Side-Address Cardioid Instrument Microphone Spec Sheet
Product Specifications
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Beta 181/C
A57F Stand Adapter A181C Zippered Carrying Case
A181WS Windscreen RPM181/PRE Replacement XLR Preamp
RPM181/C Cardioid Polar Pattern Capsule RPM181/S Supercardioid Polar Pattern Capsule
RPM181/O Omnidirectional Polar Pattern Capsule RPM181/BI Bidirectional Polar Pattern capsule
Accessories and Replacement Parts
Cartridge Type Electret Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid / Supercardioid / Omnidirectional / Bidirectional
Frequency Response 20 to 20,000 Hz
Output Impedance 110 Ω
Maximum SPL
(1 kHz at 1% THD, 1kΩ load)
Cardioid: 149.0 dB SPL
Supercardoid: 152.0 dB SPL
Omnidirectional 154.0 dB SPL
Bidirectional 153.5 dB SPL
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
(referenced at 94 dB SPL at 1 kHz;
S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and
equivalent SPL of self noise, A-weighted
Cardioid: 73.5 dB
Supercardoid: 72.5 dB
Omnidirectional 70.5 dB
Bidirectional 71.0 dB
Dynamic Range
(at 1 kHz, 1 kΩ load)
Cardioid: 128.5 dB
Supercardoid: 129.5 dB
Omnidirectional 130.5 dB
Bidirectional 130.5 dB
Clipping Level
(1 kHz at 0.25% THD, 1kΩ load)
7.5 dBV (2.4 V)
Self-Noise
(equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical)
Cardioid: 20.5 dB
Supercardoid: 22.5 dB
Omnidirectional 23.5 dB
Bidirectional 23.0 dB
Common Mode Rejection
(20–20,000 Hz)
≥55 dB
Polarity Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
Power Requirements 11–52 VDC phantom power (IEC-61938), 1.2 mA
Weight Net: 145 g (5.1 oz.)
Specifications
BETA 181/C Ultra-Compact Side-Address Condenser Instrument Microphone with Cardioid Polar Pattern Capsule
BETA 181/S Ultra-Compact Side-Address Condenser Instrument Microphone with Supercardioid Polar Pattern Capsule
BETA 181/O Ultra-Compact Side-Address Condenser Instrument Microphone with Omnidirectional Polar Pattern Capsule
BETA 181/BI Ultra-Compact Side-Address Condenser Instrument Microphone with Bidirectional Polar Pattern Capsule
BETA181/KIT
Ultra-Compact Side-Address Instrument Microphone Kit comes with one (1) each Cardioid, Supercardioid,
Omnidirectional and Bidirectional Polar Pattern Capsules
Available Models
• Interchangeable polar pattern capsules attach to a compact XLR 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)
• Precision-engineered, compact side-address design features innovative locking ring to provide secure connection between capsule
and preamplifier
• 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)
• Capsules available separately for custom flexibility
• Frequency response tailored for wide dynamic range applications for use in high SPL environments
• Furnished with stand adapter, windscreen and carrying case (carrying case will securely protect up to four polar pattern capsules)
Features
The Shure Beta 181 is an ultra-compact, small-diaphragm side-address condenser microphone, designed for discrete 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.
Overview
Beta
®
181 Ultra-Compact Side-Address Instrument Microphone