Shure PGA81-XLR

$125.00 to $162.00 Price Tier: Standard

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated June 30, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (5)

$155.00

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5.0 (2)

$162.00

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4.4 (150)

$155.00

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5.0 (1)

$125.00 19 available New

$65.41 6 available Used

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5.0 (1)

$155.00

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$155.00

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5.0 (2)

$155.00

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Average Price: $141

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

Price Tier

In the Condenser Microphones category, Shure PGA81-XLR 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 4 merchants for "Shure PGA81-XLR". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Shure PGA81-XLR offers a blend of sophistication and performance, making it a go-to choice for musicians and sound engineers who demand precision. With its cardioid condenser capsule, this microphone captures the essence of acoustic instruments, producing a natural and detailed sound that stands out in both live and studio settings. Its flat-response design ensures that the true character of instruments such as acoustic guitars, pianos, and percussion is captured with clarity. The robust construction and sleek black metallic finish not only render it visually unobtrusive but also ensure it can withstand the rigors of regular use.

Ideal for a variety of applications, the PGA81-XLR excels in environments where sensitivity and detail are paramount. Whether you're recording a delicate acoustic session or capturing the dynamic range of a drum kit, this microphone's ability to minimize room noise through its cardioid polar pattern is invaluable. Complete with a swivel adapter and protective carrying pouch, the PGA81-XLR is as versatile as it is reliable—ready to elevate your recordings to professional standards.

Key Features:

Cardioid condenser microphone ideal for acoustic instruments and percussion
Flat-response design for accurate sound reproduction
Robust construction with a sleek black metallic finish
Includes swivel adapter for easy mounting
Comes with a zippered carrying pouch for protection
Requires +48V phantom power for operation
Legendary Shure quality for consistent performance in various environments

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 instruments are best suited for the Shure PGA81-XLR microphone?: The Shure PGA81-XLR is ideal for capturing acoustic instruments, such as guitars and pianos, as well as percussion, providing clear and natural sound reproduction.
Does the Shure PGA81-XLR require phantom power?: Yes, the Shure PGA81-XLR is a condenser microphone and requires phantom power to operate.
What is the polar pattern of the Shure PGA81-XLR?: The Shure PGA81-XLR features a cardioid polar pattern, which helps isolate the desired sound source while reducing background noise.
Is the Shure PGA81-XLR suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Shure PGA81-XLR is designed for both live performances and studio recording, providing reliable sound capture for acoustic instruments and percussion.
What is included with the Shure PGA81-XLR microphone?: The Shure PGA81-XLR comes with a microphone clip, a zipper pouch, an XLR to XLR mic cable, and a user guide for easy setup and transport.

Reviews

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PROS

Excellent for recording acoustic guitars with clear, natural sound
Improves cymbal sound for drum kits significantly
Delivers full range sound for electric guitar cabinets
Crisp, bright highs and tight lows without brittleness
Versatile for guitars, drums, room, and overheads
Robust build quality, described as "built like little tanks"
Effective cardioid pattern reduces ambient noise and interference
Balanced XLR cables minimize RF noise, reducing post-production work
Highly durable, used consistently over two years without issues
Suitable for professional-quality orchestral recordings

CONS

Requires phantom power, which may necessitate additional equipment
Lacks built-in low-cut filter, requiring careful handling or additional setup

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure PGA81-XLR.

Comparisons

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PG81's rapid transient response may require careful placement and attention to room noise, unlike the more forgiving SM58.
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Use cases and applications

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PG81, primarily an instrument mic, can surprise with vocal recordings if its frequency response suits the voice.
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The Shure PGA81 can be used effectively in outdoor settings by pointing away from PA systems to minimize bleed from the presenter's voice.
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Features and functionality

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PG81's small diaphragm condenser design is notable for capturing detailed sound but demands more precise handling and setup.
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The PGA81 requires phantom power, which is available on the Tascam Portacapture X8, making it suitable for use with this setup.
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Setup and maintenance

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In outdoor environments, setting the gain higher on the PGA81 and using windscreens can help capture clearer audio from the intended sources.
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User experience

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Owners have found that using the PGA81 with multiple XLR inputs on a Tascam device allows capturing multiple sources for better audio isolation.
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