Shure BETA 181/S – Side-Address Supercardioid Condenser Microphone
Shure BETA 181/S – Side-Address Supercardioid Condenser Microphone is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Shure BETA 181/S – Side-Address Supercardioid Condenser Microphone
Product Overview
The Shure BETA 181/S is an ultra-compact side-address supercardioid condenser microphone designed for tight, high-isolation instrument capture. Its supercardioid capsule and side-address form make it a practical small-diaphragm condenser microphone for snare drum, acoustic instruments, and close-miking in busy performance settings. As part of the interchangeable-capsule BETA 181 system, the supercardioid capsule delivers a consistent, textbook polar response. For AV system designers specifying a studio recording condenser microphone, the BETA 181/S combines high-SPL handling with a low-profile footprint.
Product Description
The BETA 181/S pairs a compact preamplifier with a supercardioid condenser capsule that attaches by way of an innovative locking ring. The side-address design, under 12 cm in length, supports 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. The supercardioid pattern provides tighter pickup and greater rejection of off-axis sound than a cardioid, which suits snare drum, acoustic instruments, and close-miking where isolation on a crowded stage is critical. The transformer output and integrated XLR connection simplify integration with any phantom-powered console. Comparable Shure options on our catalog include the BETA 181/C cardioid model and the BETA 181/KIT four-capsule set.
Key Features
- Supercardioid Capsule — The supercardioid capsule offers tighter pickup and stronger off-axis rejection than a cardioid for high isolation on a busy stage.
- Close-Miking Ready — The pattern suits snare drum, acoustic instruments, and close-miking in dense performance settings.
- Ultra-Compact Side-Address Form — At under 12 cm, 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.
- 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 demanding studio and stage sources.
- Durable Build — A hardened steel mesh grille resists denting and wear in touring and studio use.
Typical Applications
- Broadcast Studio — High-isolation instrument capture for live music television and streaming production.
- Auditorium — Close instrument miking on performance stages where rejection of nearby sources matters.
- House of Worship — Discreet, isolated miking of acoustic instruments and percussion.
Technical Specifications
| Type | Electret condenser |
| Polar Pattern (181/S) | Supercardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz |
| Output Impedance | 110 ohms |
| Sensitivity (1 kHz, open circuit) | -49.5 dBV/Pa (3.4 mV) |
| Maximum SPL (1 kHz, 1% THD) | 154.5 dB (2500 ohm load); 152.0 dB (1000 ohm load) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 71.5 dB |
| Dynamic Range (1 kHz) | 132.0 dB (2500 ohm); 129.5 dB (1000 ohm) |
| Self Noise (A-weighted, typical) | 22.5 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/S | Neumann KM 185 | AKG C451 B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Side-address, ultra-compact under 12 cm. | End-address small-diaphragm pencil. | End-address small-diaphragm pencil. |
| Pattern approach | Dedicated supercardioid capsule, swappable to other 181 capsules. | Fixed hypercardioid pattern. | Fixed cardioid pattern. |
| Primary use | Snare, acoustic instruments, tight close-miking. | High-isolation studio instrument capture. | Overheads and acoustic instruments. |
| High-SPL handling | Rated to 154.5 dB SPL (2500 ohm load). | High SPL; verify against current Neumann documentation. | High SPL with switchable pad; verify against current AKG documentation. |
| Ecosystem fit | Integrates with the BETA 181 capsule range and Shure inventories. | 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
How does supercardioid differ from cardioid here?
The supercardioid 181/S has a tighter pickup angle and greater off-axis rejection than the cardioid 181/C, with null points around 120 degrees, providing more isolation on a busy stage.
What phantom power does it 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 over a balanced XLR cable.
Can I change the polar pattern?
Yes. The capsule is interchangeable; the supercardioid capsule can be swapped for cardioid, omnidirectional, or bidirectional capsules on the same preamp using the knurled locking ring.
What applications suit the supercardioid capsule?
It is recommended for snare drum, acoustic instruments, and close-miking in performance settings where isolation from nearby sources is important.
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/S.
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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