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Shure SM81 Condenser Microphone

Shure SM81 Condenser Microphone

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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.
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  • Features
  • Tech Specs
  • Reviews

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.

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.

More Information
Product Name Shure SM81 Condenser Microphone
Brand Shure
Condition New
MPN SM81-LC
UPC 042406051194
Shipping Option Free Shipping to the Continental U.S.
  • 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
  • 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.


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 screen


Weight

  • Net: 230 grams (8 oz)
  • Packaged: 740 grams (1 lb 10 oz)

Shure SM81 Condenser Microphone

Details

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.

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.

More Information
Product Name Shure SM81 Condenser Microphone
Brand Shure
Condition New
MPN SM81-LC
UPC 042406051194
Shipping Option Free Shipping to the Continental U.S.
Features
  • 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
Tech Specs
  • Type: Condenser (electret bias)
  • Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000 Hz
  • 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.


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 screen


Weight

  • Net: 230 grams (8 oz)
  • Packaged: 740 grams (1 lb 10 oz)
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