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Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone | Condenser mic for guitar, piano and cymbals; includes swivel adapter, attenuator lock, windscreen and case
Shure

Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone

Bottom line: The Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone: Flat 20 Hz-20 kHz response for accurate acoustic instrument capture; main trade-off: needs 48V phantom power; degraded below 11 Vdc.

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By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014, focused on GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. Synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Flat 20 Hz-20 kHz response for accurate acoustic instrument capture
  • ✓ Rugged steel body handles wide temp and humidity
  • ✓ Cardioid pattern rejects off-axis sound with low coloration
  • ✓ Selectable low-cut: flat, 6, or 18 dB/octave rolloff

Cons

  • ✗ Needs 48V phantom power; degraded below 11 Vdc
  • ✗ No XLR cable included in the box
  • ✗ Requires balanced XLR-to-XLR or XLR-to-TRS cabling
  • ✗ Instrument-focused; not a vocal or USB mic

Manufacturer description

The Shure SM81 is a high-quality, unidirectional condenser microphone designed for studio recording, broadcasting, and sound reinforcement. Its wide frequency response, low noise characteristics, and low RF susceptibility have made it a standard for applications involving acoustic instruments, especially guitar, piano, and cymbals. POWER REQUIREMENTS NOTE: 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…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the streaming gear category. Shure's streaming gear lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for streaming gear of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

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.

Full Specifications

BrandShure
ColorBlack
Impedance150 ohm
Model NameSM81-LC
Unit Count1 Count
Model NumberSM81-LC
Power SourcePHANTOM POWER: All condenser microphones require phantom power to operate. Please refer to the User Manual for more details on power requirements.
Audible Noise78 db
CompatibilitySwitch
Polar PatternUnidirectional
Connector TypeXLR
Item Type NameShure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone for Guitar, Piano, and Cymbals, includes Swivel Adapter, Attenuator-Switch Lock, Windscreen, Carrying Case, No Cable Included (SM81-LC)
Item Dimensions8.34 x 0.94 x 0.94 inches
Mfr Part NumberSM81-LC
Number of Items1
Number of Packs1
Special FeatureClip
Antenna LocationSinging, Streaming
Audio Sensitivity18 db
Hardware PlatformPC
Full listing titleShure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone | Condenser mic for guitar, piano and cymbals; includes swivel adapter, attenuator lock, windscreen and case

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Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone | Condenser mic for guitar, piano and cymbals; includes swivel adapter, attenuator lock, windscreen and case is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone | Condenser mic for guitar, piano and cymbals; includes swivel adapter, attenuator lock, windscreen and case
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