Shure BETA 181 Ultra-Compact Side-Address Instrument Microphone Kit, Includes Cardioid, Supercardioid, Omnidirectional and Bidirectional Capsules

SKU: SHBETA181KIT MFR: BETA 181/KIT
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Key Features

  • Capture pristine sound with the BETA 181 instrument microphone, perfect for studio recording.
  • Achieve versatile recording with cardioid, supercardioid, omni, & bidirectional polar patterns.
  • Ensure clear audio; this low noise microphone excels in capturing nuanced instrument tones.
  • Enjoy exceptional durability; the Shure BETA 181 is built to withstand rigorous use.
  • Experience wide frequency response, capturing every detail from 20Hz-20kHz for rich sound.
  • Connect easily with included XLR preamplifier, ensuring seamless integration into your setup.
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Special Order Item?Estimated to Ship: 08/10/2025
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Shure BETA 181 Ultra-Compact Side-Address Condenser Instrument Microphone Kit Specifications

  • Preamplifier: Type

    Condenser

  • Preamplifier: Frequency Response

    20 to 20000Hz

  • Preamplifier: Polar Pattern

    181/C: Cardioid
    181/S: Supercardioid
    181/O: Omnidirectional
    181/BI: Bidirectional

  • Preamplifier: Sensitivity

    Cardioid: -46.5dBV/Pa[1] (2.4 mV)
    Supercardioid: -49.5dBV/Pa[1] (2.5 mV)
    Omnidirectional: -52.0dBV/Pa[1] (2.6mV)
    Bidirectional: -51.0dBV/Pa[1] (2.6mV)

  • Preamplifier: Output Impedance

    110 ohms (at 1 kHz)

  • Preamplifier: Signal to Noise Ratio

    Cardioid: 73.5dB
    Supercardioid: 71.5dB
    Omnidirectional: 70.5dB
    Bidirectional: 71.0dB

  • Preamplifier: Self Noise

    Cardioid: 20.5 dB SPL-A
    Supercardioid: 22.5 dB SPL-A
    Omnidirectional: 23.5 dB SPL-A
    Bidirectional: 23.0 dB SPL-A

  • Preamplifier: Common Mode Rejection

    =55 dB

  • Preamplifier: Polarity

    Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3

  • Preamplifier: Power Requirements

    11-52V DC[4] phantom power (IEC-61938) 2.4 mA, maximum

  • Preamplifier: Maximum SPL

    1000 Ohm Load
    Cardioid: 149.0dB SPL
    Supercardioid: 152.0dB SPL
    Omnidirectional: 154.0dB SPL
    Bidirectional: 153.5dB SPL
    2500 Ohm Load
    Cardioid: 151.5dB SPL
    Supercardioid: 154.5dB SPL
    Omnidirectional: 157.0dB SPL
    Bidirectional: 156.0dB SPL

  • Preamplifier: Dynamic Range

    1000 Ohm Load
    Cardioid: 128.5dB
    Supercardioid: 129.5dB
    Omnidirectional: 130.5dB
    Bidirectional: 130.5dB
    2500 Ohm Load
    Cardioid: 131.0dB
    Supercardioid: 132.0dB
    Omnidirectional: 133.5dB
    Bidirectional: 133.0dB

  • Preamplifier: Clipping Level

    1000 Ohm Load
    7.5dBV
    2500 Ohm Load
    10.5dBV

  • Cardioid: Type

    Condenser

  • Cardioid: Frequency Response

    20 to 20000Hz

  • Cardioid: Polar Pattern

    Cardioid

  • Cardioid: Sensitivity

    -46.5dBV/Pa (2.4 mV)

  • Cardioid: Output Impedance

    110ohms (at 1 kHz)

  • Cardioid: Signal to Noise Ratio

    73.5dB

  • Cardioid: Self Noise

    20.5dB SPL-A

  • Cardioid: Common Mode Rejection

    =55dB

  • Cardioid: Polarity

    Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3

  • Cardioid: Power Requirements

    11-52 V DC[4] phantom power (IEC-61938)2.4 mA, maximum

  • Cardioid: Maximum SPL

    1000 Ohm Load: 149.0dB (1,000 ohm load)
    2500 Ohm Load : 151.5dB SPL

  • Cardioid: Dynamic Range

    1000 Ohm Load: 128.5dB
    2500 Ohm Load: 131.0dB

  • Cardioid: Clipping Level

    1000 Ohm Load: 7.5dBV
    2500 Ohm Load: 10.5dBV

  • Supercardioid: Type

    Condenser

  • Supercardioid: Frequency Response

    20 to 20000Hz

  • Supercardioid: Polar Pattern

    Supercardioid

  • Supercardioid: Sensitivity

    -49.5 dBV/Pa (2.5 mV)

  • Supercardioid: Output Impedance

    110 ohms (at 1 kHz)

  • Supercardioid: Signal to Noise Ratio

    71.5 dB

  • Supercardioid: Self Noise

    22.5 dB SPL-A

  • Supercardioid: Common Mode Rejection

    =55 dB

  • Supercardioid: Polarity

    Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3

  • Supercardioid: Power Requirements

    11-52 V DC[4] phantom power (IEC-61938)2.4 mA, maximum

  • Supercardioid: Maximum SPL

    1000 Ohm Load: 152.0dB (1,000 ohm load)
    2500 Ohm Load: 154.5dB SPL

  • Supercardioid: Dynamic Range

    1000 Ohm Load: 129.5dB
    2500 Ohm Load: 132.0dB

  • Supercardioid: Clipping Level

    1000 Ohm Load: 7.5dBV
    2500 Ohm Load: 10.5dBV

  • Omnidirectional: Type

    Condenser

  • Omnidirectional: Frequency Response

    20 to 20,000 Hz

  • Omnidirectional: Polar Pattern

    Omnidirectional

  • Omnidirectional: Sensitivity

    -52.0 dBV/Pa (2.6 mV)

  • Omnidirectional: Output Impedance

    110 ohms (at 1 kHz)

  • Omnidirectional: Signal to Noise Ratio

    70.5 dB

  • Omnidirectional: Self Noise

    23.5 dB SPL-A

  • Omnidirectional: Common Mode Rejection

    =55 dB

  • Omnidirectional: Polarity

    Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3

  • Omnidirectional: Power Requirements

    11-52 V DC[4] phantom power (IEC-61938)2.4 mA, maximum

  • Omnidirectional: Maximum SPL

    1000 Ohm Load: 154.0dB (1,000 ohm load)
    2500 Ohm Load: 157.0dB SPL

  • Omnidirectional: Dynamic Range

    1000 Ohm Load: 130.5dB
    2500 Ohm Load: 133.5dB

  • Omnidirectional: Clipping Level

    1000 Ohm Load: 7.5dBV
    2500 Ohm Load: 10.5dBV

  • Bidirectional: Type

    Condenser

  • Bidirectional: Frequency Response

    20 to 20000Hz

  • Bidirectional: Polar Pattern

    Bidirectional

  • Bidirectional: Sensitivity

    -51.0dBV/Pa (2.6 mV)

  • Bidirectional: Output Impedance

    110 ohms (at 1 kHz)

  • Bidirectional: Signal to Noise Ratio

    71.0dB

  • Bidirectional: Self Noise

    23.0dB SPL-A

  • Bidirectional: Common Mode Rejection

    =55dB

  • Bidirectional: Polarity

    Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3

  • Bidirectional: Power Requirements

    11-52 V DC[4] phantom power (IEC-61938)2.4 mA, maximum

  • Bidirectional: Maximum SPL

    1000 Ohm Load: 153.50dB (1,000 ohm load)
    2500 Ohm Load: 156.0dB SPL

  • Bidirectional: Dynamic Range

    1000 Ohm Load: 130.5dB
    2500 Ohm Load: 133.0dB

  • Bidirectional: Clipping Level

    1000 Ohm Load: 7.5 dBV
    2500 Ohm Load: 10.5dBV

  • Weight

    Preamplifier: 5.1oz (144.58g)
    Cardioid Capsule: 5.1oz (144.58g)
    Omnidirectional: 5.1oz (144.58g)
    Bidirectional: 5.1oz (144.58g)

  • UPC Code

    042406267922

About Shure BETA 181 Ultra-Compact Side-Address Condenser Instrument Microphone Kit

Are you looking for a high-quality, versatile microphone kit that captures every nuance of your performance The Shure BETA 181 Ultra-Compact Side-Address Instrument Microphone Kit is a professional's choice, engineered to deliver unparalleled audio clarity and flexibility. This innovative kit includes a Beta 181 handheld XLR preamplifier and a suite of interchangeable side-address capsules: cardioid, supercardioid, bidirectional, and omnidirectional condenser capsules.

Each capsule is designed to excel in specific recording scenarios, making the BETA 181 kit ideal for a wide array of instruments. The cardioid capsule is perfect for capturing sources in front of the microphone while minimizing background noise, making it a go-to for solo instruments. The supercardioid capsule offers a tighter pickup pattern, ideal for isolating sound in a more focused manner, which is excellent for live performances. The omnidirectional capsule captures sound from all directions, ensuring a natural ambiance and a true representation of the instrument's acoustics, suitable for orchestral instruments and ensemble recordings. Lastly, the bidirectional figure-8 capsule excels in capturing audio from the front and rear while rejecting sounds from the sides, perfect for duets or two instruments in close proximity.

Crafted with durability in mind, the BETA 181 microphone kit stands up to the rigors of touring and frequent use. Its ultra-compact design makes it an inconspicuous yet powerful tool for recording accordion, brass, harmonica, keyboard & piano, percussion, strings, and woodwinds. Whether you're in a studio setting or live on stage, the BETA 181 ensures that every detail of your audio is captured with precision.

With its XLR connector, the BETA 181 kit integrates seamlessly into professional audio setups, providing clean, reliable connections for high-quality sound production. Choose the Shure BETA 181 Ultra-Compact Side-Address Instrument Microphone Kit for its innovative design, versatility, and the assurance of a well-respected brand in the audio industry. Whether you're recording intricate passages or the powerful blast of a brass ensemble, the BETA 181 is your solution for capturing audio with fidelity and ease.

Shure BETA 181 Ultra-Compact Side-Address Condenser Instrument Microphone Kit Features

  • Beta 181 XLR Preamplifier
  • Cardioid, Supercardioid Capsules
  • Works on a Variety of Music Sources
  • Interchangeable Condenser Capsules
  • Bi-Directional, Omnidirectional Capsules

Warranty Information

This product has a limited warranty of 24 months.

Key Features

  • Capture pristine sound with the BETA 181 instrument microphone, perfect for studio recording.
  • Achieve versatile recording with cardioid, supercardioid, omni, & bidirectional polar patterns.
  • Ensure clear audio; this low noise microphone excels in capturing nuanced instrument tones.
  • Enjoy exceptional durability; the Shure BETA 181 is built to withstand rigorous use.
  • Experience wide frequency response, capturing every detail from 20Hz-20kHz for rich sound.
  • Connect easily with included XLR preamplifier, ensuring seamless integration into your setup.

What's in the box:

  • Shure RPM181/PRE Replacement XLR Preamplifier
  • RPM181/C Cardioid Polar Pattern Capsule
  • RPM181/S Supercardioid Polar Pattern Capsule
  • RPM181/O Omnidirectional Polar Pattern Capsule
  • RPM181/BI Bidirectional Polar Pattern Capsule
  • Shure Warranty