Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$155.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$155.00
Amazon
4.4 (148)
$155.00
Reverb
$550.24 3 available New
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$155.00
B&H
5.0 (2)
$155.00

Average Price: $211

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

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Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Shure PGA 81". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Capture the true essence of your acoustic instruments with the Shure PGA 81, a small-diaphragm condenser microphone that strikes the perfect balance between affordability and performance. Designed with a cardioid polar pattern, this mic excels at isolating your sound source while minimizing ambient noise, making it an ideal choice for home studio enthusiasts and professional recording engineers alike. Whether you're miking up acoustic guitars, capturing the shimmer of drum overheads, or highlighting the subtleties of a percussion ensemble, the PGA 81 delivers an impressively flat frequency response that ensures every detail is heard clearly.

Built to last with Shure's legendary durability, this microphone is as versatile as it is reliable. Its sensitive nature offers exceptional detail, while the requirement for +48V phantom power ensures compatibility with most professional recording equipment. Discover the nuanced textures of your performances with a microphone that doesn't just listen, but truly understands.

Key Features:

  • Small-diaphragm condenser microphone
  • Ideal for acoustic instruments, drum overheads, and percussion
  • Cardioid polar pattern for focused sound capture
  • Wide-ranging frequency response for detailed audio
  • Requires +48V phantom power for operation

Product specs

Microphone Type Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Frequency Response 40Hz-18kHz
Max SPL 129.5 dB
Output Impedance 600 ohms
Connector XLR
Weight 0.41 lbs.

FAQs

What is the primary use of the Shure PGA81 microphone?

The Shure PGA81 is primarily used for capturing the sound of acoustic instruments in both live performances and studio settings, thanks to its flat-response design that ensures clear and accurate sound reproduction.

Does the Shure PGA81 require phantom power to operate?

Yes, the Shure PGA81 condenser microphone requires phantom power, ideally a 48 V DC supply, to function effectively. It can operate with lower voltages but performs best at 48 V.

What type of polar pattern does the Shure PGA81 have, and what does it mean for recording?

The Shure PGA81 features a cardioid polar pattern, which is designed to capture sound primarily from the front while minimizing background noise from the sides and rear, making it ideal for isolating the sound source.

Is the Shure PGA81 suitable for recording vocals?

While the Shure PGA81 is optimized for acoustic instruments, it can be used for vocal recording, though it is best suited for capturing detailed and nuanced sound from instruments.

How does the Shure PGA81 connect to audio equipment?

The Shure PGA81 connects to audio equipment using an XLR connector, which is standard for professional audio gear, ensuring a secure and reliable connection.

Shure en Español

Shure en Español

UNBOXING PGA 81

Video thumbnail for UNBOXING PGA 81 by Shure en Español

UNBOXING PGA 81

Shure en Español

Shure en Español

Video thumbnail for Test Goldwood Montagna Acoustic Guitar - Shure PGA81 - Fractal AXE FX3 by Marco Fanton

Test Goldwood Montagna Acoustic Guitar - Shure PGA81 - Fractal AXE FX3

Marco Fanton

Marco Fanton

Video thumbnail for Shure PGA81 Acoustic Guitar Demo by Nathan Medina

Shure PGA81 Acoustic Guitar Demo

Nathan Medina

Nathan Medina

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure PGA 81.

Comparisons

  • The PGA81 overheads are often compared to SM81s, with users noting the PGA81s can sound "dead" compared to the more favored SM81s for vibrant sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners prefer piecemeal purchase of used Audix mics over the Shure PGA kit due to perceived better sound quality and value.

    Source
  • Users report the Shure PG-81 has a narrow field of view, effectively reducing unwanted noise and capturing detailed sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Jazz, Soul, and Hip-Hop style recordings may not benefit as much from the PGA81's sound, as described by users seeking more lively overheads.

    Source
  • Owners utilize the Shure PG-81 primarily for drum overheads but also appreciate its versatility with a wide range of instruments.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users suggest considering Rode M5 matched pairs as a more affordable and satisfactory alternative to PGA81 overheads for drum recording setups.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Shure PG-81 can operate with either an AA battery or 48V phantom power, adding flexibility in various recording setups.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners praise the Shure PG-81 for its sturdy construction, suggesting it holds up well under frequent use.

    Source

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