Shure BETA 181/BI Side-Address Condenser Microphone, Bidirectional

Introducing the Shure BETA 181, a highly versatile and precision-engineered condenser microphone designed to capture the essence of your instrument. This ultra-compact, small-diaphragm side-address mic is perfect for both live and studio settings, enabling discreet placement for full control over your sound. The BETA 181 is an unparalleled tool for professionals, delivering exceptional audio quality no matter the environment.

The Shure BETA 181 offers interchangeable cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional capsule options, providing superior flexibility to meet the demands of your specific recording environment. Its small-diaphragm design ensures consistent, textbook polar responses, making it ideal for capturing audio in even the tightest spaces. The BETA 181's versatility makes it the ultimate choice for a variety of applications, from drum overheads and snare drums to acoustic instruments and ambient/room recordings.

Whether you're working in a high SPL environment or need a discreet, low-profile mic for live gigs, the Shure BETA 181 delivers unmatched performance. Featuring an innovative locking ring for a secure connection between the capsule and preamplifier, this microphone is engineered for reliability and ease of use. With a tailored frequency response and wide dynamic range, the BETA 181 ensures your recordings are crisp, detailed, and true to the original sound source.

Key Features

• Ultra-compact, small-diaphragm side-address design
• Interchangeable cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional capsule options
• Precision-engineered for consistent, textbook polar responses
• Innovative locking ring for secure capsule-preamplifier connection
• Tailored frequency response for wide dynamic range applications
• Suitable for use in high SPL environments
• Includes stand adapter, windscreen, and carrying case
• Carrying case can securely protect up to four polar pattern capsules
• Low-profile application flexibility

Specifications

• Type: Electret Condenser
• Polar Pattern: 181/C: Cardioid, 181/S: Supercardioid, 181/O: Omnidirectional, 181/BI: Bidirectional
• Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000 Hz
• Output Impedance: 110 Ω
• Sensitivity: Cardioid: –46.5 dBV/Pa (4.7 mV), Supercardioid: –49.5 dBV/Pa (3.4 mV), Omnidirectional: –52.0 dBV/Pa (2.5 mV), Bidirectional: –51.0 dBV/Pa (2.8 mV)
• Maximum SPL: Cardioid: 151.5 dB SPL, Supercardioid: 154.5 dB SPL, Omnidirectional: 157.0 dB SPL, Bidirectional: 156.0 dB SPL
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Cardioid: 73.5 dB, Supercardioid: 71.5 dB, Omnidirectional: 70.5 dB, Bidirectional: 71.0 dB
• Dynamic Range: Cardioid: 131.0 dB, Supercardioid: 132.0 dB, Omnidirectional: 133.5 dB, Bidirectional: 133.0 dB
• Clipping Level: 2500 Ω load: 10.5 dBV, 1000 Ω load: 7.5 dBV
• 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
• Common Mode Rejection: ≥55 dB
• Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
• Power Requirements: 11–52 V DC phantom power (IEC-61938), 2.4 mA, maximum
• Weight: 145 g (5.1 oz.)
• Included Accessories: 1 A57F Mic Clip, 1 A181C Zippered Carrying Case, 1 A181WS Windscreen

Package Contents

• 1 Shure BETA 181/BI Bidirectional Condenser Microphone
• 1 A57F Mic Clip
• 1 A181C Zippered Carrying Case
• 1 A181WS Windscreen