Monitor Engineer
I was also especially impressed with the Beta 181. The small form factor coupled with the interchangeable capsules led us to some really interesting places with our snare mic'ing when trying t…
Side-address condenser microphone includes XLR preamplifier, microphone clip, windscreen, zippered case, and choice of condenser capsule. Capsule options include cardioid, supercardioid, bi-directional, and omni-directional polarities.
Main Features
Main Features
- Interchangeable polar pattern capsules attach to a compact preamplifier with integrated XLR connections
- 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
Description
Beta 181 Applications
This Beta 181 is a multipurpose instrument microphone and can be used on a wide variety of applications including guitars, bass and drums (overheads and snares). A total of four different capsules (Cardioid, Supercardioid, Bi-directional, Omni-directional) are available, allowing you to interchange them according to application.
Interchangable Capsule Options
The RPM181/C is a cardioid condenser capsule for the Beta 181. The RPM181/S is a super cardioid condenser capsule for the Beta 181. The RPM181/BI is a bi-directional condenser capsule for the Beta 181. The RPM181/O is a omni directional condenser capsule for the Beta 181.
Applications for the different capsules
The cardioid capsule is best suited to overheads, piano and acoustic instruments. You can also use the cardioid capsule for M/S stereo micing (in conjunction with another microphone with a bi-directional capsule). The supercardioid capsule is best suited to snare, toms, acoustic instruments and other forms of close distance micing. The omni-directional capsule could be used for choirs, orchestras and ambient recording applications. Lastly, the Bi-directional capsule can be used for mono overheads, or for the recording of two instruments simultaneously on one channel.
In the Box
The Beta 181 can be purchased with any one of the four mic capsules available. You'll then need to buy any additional capsules you want seperately.
Furnished Accessories
Furnished Accessories
| Amount | Part Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mic Clip Part A57F |
| 1 | Zippered Carrying Case Part A181C |
| 1 | Windscreen Part A181WS |
Available Variants
Available Variants
- 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)
- BETA 181/KIT comes with four (4) different capsules, one (1) each of Cardiod, Supercardioid, Omnidirectional and Bidirectional
Specs
Specs
Technical specifications
Weight:
145
g
Height x Width x Depth:
124.0 × 34.5 × 20.3
mm
Frequency Response:
20 Hz – 20 kHz
Frequency Response:
Tailored
Sensitivity:
Cardioid: –46.50, Supercardioid: –49.50, Omnidirectional: –52.00, Bidirectional: –51.00 dBV/Pa – Cardioid: 4.70, Supercardioid: 3.40, Omnidirectional: 2.50, Bidirectional: 2.80 mV/Pa
Equivalent Selfnoise:
Cardioid: 20 dB(A), Supercardioid: 22 dB(A), Omnidirectional: 23 dB(A), Bidirectional: 23 dB(A)
Sound Pressure:
Cardioid: 151.5 dB, Supercardioid: 154.5 dB, Omnidirectional: 157 dB, Bidirectional: 156 dB
Transducer Type:
Condenser
Polar Pattern:
Bidirectional, Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Supercardioid
Switchable low cut:
No
Connectors:
3 Pin XLR
Attenuator:
No
Interchangeable Capsule:
Yes
Main Functionality:
Performance
Headphone Output:
No
Requires Phantom Power:
11 to 52
VDC
Cartridge:
Interchangeable
Downloads
Downloads
Brochures
User Guides
Declaration of Conformity
What others are saying
What others are saying
Monitor Engineer
I was also especially impressed with the Beta 181. The small form factor coupled with the interchangeable capsules led us to some really interesting places with our snare mic'ing when trying t…
Sound Engineer
I`ve been extremely impressed with the 181`s. They`re the most natural sounding condensers I`ve heard for drum kit overheads, they really bring air and life into my mix! Furthermore the compac…
Awards
Shure are pleased to have won a coveted TEC Award for excellence in audio during Namm 2012 for the Beta 181 microphone
Press
In many applications where a large diaphram side-address condenser might be a desirable, but impractical choice for live music, the Beta 181 offers a fresh solution. A full, rich, well-defined…
Press
Bright, accurate. Great rejection. Great as a discrete overhead. Nice ''sticky'' hi hat sound. Lovely on a flat ride
Press
Whether live or in the studio, the Beta 181 would serve you as a very multi-purpose condenser microphone thanks to its modular design. As such, it is a very interesting addition to Shure’s ven…