Shure BETA 181 Side-Address Condenser Microphone

The Shure BETA 181 is a premium side-address condenser microphone designed for studio, broadcast, and live sound applications where precision, flexibility, and exceptional detail are required. With interchangeable capsules (Cardioid, Supercardioid, Bi-Directional, and Omni), the BETA 181 delivers tailored pickup patterns to suit nearly any miking scenario.

Ideal for drum overheads, stereo miking, acoustic instruments, room ambience, and tight placement situations, the compact profile allows engineers to capture sound with maximum accuracy even in challenging setups. Built with Shure’s legendary durability and low self-noise performance, the BETA 181 is a trusted choice for professionals demanding clarity and spatial control.

Shure BETA 181 Key Features

• Interchangeable Capsules
  Choose from cardioid, supercardioid, omni, or bi-directional capsules for unmatched versatility.

• Compact Side-Address Design
  Fits easily into tight spaces, ideal for drums, ensembles, and low-profile recording environments.

• High Output & Low Self-Noise
  Delivers rich detail and transparent audio for both studio and live applications.

• Premium Construction
  All-metal housing and proven Shure reliability for long-term professional use.

• Wide Frequency Response
  Smooth and natural sound reproduction across the full spectrum.

• Perfect for Stereo Arrays
  Easily configured for X/Y, M/S, and ORTF recording techniques.

Applications

The Shure BETA 181 excels in environments where precision and space efficiency matter:

• Studio recording

• Broadcast and film

• Live sound reinforcement

• Drum overheads

• Acoustic guitar / piano

• Choirs and ensembles

• Room / ambient miking

• Stereo recording setups

Shure BETA 181 Specifications

What’s Included

• Shure BETA 181 microphone body

• Interchangeable capsule (varies by model)

• Stand adapter

• Carrying case

• User documentation