Shure Beta 181 Small Diaphragm Side-Address Condenser Microphone

The BETA 181 from Shure is an ultra-compact, small-diaphragm side-address condenser microphone perfect for miking tight places live on stage or in the studio.

The precision-engineered BETA 181 from Shure is a live-performance microphone known for its durability and reliability and characterized by interchangeable polar pattern options that help you personalize the way you capture your sound. This condenser mic’s compact 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 compact preamp securely attaches to four interchangeable polar pattern capsules including cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional and bidirectional, for maximum versatility from drums to string ensembles. (Each Beta 181 ships with one polar pattern capsule and one XLR preamplifier. More capsules are available separately for custom flexibility.) Select the perfect capsule to meet your needs, whether you’re miking drums, capturing ambient room audio, or performing live on-stage.

The Beta 181 condenser microphone’s wide dynamic range expertly handles high sound pressure level environments like snare and tambourine. Its hardened steel-mesh grille resists denting, wear, and abuse. A locking ring provides a secure connection between the capsule and the preamp. The Beta 181 also comes with a stand adapter, a windscreen, and a carrying case that can fit up to four polar pattern capsules.

Available Models

• Beta 181/BI
  • Bidirectional polar pattern
  • Ideal for mono drum overhead and dual sound sources (such as between tom-toms or acoustic instruments)
• Beta 181/C
  • Cardioid polar pattern
  • Ideal for drum overheads, piano and acoustic instruments
• Beta 181/O
  • Omnidirectional polar pattern
  • Ideal for mono drum overhead and string ensembles
• Beta 181/S
  • Supercardioid polar pattern
  • Ideal for snare drum and acoustic instruments