Shure BETA 181/C – Side-Address Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Shure BETA 181/C – Side-Address Cardioid Condenser Microphone is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Shure BETA 181/C – Side-Address Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Product Overview
The Shure BETA 181/C is an ultra-compact side-address cardioid condenser microphone designed for discreet placement in live and studio environments. Its small-diaphragm cardioid capsule and side-address form make it a practical drum overhead microphone and acoustic instrument microphone in tight miking situations. As part of the interchangeable-capsule BETA 181 system, the cardioid capsule delivers a consistent, textbook polar response. For AV system designers specifying a small-diaphragm condenser microphone for studio recording, the BETA 181/C combines high-SPL handling with a low-profile footprint.
Product Description
The BETA 181/C pairs a compact preamplifier with a cardioid condenser capsule that attaches by way of an innovative locking ring, providing a secure connection between capsule and preamp. The side-address design, under 12 cm in length, allows discreet positioning and reduces stage clutter. As a high-SPL condenser microphone, it offers a wide dynamic range and exceptional low-frequency reproduction with no crossover distortion, suiting drum overheads, piano, and acoustic instruments. The transformer output and integrated XLR connection simplify integration with any phantom-powered console or interface. A hardened steel mesh grille resists denting and wear in demanding production settings. The microphone is part of an interchangeable capsule system; cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional capsules can be swapped on the same preamp. Comparable Shure options on our catalog include the BETA 181/S supercardioid model and the BETA 181/KIT four-capsule set.
Key Features
- Side-Address Cardioid Capsule — The small-diaphragm cardioid capsule delivers a consistent, textbook polar response for accurate instrument capture.
- Ultra-Compact Form — At under 12 cm in length, the side-address body fits tight placements and reduces stage clutter.
- Interchangeable Capsule System — The preamp accepts cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional capsules for flexible deployment across applications.
- Locking Ring Connection — An innovative knurled locking ring provides a secure, repeatable connection between capsule and preamplifier.
- Wide Dynamic Range — High-SPL handling and exceptional low-frequency reproduction suit drum overheads, piano, and acoustic instruments.
- Transformer Output — The transformer-coupled output supports clean signal delivery with no crossover distortion.
- Durable Build — A hardened steel mesh grille resists denting and wear in touring and studio use.
Typical Applications
- Broadcast Studio — Drum overhead and acoustic instrument capture for live music television and streaming production.
- House of Worship — Discreet miking of piano and acoustic instruments for worship music reinforcement.
- Auditorium — Low-profile instrument capture on performance stages where sightlines matter.
Technical Specifications
| Type | Electret condenser |
| Polar Pattern (181/C) | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz |
| Output Impedance | 110 ohms |
| Sensitivity (1 kHz, open circuit) | -46.5 dBV/Pa (4.7 mV) |
| Maximum SPL (1 kHz, 1% THD) | 151.5 dB (2500 ohm load); 149.0 dB (1000 ohm load) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 73.5 dB |
| Dynamic Range (1 kHz) | 131.0 dB (2500 ohm); 128.5 dB (1000 ohm) |
| Self Noise (A-weighted, typical) | 20.5 dB SPL-A |
| Common Mode Rejection | >= 55 dB |
| Power Requirements | 11-52 V DC phantom power (IEC-61938), 2.4 mA max |
| Weight | 145 g (5.1 oz) |
| Connector | Integrated XLR (preamp) |
| Furnished Accessories | A57F mic clip, A181C foam case, A181WS windscreen |
Competitor Comparison
| Criterion | Shure BETA 181/C | Neumann KM 184 | AKG C451 B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Side-address, ultra-compact under 12 cm for tight placements. | End-address pencil body, longer profile. | End-address pencil body, longer profile. |
| Capsule options | Interchangeable cardioid, supercardioid, omni, and bidirectional capsules on one preamp. | Fixed cardioid pattern. | Fixed cardioid; pattern changed only by swapping to other C451 variants. |
| Primary use | Drum overheads, piano, acoustic instruments, and discreet stage placement. | Overheads and acoustic instruments in studio settings. | Overheads, percussion, and acoustic instruments. |
| High-SPL handling | Rated to 151.5 dB SPL (2500 ohm load) for loud sources. | Rated for high SPL; verify against current Neumann documentation. | High SPL with switchable pad; verify against current AKG documentation. |
| Mounting | Ships with A57F clip; side-address aids over-kit placement. | Ships with stand clip; end-address orientation. | Ships with stand adapter; end-address orientation. |
| Ecosystem fit | Integrates with existing Shure inventories and the BETA 181 capsule range. | Fits Neumann small-diaphragm lines. | Fits AKG small-diaphragm lines. |
This comparison reflects general product positioning. Competing model specifications should be verified against each manufacturer's current documentation before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What phantom power does the BETA 181/C require?
It requires 11 to 52 V DC phantom power per IEC-61938 and performs best at 48 V DC, drawing up to 2.4 mA. Use a balanced XLR-to-XLR cable to a phantom-powered input.
Can I change the polar pattern?
Yes. The BETA 181 uses an interchangeable capsule system. The cardioid capsule on the 181/C can be swapped for supercardioid, omnidirectional, or bidirectional capsules on the same preamp using the knurled locking ring.
What applications is the cardioid capsule best suited to?
The cardioid 181/C is recommended for drum overheads, piano, and acoustic instruments, and it pairs with a 181/BI for M/S stereo technique.
How does the side-address design help with integration?
The compact side-address form, under 12 cm, allows discreet placement in tight positions and over drum kits while keeping sightlines clear, which simplifies stage and studio integration.
What warranty and support apply?
Shure microphones carry the manufacturer's standard limited warranty. Creation Networks can assist with warranty registration, integration questions, and replacement capsules such as the RPM181/C.
At Creartion Networks, we do everything we can to create an excellent customer experience. This includes fast shipping and easy returns.
- Most in-stock orders placed Monday-Friday ship within 24-48 hours. General restrictions apply; please see our full shipping policy here.
- We offer a 30-day return policy from the delivery date on many products. Product restrictions apply. Restocking fees for the return of open-box items. Please see our full return policy here for more information.
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