SM81 Instrument Microphone The Shure SM81 is a high-quality, unidirectional condenser microphone designed for studio recording, broadcasting, and sound reinforcement. Its wide frequency response, low noise characteristics, and low RF susceptibility have made it a standard for applications involving acoustic instruments, especially guitar, piano, and cymbals. SM81-LC with windscreen, without cable. Phantom power required. One of the world's greatest studio condenser mics, the SM81 is a flat response mic with a selectable, low-frequency response switch -- flat, 6dB/octave roll-off or 18dB/octave roll-off -- and a 10dB attenuator. Cardioid, Condenser. The SM81 is ruggedly constructed. It operates on phantom power and performs over a wide range of temperatures and humidity conditions. It is furnished with a swivel adapter, attenuator-switch lock, foam windscreen, and case for carrying and storage. Other accessories are available. 0 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response Flat response curve for accurate reproduction of sound sources Low noise and high output clipping level Low distortion over a wide range of load impedances Cardioid polar pattern, uniform with frequency and symmetric about axis, providing maximum rejection and minimum coloration of off-axis sounds Low RF susceptibility Selectable low-frequency response: flat, 6 or 18 dB/octave rolloff 0 dB/10 dB lockable attenuator switch Phantom powering (DIN 45 596 voltages of 12 to 48 Vdc) Rugged steel construction for durability Field-usable over wide range of temperature and humidity conditions Type Condenser (electret bias) Frequency Response 20 to 20,000 Hz view larger Polar Pattern Cardioid (unidirectional) response-uniform with frequency, symmetrical about axis Output Impedance Rated at 150 ohms (85 ohms actual) Recommended minimum load impedance: 800 ohms (May be used with loads as low as 150 ohms with reduced clipping level) Output Configuration and Connector Balanced, transformer-coupled output; male XLR connector Sensitivity (at 1,000 Hz) Open Circuit Voltage: -45 dBV/Pascal (5.6 mV) (1 Pascal = 94 dB SPL) Clipping Level (at 1,000 Hz) 800 ohm Load: -4 dBV (0.63 V) 150 ohm Load: -15 dBV (0.18 V) Total Harmonic Distortion Less than 0.5% (131 dB SPL at 250 Hz into 800 ohm load) Maximum SPL (at 1,000 Hz) 800 ohm load: 136 dB (attenuator at 0) 146 dB (attenuator at -10) 150 ohm load: 128 dB (attenuator at 0) 138 dB (attenuator at -10) Hum Pickup -3 dB equivalent SPL in a 1 mOe field (60 Hz) Self-Noise (equivalent sound pressure levels; measured with true rms voltmeter) 16 dB typical, A-weighted 19 dB typical, weighted per DIN 45 405 Signal-to-Noise Ratio 78 dB (IEC 651)* at 94 dB SPL *S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and product's equivalent self noise (SPL A-weighted). Overvoltage and Reverse Polarity Protection Max. external voltage applied to pins 2 and 3 with respect to pin 1: +52 Vdc Reverse polarity protection: 200 mA max. (diode-clamped) Polarity Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3 Cartridge Capacitance 54 pF Low Frequency Response Switch Positions Flat; -6 dB/octave below 100 Hz; -18 dB/octave below 80 Hz Attenuator Switch Positions (Lockable) 0 or -10 dB Power Supply Voltage: 11 to 52 Vdc, positive, pins 2 and 3 Current Drain: 1.2 mA max. Environmental Conditions Temperature: Storage: -29 degrees to 74 degrees C (-20 degrees to 165 degrees F) Operating: -6.7 degrees to 49 degrees C (20 degrees to 120 degrees F) Humidity: Storage 0 to 95% relative humidity at room temperature (72 degrees to 80 degrees F, 22 degrees to 27 degrees C) Case Steel construction with vinyl metallic paint finish and stainless steel screens Dimensions See User Guide Weight Net: 230 grams (8 oz) Packaged: 740 grams (1 lb 10 oz) A57F Break Resistant Mount Black break resistant mount for SM63, SM63L, SM63LB, SM81, VP64A, VP64AL, AMS26 microphones and the WA380 Half Wave Antenna. A81G Grille and Windscreen Allows the SM81 to be used as a handheld vocal microphone. By minimizing pickup of rushing and rumbling wind noise, the A81G also allows the SM81 to be used outdoors in windy conditions. A81WS Large Foam Windscreen Large foam windscreen for SM81 and SM57 microphones. R104 Cartridge for SM81 Cartridge and Grille Assembly for SM81 Microphone User Guide English, French, German, Italian, Spanish 816 KB PDF Quick Links -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FAQ's for SM81 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------