My shopping cart
Your cart is currently empty.
Continue ShoppingDon't miss out on exclusive offers, updates, and insider deals. Join our newsletter and unlock a 15% discount off your first purchase.
Shure SM81 Microphone
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.
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. |
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 screens |
Weight Net | 230 grams (8 oz) |
Sign up for our mailing list to receive new product alerts, special offers, and coupon codes.
© 2023 avBYFP | Powered by Shopify