Shure PGA181

5.0 (1)

$119.00

4.7 (222)

Used

5.0 (1)

$102.38 9 available New

$119.00 1 available Used

5.0 (8)

$119.00

$119.00

5.0 (2)

$119.00

Average Price: $117

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

Price Tier

In the Condenser Microphones category, Shure PGA181 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Shure PGA181". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

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Meet the Shure PGA181, the versatile side-address condenser microphone that promises to be your studio's new best friend. Designed with a cardioid polar pattern, this mic excels at capturing audio from the source while minimizing unwanted noise, making it ideal for both home studios and professional settings. Whether you're recording vocals, acoustic instruments, amplifiers, or percussion, the PGA181's tailored microphone cartridge ensures a smooth and natural sound reproduction across a wide frequency range.

Its robust construction and sleek black metallic finish give the PGA181 not just an unobtrusive visual presence, but also the legendary Shure durability that withstands the rigors of any recording environment. The microphone's compact form factor allows for easy placement, making it incredibly adaptable for various recording needs.

Equipped with a stand adapter, this mic is easy to mount and ready to go whenever inspiration strikes. And for those on the move, the included zipper pouch provides added protection, allowing you to transport the mic safely wherever your music takes you.

Key Features:

Side-address condenser microphone suitable for various applications
Cardioid polar pattern for focused sound capture
Smooth frequency response tailored for versatile sound reproduction
Durable construction with a sleek black metallic finish
Includes stand adapter and zipper pouch for easy setup and transport
Requires +48V phantom power for operation

Product specs

Brand	Shure
Model	PGA181-LC
Finish	Black
Year	2015 - 2025
Made In	China
Categories	Microphones
Electronics	Analog, Solid State
Microphone Type	Small-Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern	Cardioid
Wired/Wireless	Wired

FAQs

What is the primary use of the Shure PGA181 microphone?: The Shure PGA181 is designed for both instrumental and vocal recording, offering a versatile solution for studio and live applications with its side-address design and cardioid polar pattern.
Does the Shure PGA181 require phantom power?: Yes, the Shure PGA181 requires phantom power to operate, which is common for condenser microphones to function properly.
What type of polar pattern does the Shure PGA181 have?: The Shure PGA181 features a cardioid polar pattern, which effectively minimizes background noise and focuses on sound sources directly in front of the microphone.
Is the Shure PGA181 suitable for recording vocals?: Yes, the Shure PGA181 is suitable for recording vocals, providing clear and natural sound reproduction due to its small-diaphragm condenser design.
What connectivity options does the Shure PGA181 offer?: The Shure PGA181 uses a 3-pin XLR connector, making it compatible with most professional audio interfaces and mixing consoles.

Videos

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Rock 'n' Roll Store Strumenti Musicali

SHURE PGA 181 Microfono a Condensatore - Video Test

Rock 'n' Roll Store Strumenti Musicali

Shure PGA181 Review and Test - Good For Recording Vocals?

Tim Moxey

DRUM OVERHEAD MIC COMPARISON (BEHRINGER C-2 / SHURE PGA181 / LEWITT LCT040 / SAMSON C-02)

Enrique / Kike Paglia

Unboxing: Shure PGA181 Side-Address Cardioid Condenser Microphone. PG Alta Series!

Frost Tech

Focusrite Scarlett Solo Interface with Shure PGA181 Condenser | Gear4music

Gear4music Guitars

Reviews

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PROS

High quality, durable design suitable for home studios
Excellent for recording both vocals and instruments
Ideal for isolating sounds, such as a grand piano in a mix
Offers flat response and plenty of gain for clarity
Side addressed design convenient for positioning
Small size enhances portability and setup options
Renowned for capturing nuanced vocal and instrument sounds
Provides great value with a favorable price-to-performance ratio
Compatible with Mirizio Microphone Mount for additional isolation
Resilient construction, described as built like tanks

CONS

Larger body size than expected for some users
Requires 48v phantom power, limiting use without proper equipment

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure PGA181.

Comparisons

0 0

The Shure PGA181, unlike the SM57, is a condenser mic, making it more suitable for capturing detailed vocal nuances and room acoustics.
Source
0 0

While the SM57 is often used for live performances and instrument miking, the PGA181's condenser design offers a different tonal quality better suited for studio vocals.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The PGA181 is ideal for home recording, especially for users experimenting with vocal recordings and creating impulse responses (IRs).
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The PGA181 offers a wide frequency response, allowing for clear and detailed sound capture, which is beneficial for vocal recordings in a home studio setting.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners have noted that the PGA181 provides a smooth and balanced sound profile, which enhances vocal recordings without the need for extensive post-processing.
Source

Critic Reviews

SHURE - PGA181 SIDE ADDRESS CONDESER MIC - Mixdown Magazine

mixdownmag.com.au

The Shure PGA181 is a sleek, no-frills condenser mic that delivers surprising depth and versatility, especially for instruments. Its large diaphragm captures a fuller sound than similar mics, making it ideal for acoustic guitars with rich, low-end detail. While it may lack the bells and whistles of pricier models, its simplicity and functionality make it a solid choice for musicians seeking quality and ease of use.

positive

Full Review

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Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Rock

Folk, World, & Country

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