Description
The Shure BETA 181 is an ultra-compact, small-diaphragm side-address condenser microphone, designed for discreet 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.
Features
- 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.)
- Premier live performance microphone with Shure quality, ruggedness, and reliability
- Compact preamp attaches to four interchangeable capsules
- Wide Frequency response tailored for wide dynamic range applications for use in high SPL environments
- Side-address form allows for discreet positioning in tight performance and recording settings
- Innnovative locking ring provides a secure connection between capsule and preamp
- Hardened steel mesh grille resists denting, wear, and abuse
- Compact design, under 12 cm (5 in.), reduces stage clutter
- Furnished with stand adapter and carrying case
Applications
- 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)
Available Options
BETA 181/C
Ultra-Compact Side-Address Condenser Instrument Microphone with Cardioid Polar Pattern Capsule.
BETA 181/S
Ultra-Compact Side-Address Condenser Instrument Microphone with Supercardioid Polar Pattern Capsule.
BETA 181/O
Ultra-Compact Side-Address Condenser Instrument Microphone with Omnidirectional Polar Pattern Capsule.
BETA 181/BI
Ultra-Compact Side-Address Condenser Instrument Microphone with Bidirectional Polar Pattern Capsule.
Beta 181/Kit
Ultra-Compact Side-Address Instrument Microphone Kit comes with one (1) each Cardioid, Supercardioid, Omnidirectional and Bidirectional Polar Pattern Capsules.
Furnished Accessories
- Mic Clip A57F
- Zippered Carrying Case A181C
- Windscreen A181WS
Specifications
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 Ω
Sensitivity open circuit voltage, @ 1 kHz, typical
Cardioid: –46.5 dBV/Pa (2.4 mV)
Supercardioid: –49.5 dBV/Pa (2.5 mV)
Omnidirectional: –52.0 dBV/Pa (2.6 mV)
Bidirectional: –51.0 dBV/Pa (2.6 mV)
Maximum SPL 1 kHz at 1% THD
2500 Ω load
Cardioid: 151.5 dB SPL
Supercardioid: 154.5 dB SPL
Omnidirectional: 157.0 dB SPL
Bidirectional: 156.0 dB SPL
1000 Ω load
Cardioid: 149.0 dB SPL
Supercardioid: 152.0 dB SPL
Omnidirectional: 154.0 dB SPL
Bidirectional: 153.5 dB SPL
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Cardioid: 73.5 dB
Supercardioid: 71.5 dB
Omnidirectional: 70.5 dB
Bidirectional: 71.0 dB
Dynamic Range
2500 Ω load
Cardioid: 131.0 dB
Supercardioid: 132.0 dB
Omnidirectional: 133.5 dB
Bidirectional: 133.0 dB
1000 Ω load
Cardioid: 128.5 dB
Supercardioid: 129.5 dB
Omnidirectional: 130.5 dB
Bidirectional: 130.5 dB
Clipping Level @ 1 kHz, 1% THD
2500 Ω load: 10.5 dBV
1000 Ω 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 phantom power (IEC-61938) 2.4 mA, maximum
Net Weight 145 g (5.1 oz.)
