Shure Beta 181 Condenser Microphone with interchangeable capsules
Professional, chart-ready small-diaphragm condenser optimized for instruments and drum overheads. The Beta 181/C is an ultra-compact, side-address microphone with durable all‑metal construction and a low‑profile design suited to tight drum kits, acoustic instruments, piano, and ensemble miking. It includes three interchangeable capsules—cardioid, supercardioid, bidirectional—and an omnidirectional option, letting you tailor polar pattern and off‑axis response for the source. The small diaphragm delivers consistent, accurate polar responses and high-quality audio while allowing discreet placement close to the sound.
Key features
Interchangeable capsules (cardioid, supercardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional) for maximum versatility
Condenser capsule with wide frequency response and high SPL handling for clear, accurate transient reproduction
Low-noise, transformerless output for transparent sound and reliable live/studio performance
Compact profile and lightweight build for discreet placement over kits, cymbals, and instruments
Rugged metal housing and secure capsule locking mechanism for consistent positioning and durability
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
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)
Specifications:
Type: Condenser
Polar patterns: Cardioid, Supercardioid, Omnidirectional (interchangeable capsules)
Frequency response: Wide, instrument-optimized
Maximum SPL: High SPL handling suitable for drums and loud sources
Connector: XLR
Power: Requires phantom power
Includes:
Why choose the Beta 181/C Flexible capsule options, accurate transient response, and a compact, durable design make the Beta 181/C a versatile choice for live stages and recording studios that need reliable, professional-quality capture of instruments and drum kits.
Model #s:
BETA181/C
BETA181/O
BETA181/S
BETA181/BI
BETA181/KIT
**Prof Erny’s and select vendors have partnered with select vendors to offer products that ship directly from the manufacturer or distributor centers directly to your door. This approach streamlines delivery, reduces extra handling by third‑party shippers, and provides customers with access to a broader selection of quality items that aren’t typically available locally. This particular item ships from warehouses in Berlin, Connecticut or Menifee, California**
Shure Beta 181 Condenser Microphone with interchangeable capsules
Professional, chart-ready small-diaphragm condenser optimized for instruments and drum overheads. The Beta 181/C is an ultra-compact, side-address microphone with durable all‑metal construction and a low‑profile design suited to tight drum kits, acoustic instruments, piano, and ensemble miking. It includes three interchangeable capsules—cardioid, supercardioid, bidirectional—and an omnidirectional option, letting you tailor polar pattern and off‑axis response for the source. The small diaphragm delivers consistent, accurate polar responses and high-quality audio while allowing discreet placement close to the sound.
Key features
Interchangeable capsules (cardioid, supercardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional) for maximum versatility
Condenser capsule with wide frequency response and high SPL handling for clear, accurate transient reproduction
Low-noise, transformerless output for transparent sound and reliable live/studio performance
Compact profile and lightweight build for discreet placement over kits, cymbals, and instruments
Rugged metal housing and secure capsule locking mechanism for consistent positioning and durability
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
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)
Specifications:
Type: Condenser
Polar patterns: Cardioid, Supercardioid, Omnidirectional (interchangeable capsules)
Frequency response: Wide, instrument-optimized
Maximum SPL: High SPL handling suitable for drums and loud sources
Connector: XLR
Power: Requires phantom power
Includes:
Why choose the Beta 181/C Flexible capsule options, accurate transient response, and a compact, durable design make the Beta 181/C a versatile choice for live stages and recording studios that need reliable, professional-quality capture of instruments and drum kits.
Model #s:
BETA181/C
BETA181/O
BETA181/S
BETA181/BI
BETA181/KIT
**Prof Erny’s and select vendors have partnered with select vendors to offer products that ship directly from the manufacturer or distributor centers directly to your door. This approach streamlines delivery, reduces extra handling by third‑party shippers, and provides customers with access to a broader selection of quality items that aren’t typically available locally. This particular item ships from warehouses in Berlin, Connecticut or Menifee, California**
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