« very well rounded »

The Shure SM 81 is a condenser mic that is similar to a few other mics made by Shure. The only difference is in this one is that it’s a smaller sleeker design and a different color. Maybe a little more stylish. This mics sound is very natural meaning that however you play and what you hear when you play is pretty much exactly how it will sound when it comes out of the speakers or when it goes to get mixed down and or mastered. It has a very natural sound that is great for overhead drum mics. The SM 81 can take the sharp punchy sounds of drums and keep them clean without any distortion like some cheaper mics will. Not that this mic is too expensive, it is a very affordable mic and will work great for you for a long time.


OVERALL OPINION

It really doesn’t matter wether you are recording in an acoustic environment or you are in a club on a stage. The mic will sound perfect in almost any situation imaginable. If you purchase one of these , it wont take long before you go out and want to purchase more for your over head set ups.

I have first got introduced to this mic years ago from a friend who was using it, and I knew that I had to have it because of the way he talked about it. Since that first conversation with him I have then purchased a total of 3 of these and still use these to this day and will continue to use them for as long as they hold up. Even if something where to happen I would go out and purchase another one quickly , I cant live without the SM 81 it has been very good to me over the years.