged steel construction for durability
- Field-usable over wide range of temperature and humidity conditions
- Type
- Condenser (electret bias)
- Frequency Response
- 20 to 20,000 Hz
View Larger - Polar Pattern
- Cardioid (unidirectional) response-uniform with frequency, symmetrical about axis
- Output Impedance
- Rated at 150 ohms (85 ohms actual)
- Recommended minimum load impedance: 800 ohms (May be used with loads as low as 150 ohms with reduced clipping level)
- Output Configuration and Connector
- Balanced, transformer-coupled output; male XLR connector
- Sensitivity (at 1,000 Hz)
- Open Circuit Voltage: -45 dBV/Pascal (5.6 mV
- (1 Pascal = 94 dB SPL)
- Clipping Level (at 1,000 Hz)
- 800 ohm Load: -4 dBV (0.63 V)
- 150 ohm Load: -15 dBV (0.18 V)
- Total Harmonic Distortion
- Less than 0.5% (131 dB SPL at 250 Hz into 800 ohm load)
- Maximum SPL (at 1,000 Hz)
- 800 ohm load: 136 dB (attenuator at 0) 146 dB (attenuator at -10)
- 150 ohm load: 128 dB (attenuator at 0) 138 dB (attenuator at -10)
- Hum Pickup
- -3 dB equivalent SPL in a 1 mOe field (60 Hz)
- Self-Noise (equivalent sound pressure levels; measured with true rms voltmeter)
- 16 dB typical, A-weighted
- 19 dB typical, weighted per DIN 45 405
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio
- 78 dB (IEC 651)* at 94 dB SPL
- *S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and product's equivalent self noise (SPL A-weighted).
- Overvoltage and Reverse Polarity Protection
- Max. external voltage applied to pins 2 and 3 with respect to pin 1: +52 Vdc
- Reverse polarity protection: 200 mA max. (diode-clamped)
- Polarity
- Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3
- Cartridge Capacitance
- 54 pF
- Low Frequency Response Switch Positions
- Flat; -6 dB/octave below 100 Hz; -18 dB/octave below 80 Hz
- Attenuator Switch Positions (Lockable)
- 0 or -10 dB
- Power
- Supply Voltage: 11 to 52 Vdc, positive, pins 2 and 3
- Current Drain: 1.2 mA max.
- Environmental Conditions
- Temperature:
- Storage: -29 degrees to 74 degrees C (-20 degrees to 165 degrees F)
- Operating: -6.7 degrees to 49 degrees C (20 degrees to 120 degrees F)
- Humidity:
- Storage 0 to 95% relative humidity at room temperature (72 degrees to 80 degrees F, 22 degrees to 27 degrees C)
- Case
- Steel construction with vinyl metallic paint finish and stainless steel screens
- Dimensions
- See User Guide
- Weight
- Net: 230 grams (8 oz)
- Packaged: 740 grams (1 lb 10 oz)
| Name | Availability | |
|---|---|---|
|
A81WS Large Foam Microphone WindscreenReduces unwanted breath and wind noise. For use with the Shure end address microphones such as the Shure SM81, and SM57. Available in gray. |
Available Online |
|
R104 Cartridge for SM81Cartridge and Grille Assembly for SM81 Microphone |
Where To Buy |
|
A57F Microphone ClipSecurely mounts the Shure models KSM137, KSM141, SM63, SM63L, SM63LB, SM81, VP64A, VP64AL, MX412, MX418, MX412S, MX418S, MX412SE, and the MX418SE microphones to standard microphone stands. |
Available Online |
|
A81G Grille and WindscreenAllows the SM81 to be used as a handheld vocal microphone. By minimizing pickup of rushing and rumbling wind noise, the A81G also allows the SM81 to be used outdoors in windy conditions. |
Where To Buy |
| User Guides | Language | File Size |
|---|---|---|
| SM81 User Guide | English, French, German, Italian, Spanish | 1437 (kb) |
