The Shure BETA 181-KIT Side-Address Condenser Instrument Microphone is a professional, ultra-compact microphone system featuring four interchangeable polar pattern capsules: cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. Designed for precision instrument recording and live sound reinforcement, the BETA 181-KIT provides exceptional placement flexibility and consistent microphone performance across a wide variety of applications.
Its small-diaphragm, side-address condenser design allows discreet microphone placement in tight spaces, making it particularly useful for drum kits, percussion, acoustic instruments, and other demanding recording environments.
With all four interchangeable capsules included, the Shure BETA 181-KIT gives audio engineers the freedom to select the pickup pattern that best suits the instrument, room acoustics, and microphone positioning requirements.
Four Interchangeable Polar Pattern Capsules
One of the most important advantages of the Shure BETA 181-KIT is its interchangeable capsule system.
The kit includes four polar patterns, each offering different sound pickup characteristics.
Cardioid Capsule
The cardioid capsule captures sound primarily from the front while reducing pickup from the rear.
This pattern is useful for close-miking instruments and applications where isolation from surrounding sound sources is important.
Supercardioid Capsule
The supercardioid capsule provides a narrower front pickup pattern with increased rejection of sound arriving from the sides.
It is especially useful for close microphone placement in crowded drum kits and live performance environments where controlling unwanted sound pickup is important.
Omnidirectional Capsule
The omnidirectional capsule captures sound from all directions.
This pattern is useful for recording natural instrument sound, room ambience, and applications where a more open pickup characteristic is desired.
Bidirectional Capsule
The bidirectional capsule, also known as a figure-eight pattern, captures sound from the front and rear while rejecting sound from the sides.
It is useful for specialized stereo recording techniques, two-sided sound pickup, and applications requiring controlled side rejection.
Ultra-Compact Side-Address Design
The Shure BETA 181 features an exceptionally compact side-address microphone design, allowing precise placement where larger microphones may be difficult to position.
Its small size makes it well suited for close-miking drums, percussion, and instruments in crowded performance or recording environments.
The side-address configuration also provides additional flexibility when positioning the microphone near drumheads, cymbals, and other sound sources.
Professional Sound for Studio and Live Applications
The BETA 181-KIT is designed for professional instrument pickup in both studio recording and live sound environments.
Its condenser microphone design delivers detailed sound reproduction, while the interchangeable capsules allow engineers to adjust the microphone's directional response for different instruments and acoustic conditions.
Instead of relying on a single fixed pickup pattern, users can select the capsule best suited to each application.
Shure BETA 181-KIT Key Features
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Professional ultra-compact, side-address condenser instrument microphone
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Four interchangeable polar pattern capsules included
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Cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional pickup options
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Small-diaphragm design for precise instrument capture
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Compact construction for discreet placement in tight spaces
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Consistent polar pattern performance for professional audio applications
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Suitable for close-miking drums, percussion, and acoustic instruments
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Flexible microphone positioning for studio and live sound environments
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Includes A57F microphone clip, A181C zippered carrying case, and A181WS windscreen
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Versatile microphone kit for recording engineers and sound reinforcement professionals
Shure BETA 181-KIT Technical Specifications
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Specification
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Details
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Manufacturer
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Shure
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Model
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BETA 181-KIT
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Product Type
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Side-Address Condenser Instrument Microphone Kit
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Microphone Design
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Small-Diaphragm Condenser
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Address Type
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Side-Address
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Polar Patterns
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Cardioid, Supercardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional
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Capsule System
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Interchangeable
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Number of Included Capsules
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4
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Included Microphone Clip
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Shure A57F
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Included Carrying Case
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Shure A181C Zippered Case
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Included Windscreen
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Shure A181WS
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Typical Applications
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Studio Recording, Live Sound, Instrument Miking
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What's Included with the Shure BETA 181-KIT?
The kit includes:
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Shure BETA 181 Microphone Body
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Cardioid Capsule
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Supercardioid Capsule
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Omnidirectional Capsule
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Bidirectional Capsule
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Shure A57F Microphone Clip
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Shure A181C Zippered Carrying Case
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Shure A181WS Windscreen
This combination provides the microphone and accessories needed for a wide variety of professional instrument recording and sound reinforcement applications.
Common Applications
Drum and Percussion Recording: The compact design allows close microphone placement around drum kits, percussion instruments, and cymbals.
Studio Instrument Recording: Interchangeable polar patterns give engineers flexibility when recording acoustic instruments and other sound sources.
Live Sound Reinforcement: The small microphone profile and selectable pickup patterns are useful for instrument miking on crowded stages.
Stereo Recording Techniques: The bidirectional and other included capsules provide options for specialized microphone configurations.
Professional Broadcast and Production: The compact microphone design is useful where discreet placement and detailed instrument capture are required.
Why Buy the Shure BETA 181-KIT from Audio Supply?
Audio Supply carries professional Shure microphones, microphone accessories, mounting hardware, and recording equipment for live sound, studio production, broadcast, and commercial audio applications.
The Shure BETA 181-KIT is an excellent choice for audio professionals who want the flexibility of four polar patterns in one compact condenser microphone system.
With interchangeable capsules and included mounting and storage accessories, this kit offers a versatile solution for demanding instrument recording and sound reinforcement applications.
Need an Additional Microphone Clip?
The Shure BETA 181-KIT includes the Shure A57F Swivel Microphone Clip.
If you need an additional or replacement clip, the A57F is available separately for compatible microphones. Check the mounting requirements before ordering.
