Shure BETA 181/S Specifications

Model Beta 181 Wired Microphones

BETA 181 Side-Address Condenser Microphone

Performance Characteristics

• Exceptional low-frequency reproduction

• Extremely high SPL handling

• High output level

• No crossover distortion

• Transformer output

Applications and Placement

Positioning the Microphone

The front of the microphone is marked by the Shure logo on the
preamp and the polar pattern icon on the capsule. Position this side
toward the sound source.

General Rules for Use

• Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source; angle unwanted sounds toward its null

point.

General Description

The Shure Beta 181 is an ultra-compact, side­address, condenser microphone, designed for
discreet placement in live and studio environ­ments. Featuring interchangeable cardioid,
supercardioid, omnidirectional and bidirectional
capsules for superior versatility, the small dia­phragm of the Beta 181 provides superior audio
with consistent, “textbook” polar responses in
a form factor small enough to get close to the
source in the tightest conditions.

Variations

Beta 181/C Cardioid Microphone

Beta 181/S Supercardioid Microphone

Beta 181/O Omnidirectional Microphone

Beta 181/BI Bidirectional Microphone

Features

• Premier live performance microphone with
Shure quality, ruggedness, and reliability

• Compact preamp attaches to four
interchangeable capsules

• Wide dynamic range for use in high SPL
environments

• Side-address form allows for discreet
positioning in tight performance and recording
settings

• Innnovative locking ring provides a secure
connection between capsule and preamp

• Hardened steel mesh grille resists denting,
wear, and abuse

• Compact design, under 12 cm (5 in.), reduces
stage clutter

• Furnished with stand adapter and carrying
case

• Use the fewest amount of microphones as practical to increase the Potential Acoustic Gain and

prevent feedback.

• Follow the 3 to 1 Rule by spacing each microphone by at least three times the distance to its
source to reduce Phase Cancellation.

• Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces to reduce Comb Filtering.

• When using directional microphones, work closely to the microphone for extra bass response to

take advantage of Proximity Effect.

• Avoid excessive handling to minimize pickup of mechanical noise and vibration.

• Do not cover any part of the microphone grille, as this will adversely affect microphone

performance.

• Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.

The following table lists the most common applications and placement techniques. Keep in mind
that microphone technique is largely a matter of personal taste; there is no one “correct” microphone
position.

Cardioid Supercardioid Omnidirectional Bidirectional*

• Drum overheads

• Piano

• Acoustic instruments

• Pair with a Beta 181/

BI for M/S stereo
technique

*Note: As with all bidirectional microphones, sounds picked up from the back will be out of polarity
with the source. Those from the front are in polarity with the source.

• Close-miking
in performance
settings

• Snare drum

• Acoustic

instruments

Specication Sheet

BETA 181

• Room and
ambient pickup

• Mono drum
overhead

• String ensembles

• Use a pair of Beta

181/BI for Blumlein
stereo teqhnique

• Mono drum overhead

• Dual sound sources,

such as between
tom-toms or acoustic
instruments

TL1075 (Rev. 1) .
©2010 Shure Incorporated

Printed in U.S.A.

Load Impedance

Maximum SPL capability, output clipping level, and dynamic range vary
with the input load impedance of the preamplifier to which you connect
the microphone. Shure recommends a minimum input load impedance of

1000 Ω. Most modern microphone preamplifiers meet this requirement.

Higher impedance results in better performance for these specifications.

Power Requirements

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.

SPECIFICATIONS

Cartridge Type Electret Condenser

Polar Pattern 181/C: Cardioid

Frequency

20 to 20,000 Hz

Response

Output

110Ω

Impedance

Sensitivity

open circuit volt­age, @ 1 kHz,

Omnidirectional: –52.0 dBV/Pa

typical

Maximum SPL

1 kHz at 1%

[2]

THD

2500 Ω load: Cardioid: 151.5 dB SPL

1000 Ω load: Cardioid: 149.0 dB SPL

Signal-to-Noise

[3]

Ratio

Omnidirectional: 70.5 dB

Dynamic Range 2500 Ω load: Cardioid: 131.0 dB

1000 Ω load: Cardioid: 128.5 dB

Clipping Level

@ 1 kHz, 1%
THD

Self Noise

equivalent SPL,
A-weighted,

Omnidirectional: 23.5 dB SPL-A

typical

Common Mode

≥55dB

Rejection

20 to 20,000 kHz

Polarity Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive

voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3

Power
Requirements

11–52 V DC

2.4 mA, maximum

Net Weight 145 g (5.1 oz.)

[1]

1 Pa=94 dB SPL

[2]

THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal level is equivalent to cartridge output

at specified SPL

[3]

S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self noise, A-weighted

[4]

All specifications measured with a 48 Vdc phantom power supply. The microphone operates at

lower voltages, but with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity.

181/S: Supercardioid

181/O: Omnidirectional

181/BI: Bidirectional

Cardioid: –46.5 dBV/Pa

Supercardioid: –49.5 dBV/Pa

Bidirectional: –51.0 dBV/Pa

Supercardioid: 154.5 dB SPL

Omnidirectional: 157.0 dB SPL

Bidirectional: 156.0 dB SPL

Supercardioid: 152.0 dB SPL

Omnidirectional: 154.0 dB SPL

Bidirectional: 153.5 dB SPL

Cardioid: 73.5 dB

Supercardioid: 71.5 dB

Bidirectional: 71.0 dB

Supercardioid: 132.0 dB

Omnidirectional: 133.5 dB

Bidirectional: 133.0 dB

Supercardioid: 129.5 dB

Omnidirectional: 130.5 dB

Bidirectional: 130.5 dB

2500Ωload: 10.5 dBV
1000Ωload: 7.5 dBV

Cardioid: 20.5 dB SPL-A

Supercardioid: 22.5 dB SPL-A

Bidirectional: 23.0 dB SPL-A

[4]

phantom power (IEC-61938)

[1]

(2.4 mV)

[1]

(2.5 mV)

[1]

(2.6 mV)

[1]

(2.6 mV)

Accessories and Parts

Furnished Accessories

Mic Clip A57F
Zippered Carrying Case A181C
Windscreen A181WS

Optional Accessories

Cardioid Capsule RPM181/C
Supercardioid Capsule RPM181/S
Bidirectional Capsule RPM181/BI
Omnidirectional Capsule RPM181/O
Beta 181 Preamp RPM181/PRE
Universal Microphone Mount A75M

7.6 m (25 ft.) Cable C25E

CERTIFICATION

Eligible to bear CE Marking. Conforms to European EMC Directive 2004/108/
EC. Meets Harmonized Standards EN55103-1:1996 and EN55103-2:1996,
for residential (E1) and light industrial (E2) environments.

The Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from:

Authorized European representative:
Shure Europe GmbH
Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa
Department: EMEA Approval
Wannenacker Str. 28
D-74078 Heilbronn, Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Note:

Information in this guide is subject to change without notice. For the additional

information about this product, please visit www.shure.com.

124,46 mm

(4.90 in.)

20,32 mm

(0.80 in.)

34,54 mm

(1.36 in.)