The Shure Beta 181 is an ultra-compact, small-diaphragm side-address condenser microphone, designed for discrete placement and control in live and studio environments. Featuring interchangeable cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional and bidirectional capsule options for superior versatility, the small diaphragm design provides superior audio with consistent, textbook polar responses in a form factor small enough to get close to the source in the tightest conditions.
- Interchangeable polar pattern capsules attach to a compact preamplifier with integrated XLR connections for the ultimate in low-profile application flexibility (Each Beta 181 ships with one polar pattern capsule and one XLR preamplifier. Capsules available separately for custom flexibility.)
- Precision-engineered, compact side-address design features innovative locking ring to provide secure connection between capsule and preamplifier
- Frequency response tailored for wide dynamic range applications for use in high SPL environments
- Furnished with stand adapter, windscreen and carrying case (carrying case will securely protect up to four polar pattern capsules)
- Application recommendations:
- BETA 181/C (cardioid) for drum overhead, piano, acoustic instrument applications, M/S stereo technique (paired with Beta 181/BI)
- BETA 181/S (supercardioid) for snare drum, acoustic instrument, close-miking applications
- BETA 181/O (omnidirectional) for ambient/room, instrument ensemble applications
- BETA 181/BI (bidirectional) for mono drum overhead, dual instrument sound source applications, Blumlein stereo technique (pair of Beta 181/BI)
- Cartridge Type: Electret Condenser
- Polar Pattern:
- 181/C: Cardioid
- 181/S: Supercardioid
- 181/O: Omnidirectional
- 181/BI: Bidirectional
- Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000 Hz
- Output Impedance: 110 ohms
- Sensitivity open circuit voltage, @ 1 kHz,typical:
- Cardioid: -46.5 dBV/Pa [1] (2.4 mV)
- Supercardioid: -49.5 dBV/Pa [1] (2.5 mV)
- Omnidirectional: -52.0 dBV/Pa [1] (2.6 mV)
- Bidirectional: -51.0 dBV/Pa [1] (2.6 mV)
- Maximum SPL 1 kHz at 1% THD[2]:
- 2500 ohms load:
- Cardioid: 151.5 dB SPL
- Supercardioid: 154.5 dB SPL
- Omnidirectional: 157.0 dB SPL
- Bidirectional: 156.0 dB SPL
- 1000 ohms load:
- Cardioid: 149.0 dB SPL
- Supercardioid: 152.0 dB SPL
- Omnidirectional: 154.0 dB SPL
- Bidirectional: 153.5 dB SPL
- 2500 ohms load:
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
- Cardioid: 73.5 dB
- Supercardioid: 71.5 dB
- Omnidirectional: 70.5 dB
- Bidirectional: 71.0 dB
- Dynamic Range:
- 2500 ohms load:
- Cardioid: 131.0 dB
- Supercardioid: 132.0 dB
- Omnidirectional: 133.5 dB
- Bidirectional: 133.0 dB
- 1000 ohms load:
- Cardioid: 128.5 dB
- Supercardioid: 129.5 dB
- Omnidirectional: 130.5 dB
- Bidirectional: 130.5 dB
- 2500 ohms load:
- Clipping Level @ 1 kHz, 1% THD:
- 2500 ohms load: 10.5 dBV
- 1000 ohms load: 7.5 dBV
- Self Noise equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical:
- Cardioid: 20.5 dB SPL-A
- Supercardioid: 22.5 dB SPL-A
- Omnidirectional: 23.5 dB SPL-A
- Bidirectional: 23.0 dB SPL-A
- Common Mode Rejection 20 to 20,000 kHz: ≥55 dB
- Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
- Power Requirements: 11-52 V DC[4] phantom power (IEC-61938) 2.4 mA, maximum
- Net Weight: 145 g (5.1 oz.)
