Shure
Shure PGA181-XLR Condenser Instrument/Vocal Microphone
★★★★★
XLRCondenser
Capture detailed instrument and vocal recordings with the Shure PGA181-XLR side-address condenser microphone.
$139.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
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Overview
Key Features
Tailored microphone cartridge design for smooth and versatile reproduction of sound sources
Cardioid polar pattern picks up audio from the source while rejecting unwanted noise
Updated industrial design with black metallic finish and grille for unobtrusive visual presence
Stand adapter for mounting to a microphone stand
Zipper pouch included for additional protection during storage or transport
Specifications
Type
Side-Address Condenser Microphone
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Response
20 Hz – 20 kHz
Connector
3-pin XLR
Included Cable
15' XLR-to-XLR
Included Accessories
Stand adapter, zipper pouch
Finish
Black metallic
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Side-address design allows flexible positioning for a variety of instrument and vocal sources
- Includes a 15-foot XLR cable, stand adapter, and zipper pouch so no extra purchases are needed to get started
- Cardioid polar pattern effectively rejects off-axis noise for cleaner recordings
- Wide 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response captures full detail across instruments and vocals
- Low-profile black metallic finish blends unobtrusively into any stage or studio setup
👎 Cons
- Requires 48V phantom power, which limits use with devices that lack phantom power supply
- Side-address pickup orientation may be less intuitive for users accustomed to end-address microphones
- No built-in pad or low-cut filter switch on the microphone body for quick adjustments
- The included zipper pouch offers basic protection but is not a hard case
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cable comes with the Shure PGA181-XLR?
It includes a 15-foot XLR-to-XLR cable, so you can connect directly to a mixer or audio interface out of the box.
Is the PGA181 suitable for recording acoustic instruments?
Yes, its side-address condenser capsule and cardioid pattern are well-suited for capturing the detail and nuance of acoustic guitars, strings, and other instruments.
Does the PGA181-XLR require phantom power?
Yes, as a condenser microphone it requires 48V phantom power, which is supplied by most mixers and audio interfaces.
What is the frequency response of the PGA181?
The microphone covers a full 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range.
Does the PGA181 come with a storage case?
It includes a zippered pouch for protection during storage and transport, along with a stand adapter for microphone stand mounting.
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