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.
The Beta 181/KIT is complete with all four of the polar pattern capsules that fit the BETA 181: cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional and bidirectional. Change the capsule and change applications - it's that easy.
Recommended Applications
- Beta 181/C Cardioid Capsule: drum overhead, piano, acoustic instruments
- Beta 181/S Supercardioid Capsule: snare drum, acoustic instruments, close-miking
- Beta 181/O Omnidirectional Capsule: ambient/room, instrument ensembles
- Beta 181/B Bidirectional Capsule: mono drum overhead, dual instrument sound source
Shure Beta 181/KIT Features
- Premier live performance microphone with Shure quality, ruggedness, and reliability
- Compact preamp attaches to four interchangeable capsules
- Wide dynamic range for use in high SPL environments
- Side-address form allows for discreet positioning in tight performance and recording settings
- Innovative locking ring provides a secure connection between capsule and preamp
- Hardened steel mesh grille resists denting, wear, and abuse
- Compact design for ultimate low-profile application flexibility
- Beta 181 condenser microphone1
- Cardioid capsule1
- Supercardioid capsule1
- Omnidirectional capsule1
- Bidirectional capsule1
- Windscreen1
- Stand adapter1
- Carrying case1
- Transducer TypeCondenser
- Polar PatternsBidirectional (Beta 181/BI), Cardioid (Beta 181/C), Omnidirectional (Beta 181/O), Supercardioid (Beta 181/S)
- Frequency Response20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Output Impedance110 ohms
- Max. SPL (1kHz at 1% THD, 1kohms load)
- Beta 181/C: 149dB SPL
- Beta 181/S: 152dB SPL
- Beta 181/O: 154dB SPL
- Beta 181/B: 153.5dB SPL
- Signal to Noise Ratio
- Beta 181/C: 73.5dB
- Beta 181/S: 72.5dB
- Beta 181/O: 70.5dB
- Beta 181/B: 71dB
- Dynamic Range (at 1kHz, 1kΩ load)
- Beta 181/C: 128.5dB
- Beta 181/S: 129.5dB
- Beta 181/O: 130.5dB
- Beta 181/B: 130.5dB
- Self-Noise (equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical)
- Beta 181/C: 20.5dB
- Beta 181/S: 22.5dB
- Beta 181/O: 23.5dB
- Beta 181/B: 23dB
- Clipping Level (1kHz at 0.25% THD, 1kΩ load)7.5dBV (2.4V)
- Power Requirements11-52 VDC phantom power (IEC-61938), 1.2mA
- Weight5.1 oz
More about Shure Beta Microphones
The Shure Beta Microphone Series were made as an improvement to the SM Series, offering better performance and are the next step up in price for Shure product. In general, Shure Beta mics offer tighter pick-up patterns and allow for higher gain before feedback. These mics have upgraded pop filters and advanced shock mount systems compared to the SM mic line. Recognized for their superior construction, low handling noise, and high SPL levels, Beta Microphones redefine sensitivity and control for essential, expert sound reinforcement. Check out others in the Shure Beta series here.
