Shure BETA 181/C Side-Address Condenser Microphone, Cardioid

The Shure BETA 181/C is your ultimate solution for capturing the essence of instruments with unparalleled precision and clarity. Engineered for both live performances and studio recordings, this ultra-compact, small-diaphragm side-address microphone offers a versatile and discreet placement to control your sound effortlessly. Its innovative, interchangeable capsules provide a range of polar patterns—cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional—making it the perfect choice for various recording scenarios.

Designed to excel in diverse environments, the Shure BETA 181/C is ideal for drum overheads, piano, and acoustic instruments. When paired with the BETA 181/BI, it can even facilitate the Mid-Side (M/S) stereo technique, allowing for highly customizable audio capture. Precision-engineered to deliver consistent polar responses, this mic ensures you achieve the highest fidelity even in the tightest spaces. Its integrated XLR connections simplify setup, while the robust construction guarantees long-lasting performance.

Key Features

• Compact preamplifier with integrated XLR connections for seamless attachment of interchangeable polar pattern capsules
• Includes one cardioid polar pattern capsule and one XLR preamplifier
• Other capsules (supercardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional) available for purchase separately
• Side-address design is both compact and precision-engineered
• Innovative locking ring ensures a secure connection between the capsule and preamplifier
• Tailored frequency response for applications requiring wide dynamic range
• Suitable for high SPL environments, ensuring versatility and resilience
• Comes with a stand adapter, windscreen, and a carrying case that can securely protect up to four polar pattern capsules
• Design allows for low-profile application flexibility, perfect for understated setups

Specifications

• Type: Electret Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid (BETA 181/C), Supercardioid (BETA 181/S), Omnidirectional (BETA 181/O), Bidirectional (BETA 181/BI)
• 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: 2500 Ω load: Cardioid: 151.5 dB SPL, Supercardioid: 154.5 dB SPL, Omnidirectional: 157.0 dB SPL, Bidirectional: 156.0 dB SPL; 1000 Ω load: Cardioid: 149.0 dB SPL, Supercardioid: 152.0 dB SPL, Omnidirectional: 154.0 dB SPL, Bidirectional: 153.5 dB SPL
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Cardioid: 73.5 dB, Supercardioid: 71.5 dB, Omnidirectional: 70.5 dB, Bidirectional: 71.0 dB
• Dynamic Range: 2500 Ω load: Cardioid: 131.0 dB, Supercardioid: 132.0 dB, Omnidirectional: 133.5 dB, Bidirectional: 133.0 dB; 1000 Ω load: Cardioid: 128.5 dB, Supercardioid: 129.5 dB, Omnidirectional: 130.5 dB, Bidirectional: 130.5 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: 20 to 20,000 kHz ≥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.)

Package Contents

• 1 A57F Mic Clip
• 1 A181C Zippered Carrying Case
• 1 A181WS Windscreen