Shure

Shure PGA81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone

4.5 (124 reviews)
CondenserXLR

Capture Every Nuance with the Shure PGA81 Microphone The Shure PGA81 is a professional-grade condenser instrument microphone, engineered for detailed and accurate sound reproduction. Its cardioid polar pattern minimizes background noise, making it ideal for recording sensitive acoustic instrument...

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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

Capture Every Nuance with the Shure PGA81 Microphone

The Shure PGA81 is a professional-grade condenser instrument microphone, engineered for detailed and accurate sound reproduction. Its cardioid polar pattern minimizes background noise, making it ideal for recording sensitive acoustic instruments. With Shure's renowned durability, the PGA81 ensures reliable performance for both stage and studio environments.

Specifications:

  • Microphone Type: Condenser
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid (Unidirectional)
  • Frequency Response: Tailored Flat-Response
  • Connectivity: Wired
  • Connector Type: XLR
  • Color: Black
  • Brand: Shure
  • Model: PGA81-LC
  • Recommended Use: Acoustic Instrument Recording and Performance
  • Included Accessories: Stand Adapter, Carrying Pouch
  • Power Requirement: Phantom Power

Key Features

Flat-response microphone cartridge design for clear reproduction of acoustic instrument sound sources in more sensitive environments

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

Two available options: (1) with 15-foot XLR-XLR cable, or (2) without cable

Stand adapter for mounting to a microphone stand

Specifications

Microphone Type
Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone
Cartridge Design
Flat-response
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Finish
Black metallic
Grille
Black
Included Accessories
Stand adapter (cable optional)
Cable Option
15-foot XLR-XLR cable (optional)

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • The Shure PGA81-LC features a flat-response microphone cartridge design for clear reproduction of acoustic instruments.
  • Its cardioid polar pattern effectively picks up audio from the source while rejecting unwanted background noise.
  • The microphone has an updated industrial design with a black metallic finish and grille, offering an unobtrusive visual presence.
  • It comes with a stand adapter, facilitating easy mounting to a microphone stand for various recording setups.
  • Users have the option to purchase the microphone with a 15-foot XLR-XLR cable or without, offering flexibility.

👎 Cons

  • The flat-response design, while great for accurate reproduction, may not offer the pre-shaped sound profiles some users prefer for specific instruments.
  • The cardioid polar pattern is excellent for directional recording but may not be suitable for situations requiring omnidirectional pickup.
  • The microphone is specifically described as an "Instrument Microphone," suggesting it might not be optimized for vocal performances.
  • The option without a cable means an additional purchase is necessary if a cable is not already owned, adding to the total cost.
  • The black metallic finish and grille, while unobtrusive, may not appeal to users who prefer a more classic or visually distinct microphone aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions

It features a flat-response microphone cartridge design optimized for clear reproduction of acoustic instrument sound sources in sensitive environments.
The Shure PGA81-LC has a cardioid polar pattern, which helps in picking up audio from the direct source while rejecting unwanted noise from the sides and rear.
It includes a stand adapter for mounting to a microphone stand. There is an option to purchase it with or without a 15-foot XLR-XLR cable.
It has an updated industrial design featuring a black metallic finish and grille, providing an unobtrusive visual presence.
While it is an instrument microphone with a flat-response, its primary design focus is on acoustic instruments, and specific vocal performance optimization is not mentioned.
Yes, there are two available options: one includes a 15-foot XLR-XLR cable, and the other is without a cable.
A flat-response cartridge aims to capture sound as accurately as possible, providing a natural and uncolored reproduction of the instrument's original tone.