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Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Mic — main product image
Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Mic
Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Mic
Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Mic
Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Mic
Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Mic
Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Mic
Shure

Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Mic

★★★★★4.9 (179 reviews)
Condenserphantom powerXLR

A studio-standard condenser microphone built for pristine acoustic instrument recording and live sound reinforcement.

$439.00*
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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

The Shure SM81-LC is a professional-grade cardioid condenser microphone that has been a studio and stage staple for decades. Engineered for capturing acoustic instruments — including guitar, piano, hi-hats, and cymbals — it delivers a flat, extended frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with minimal coloration. Its electret condenser capsule produces a low self-noise floor of just 16 dB (A-weighted), making it an excellent choice for critical recording situations where every detail matters. The switchable 10 dB attenuator extends its maximum SPL handling to 146 dB, giving it the headroom to handle loud sources without distortion.

Built with a steel body and stainless steel grilles, the SM81-LC is designed to endure the rigors of professional use. It maintains consistent performance across wide temperature and humidity ranges, which is particularly valuable for live sound reinforcement in unpredictable environments. Low RF susceptibility keeps the signal clean even in electronically noisy venues. The microphone ships with practical accessories — a swivel adapter for flexible positioning, a foam windscreen, an attenuator-switch lock to prevent accidental changes, and a protective carrying case — so it's ready for work right out of the box. Phantom power between 11 and 52 Vdc is required, and the output connects via a standard male XLR connector at 150 ohms impedance.

Key Features

This microphone requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 Vdc supply (IEC-61938). However, it will operate with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity with supplies as low as 11 Vdc. Most modern mixers provide phantom power. You must use a balanced microphone cable: XLR-to-XLR or XLR-to-TRS.

The SM81 is ruggedly constructed. It operates on phantom power and performs over a wide range of temperatures and humidity conditions. It is furnished with a swivel adapter, attenuator-switch lock, foam windscreen, and case for carrying and storage. Other accessories are available.

20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response. Flat response curve for accurate reproduction of sound sources.

Low noise and high output clipping level. Low distortion over a wide range of load impedances.

Cardioid polar pattern, uniform with frequency and symmetric about axis, providing maximum rejection and minimum coloration of off-axis sounds.

Low RF susceptibility.

Selectable low-frequency response: flat, 6 or 18 dB/octave rolloff.

0 dB/10 dB lockable attenuator switch.

Rugged steel construction for durability. Field-usable over wide range of temperature and humidity conditions.

Cardioid condenser instrument microphone offers a wide frequency response and low self-noise. Features include flat response curve, low noise and high output clipping level, low distortion over a range of load impedances, and low RF susceptibility.

Specifications

Brand
Shure
Model
SM81-LC
Type
Condenser (Electret Bias)
Polar Pattern
Cardioid (Unidirectional)
Frequency Response
20–20,000 Hz
Output Impedance
150 ohms (85 ohms actual)
Sensitivity (1 kHz)
-45 dBV/Pa (5.6 mV)
Max SPL (1 kHz, 0 dB atten.)
136 dB
Max SPL (1 kHz, -10 dB atten.)
146 dB
Self-Noise
16 dB typical (A-weighted)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
78 dB (IEC 651) at 94 dB SPL
Power Requirements
11–52 Vdc Phantom Power
Connector
Male XLR
Construction
Steel with vinyl metallic paint, stainless steel screens
Weight
8 oz
Dimensions
8.34 x 0.94 x 0.94 in.
Included Accessories
Swivel adapter, attenuator-switch lock, foam windscreen, carrying case

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Exceptionally flat frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz captures acoustic instruments with high fidelity.
  • Low 16 dB self-noise ensures clean recordings even in quiet studio environments.
  • Rugged steel body with stainless steel grille stands up to regular touring and studio handling.
  • Switchable attenuator allows it to handle high-SPL sources up to 146 dB without distortion.
  • Includes carrying case, windscreen, swivel adapter, and attenuator lock right out of the box.

👎 Cons

  • Premium price point places it well above budget condenser microphones.
  • Requires phantom power, so it cannot be used with unpowered inputs or basic recorders.
  • Cardioid-only polar pattern offers no switchable pickup options for different recording scenarios.
  • No cable included, adding to the initial cost if you don't already have XLR cables on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

It requires 11 to 52 Vdc phantom power, which is supplied by most mixing consoles, audio interfaces, and dedicated phantom power supplies.
No, a cable is not included. You will need a standard XLR cable to connect the microphone to your audio equipment.
It ships with a swivel adapter, an attenuator-switch lock, a foam windscreen, and a zippered carrying case.
It handles up to 136 dB SPL with the attenuator at 0, and up to 146 dB SPL with the attenuator set to -10 dB, both measured into an 800-ohm load.
Yes. Its steel construction, low RF susceptibility, and consistent performance across varying temperature and humidity conditions make it well suited for stage use alongside studio work.

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