Shure SM81 Condenser Mic Reviews

[brandondrury]

Compare the best prices from all over the web on Shure SM81 Condenser Mic
Shure SM81 Condenser Mic Description
The Shure SM81 Condenser Mic is a unidirectional cardioid mic with studio, broadcast, and sound reinforcement versatility. Its wide frequency response, low noise, low RF susceptibility, and rugged construction allow it to excel in all applications. Furnished with swivel adapter, 10dB attenuator with locking switch, a 3-position low-cut filter, foam windscreen, and a case for carrying and storage. 20Hz-20kHz response. Requires phantom power.

[drago]

Before you go spending a ton of money on Neumanns for overheads, I suggest checking out a pair of the SM81's. I prefer these over any other mics I've heard for overheads.

[Dubberario]

Gooday,

I recently bought one (SM81) and must say, the juice is worth the squeze.
A sonic characteristic that is open and bright but not harsh.
I'm planning on getting another one for my perfect overhead sound.

[Dnich79]

i recorded a grand piano with these and it sounded amazing. one of them started buzzing before i was able to use them for OVH, though i think they would sound good.

[paul999]

Quality: 7
This mic is built ruggedly. I use it on acoustic guitars, mandolin, piano, and of course hi hats all the time. This is a piece of high end gear at a lower end price. The lo-mid range is a attenuated out a bit but this isn't a bad thing because I am finding that I don't need to eq very much. One of the sweetest surprise's I had with this mic is as a distant room mic. Sometimes it works better than a 414

Reliability: 10
I've had the mic 6 months and it feels solid to me.

Overall Rating: 7
I think this is one of the most over looked mics under $500. Probably because it isn't known as a good vocal performer and I've never tried it for that. Plosives are supposed to be an issue for it. Has anyone out there tried it on vox? For me this mic gets used in combination with, and often chosen over a tlm103, wunderc7, AT4050, and 414's of various ages. Great instrument/overhead/room mic!