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Average Price: $417
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$100
$401+
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Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Shure SM81 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Dive into the world of nuanced, crystal-clear acoustic recordings with the Shure SM81 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone. Esteemed by studio engineers and live performers alike, this microphone stands as a testament to Shure's commitment to quality and reliability. Whether you're capturing the delicate overtones of a grand piano, the intricate plucking of an acoustic guitar, or the vibrant resonance of cymbals, the SM81 delivers with precision. Its cardioid pickup pattern excels in isolating your instrument in mixed environments, ensuring that what you play is exactly what gets heard—free from unwanted background noise.
The SM81 isn't just about capturing sound; it's about truthfully reproducing the soul of your music. Its wide frequency response and low self-noise mean that what goes in is what comes out, without coloration or distortion. Whether used on stage or in the studio, its performance is consistently reliable and impressively accurate. The microphone's rugged build and ability to operate across diverse temperature and humidity conditions make it a trustworthy companion for touring musicians. Additionally, its versatility is further enhanced with a switchable low-frequency response and a -10dB pad for handling high sound pressure levels. The Shure SM81 doesn’t just record sound; it captures the moment.
Key Features:
- Uniform cardioid pickup pattern for maximum gain before feedback
- Wide frequency response (20Hz to 20kHz) for detailed, natural sound reproduction
- Low RF susceptibility to minimize interference
- Switchable low-frequency response and -10dB pad for versatile use
- Rugged steel construction for durability
- Operates in a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions
Product specs
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 136dB (146dB w/Pad) |
| Output Impedance | 150 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 78dB |
| Self Noise | 16dB (A weighted) |
| Low Cut Filter | 80Hz (-18dB/octave), 100Hz (-6dB/octave) |
| Pads | -10dB |
| Connector | XLR |
| Power Source | 12-52V phantom power |
| Dimensions | 8.35" x 0.93" |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Mic Clip, Carrying Pouch, Foam Windscreen, Stand Adapter |
FAQs
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What is the Shure SM81 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone best used for?
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The Shure SM81 is ideal for studio recording, broadcasting, and sound reinforcement, particularly excelling in capturing acoustic instruments like guitar, piano, and cymbals due to its flat frequency response and cardioid pattern.
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Does the Shure SM81 require phantom power?
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Yes, the Shure SM81 requires 12-52V phantom power to operate, as is common with condenser microphones.
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How does the Shure SM81 handle high sound pressure levels?
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The Shure SM81 can handle a maximum SPL of 136dB, or 146dB with the -10dB pad engaged, making it suitable for loud sound sources without distortion.
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What is the polar pattern of the Shure SM81, and why is it important?
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The Shure SM81 features a cardioid polar pattern, which is effective at isolating the sound source and reducing background noise, making it ideal for focused recordings.
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What accessories are included with the Shure SM81 microphone?
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The Shure SM81 comes with a mic clip, carrying pouch, foam windscreen, and stand adapter, providing everything needed for secure setup and protection.
Videos
Podcastage
Shure SM81 Mic Review / Test (vs. KM184, MK012, M5, sE8, U87 Ai)
Shure SM81 Mic Review / Test (vs. KM184, MK012, M5, sE8, U87 Ai)
Podcastage
Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Comparison - Shure SM81, Oktava MK-012 & Earthworks OM1
James Meder
![Video thumbnail for Shure SM81 For Acoustic Guitar [Best Acoustic Guitar Mic Under $500?] by Audio University](https://img.youtube.com/vi/R74kEIWNBHc/mqdefault.jpg)
Shure SM81 For Acoustic Guitar [Best Acoustic Guitar Mic Under $500?]
Audio University
Shure SM81 vs PG81 Drum Overhead Microphone comparison. Small Diaphragm Condenser + SM57 & Beta 52A
SIC MIC
Shure SM 81 Condenser Microphone Overview - Sweetwater Sound
Sweetwater
![Video thumbnail for Best Small Diaphragm Condenser Mics: Ultimate Shootout [Updated Audio] by SonicScoop](https://img.youtube.com/vi/YRuC3s7VzVI/mqdefault.jpg)
Best Small Diaphragm Condenser Mics: Ultimate Shootout [Updated Audio]
SonicScoop
The SHURE SM81 Microphone at Guitar Center
Guitar Center
✅ How To Use Shure SM81 Microphone Review
The Stuff I Use Channel
Shure SM81 vs Audix f15 vs Fostex MC10 Drum Overhead Microphone comparison Small Diaphragm Condenser
SIC MIC
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent for drum miking, delivering clear sound without being overly sensitive
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High-pass filters perfectly voiced for versatile recording scenarios
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Durable and reliable, with many lasting over 20 years
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Provides true and transparent acoustic sound, ideal for a variety of instruments
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Flat frequency response allows for versatile EQ adjustments
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Unidirectional nature helps reject unwanted side and back sounds
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Comes with a useful case, windscreen, and mic clip
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Superior build quality compared to competitors
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Suitable for both studio and live settings
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Lacks harshness, offering a reasonably flat response for a pleasing sound
CONS
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Low sensitivity requires more gain than some condenser mics
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Pad switch is not incremental and can be tricky to use
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Locking ring for attenuation ring often missing, can lead to adjustments
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High-pass switch can be difficult to move
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Long body design not optimal for positioning as a spot mic on drum kits
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure SM81 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone.
Features and functionality
User experience
Comparisons
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The SM81 is considered an affordable workhorse in the small diaphragm condenser category, akin to the SM57 in its versatile, reliable performance.
Source -
The SM81 is often compared to the Neumann KM184 and AKG C451 as a budget-friendly alternative, while high-end preferences lean towards the DPA 4011 for acoustic guitar recording.
Source
Use cases and applications
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It's noted that the SM81 excels in various recording scenarios, providing a true representation of the source without coloration.
Source -
The SM81 is recommended for recording acoustic guitars, particularly when aiming for a clear, accurate capture of sound, suitable for band mixes where low-end isn't a priority.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
41029
Arguably Shure's best microphone.
The sm81 is a superb small diaphragm electret condenser. It has a really natural response and beautiful transient capture. Being an electret there is no frequency rise caused by the polarization voltage and being an LDC the pickup pattern is uniform across the frequency spectrum.
On hihat and other cymbals it seems to pick up all of the attack and tone and none of the clang. It's a great spot mic and not too shabby on drum overheads. I also like to use it on snare drum if possible. It can sound good on guitars of all sorts and even some vocals. It's not a km84 or c451 and it's not trying to be. It has a 70s America sound that is instantly recognizable on a hat or large bodied acoustic guitar.
The only flaw with this mic is physical. With such a long body it should be a side address for drum kit use. The body is really hard to position well to reject other drums when used as a spot mic, particularly for hihat. If they made a side address variant I would buy one.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Pointed right at a hihat either right at the spot where the hats are open, slightly over top at a about a 45 degree angle downwards facing the drummer or beneath the hat angled to reject the snare with the null pointed between the snare and kick. These basic positions give you different balances of stick, sizzle and body. That's if you even need a hihat spot mic.
XY pair pointed at the 14th fret of an acoustic guitar or alone in mono pointed straight at the 12th fret.
Pointed directly at the bell of a ride cymbal very close from above.
Pointed at a snare however you would point a dynamic, pad engaged.
Set up on a vocalist like a stage microphone. This is an excellent way of getting a distinctive vocal double when you recorded the main vocal with a large diaphragm condenser or dynamic. If you can get 2 passes of 81 you can smash the heck out of the center vocal and then just gently control the dynamics of the sm81 tracks and pan them out for a little excitement on the sides. You can even high pass them pretty hard to just add motion in the intelligibility and detail ranges. The 81 is really good at this and works very well against a main track recorded with an re20 or sm7b. As a main track the 81 is worth a shot but there are better suited SDCs and MDCs... there are some sony mics that come to mind.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this mini documentary, you can see it's distinct capsule at around 10:47 of the video. Some people mistook it for the AKG C451 but you can clearly see that it's definitely the SM81.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Shure SM81 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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