Shure SM81 user reviews ( 9/10) - 5 user reviews

• 08/05/11

  James...'s review "Sounds good on everything!"

  Characteristics

  I like to call this the SM57 of condensers because of its versatility. It's meant to be primarily an instrument mic, but unlike a lot of condensers, you can use them on literally everything and it somehow sounds good. Usually you will find these in studios but they are definitely usable in a live situation too. If you know what you're doing, it's abilities are far reaching. I also like that it has the filter switch on the side. In certain live situations it comes in handy.

  Overall Opinion

  I originally bought a pair of SM81's to use for my drummer's overheads. I was really really pleased with them in this setting. I quickly learned that while this mic sounds very transparent, it also has some kind of boost in the mid range that makes drums sound more "shimmery." Our drummer uses in ears and he agreed with me that the mix from the 81's sounds almost better than hearing his actual kit!
  
  
  
  After my initial success, I started using them for other things. One day I was tracking acoustic guitar in the studio and my large condensers didn't sound quite right in the mix. I set up my 81's together just to see what would happen. They gave my guitar the extra presence it needed to get heard on my track. Since then I've frequently returned to that setup a few times. I found later that the 81's sounded great on piano and pretty much any stringed instrument. The 81 really captures the character of anything it records, almost to a fault in some cases. It's very accurate and the extra presence it adds will definitely make sure mistakes are heard well. So be careful. Overall though I can't recommend these enough. They are tricky to learn how to use and you may not like them on everything, but I think every studio or venue could use a couple.
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• 02/03/09

  moosers's review

  Characteristics

  The Shure SM81 is a small diaphragm condensor microphone. I have used this mic mostly in the studio, but it can be used in either a live setting or a recording studio. It has a couple of low pass filters on it and it has a cardioid polar pattern. It's design makes it easy to place in tight spaces and perfect for picking up high end frequency signals. Shure makes a variety of microphones, and I think that these are not only some of the best small diaphragm condensers made by Shure, but are some of the best on the entire market.

  Overall Opinion

  I've been using the Shure SM81s for about four years. I have always trusted the value I am getting when I get a Shure microphone and this mic is no exception - they make sturdy mics that sound great. These mics in particular is great for a number of applications where it is vital to pick up that silky high end signal. I use these on drum overheads, acoustic guitars, acoustic pianos, and other assorted acoustic string instruments. These are great mics for these applications as it is sensitive and will pick up all of the brilliance you want when recording acoustic guitars and pianos. These also sound great on banjos and mandolins as their design is perfect for these types of instruments. As for the price, these are somewhere in between Rode NT5s and Neumann KM184s, and are also in between these other mics in terms of sound quality, in my opinion. The SM81s to me sound better than the NT5s but as far as I am concerned the KM184s reign supreme for acoustic guitar and drum overheads. These are a great option for those who want a great small diaphragm condensor that won't clear out your bank account. All in all these are great sounding mics from a company that will give you some very well built mics at very reasonable prices.
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• 10/09/08

  joshsound's review

  Characteristics

  The SM81 has been a small diaphragm condenser "old standby" for a while now. In my opinion it is one of the best small condenser's on the market, even though it's not one of the most expensive. You need to hook this up with an XLR cable to a mixer or preamp that can give it phantom power. This mic has a switchable low-end roll-off filter. You can set it to bypass, have a gradual roll-off starting at about 120Hz, or a sharper, faster roll-off that seems to start around 70Hz. This mic has a cardioid pickup pattern, which is great for isolating your sound source without too much ambience if you are close miking something. One of the best things about this mic is how totally even the frequency response is. Usually with small diaphragms you tend to get hyped highs and upper mids, which can sometimes sound kind of harsh. On top of that, the bass end tends to not be very well established. Not so with the SM81! For some reason the bass comes through really great on this mic, and the highs don't really seem to get tinny. That's great news since you are still getting the very fast transients and sensitivity of most other small condensers. One thing about this mic I don't like is the relatively low SPL it can handle before breaking up a little bit. Just don't stick it too close to a drum head!

  Overall Opinion

  I have been using this mic for years now. Some of my favorite applications are background vocals, small string ensembles and choirs, and snare drum bottoms. The SM81 is often my first choice mic for those applications. At less than $500, this mic is definitely a fantastic value. Add to that the fact that Shure mics are built like tanks (I've dropped mine more than once and it still works great), and you have a great mic and a great deal. I recommend it.
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• 01/20/05

  piergynt's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Condenser microphone, cardioid.

  Overall Opinion

  APRS 3 years of use, the SM81 appears to me to have a smooth, upper spectrum is quite Fidler, down a bit flattering. Not too bright, sound enjoyable and easily mixable. Trs good use pair (OH, piano, guitar, ..).
  
  It is an essential micro in my park, I prfre my couple Oktava, what I like most is its multi-purpose ct: couples, mono, shooting .. (Or I was dj compliment on the quality of restitution).
  
  
  
  The ratio quality price is excellent.

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• 10/20/04

  Glints collide's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Studio condenser microphone.
  
  - Cut down 3 positions
  
  - Attnuateur -10 db
  
  XLR connectors
  
  
  
  In the briefcase: foam and fixing attnuatrice microphone.

  Overall Opinion

  It's been two weeks I use it fairly regularly. I have two overheads in battery.
  
  
  
  It is a micro trs Fidler, who does not color the sound too. The rendering is trs good, I love a charley!
  
  I use it with a stro pramp Mindprint An / Di Pro. It's really trs fine pice of the atmosphere is found. A little reverb drrire and your snare sound is thereby chang! One has the impression of being in the pice.
  
  It does not clutter the mix, unlike the more overheads low end, but if your cymbals sound bad I do not think it will make them sound great either!
  
  
  
  A pramp drrire lamps should put more value because it is a bit cold with my prampli suscit.
  
  The low cut is effective, but the type of recorded music will be enough (to avoid hearing the bass drum in it for example).
  
  It's a great mic, which PSE quite heavy. Aesthetic level, it's pretty, brushed stainless steel body will make you jealous!
  
  The kit comes with is very practical.
  
  Try, if one seeks something good color that's not what you need, head to the Audio Technica microphone or a lamp.

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