Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone with Foam Windscreen and Rugged Steel Body
Product highlights
Product highlights
In the box
In the box
Free standard shipping
Free standard shipping
*Orders placed before 3 PM EST Mon - Friday will ship the same day. Orders placed beyond these hours will be shipped the next business day. Exclusions apply. See shipping policy
Free Local Pickup
Free Local Pickup
Please call for store stock availability. Requests made before 2:30 PM EST can be available for next-day pickup. Learn more
Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone with Foam Wi...
The Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Microphone captures the natural detail of acoustic instruments with accuracy and clarity. Its flat 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, low self-noise, and consistent cardioid pickup make it a trusted choice for studio recording, broadcasting, and live sound reinforcement, particularly for acoustic guitar, piano, and cymbals.
Natural Sound with Focused Pickup
The SM81 features a uniform cardioid polar pattern that provides strong rejection of unwanted sound while minimizing off-axis coloration. Its flat frequency response preserves the character of the original performance, while low noise and low distortion help capture subtle musical details.
Flexible Control for Every Recording
A three-position low-frequency filter offers flat response, a 6 dB per octave rolloff below 100 Hz, or an 18 dB per octave cutoff below 80 Hz. These settings help control rumble and proximity effect without relying entirely on external processing. A lockable 10 dB attenuator increases headroom for louder instruments, allowing the microphone to handle sound pressure levels up to 146 dB SPL under specified load conditions.
Built for Professional Use
Rugged steel construction, low RF susceptibility, and phantom power operation make the SM81 suitable for demanding recording and performance environments. Its balanced XLR output integrates with professional audio equipment, while the supplied mounting and protective accessories support everyday studio and stage use.
Microphone
| Brand | Shure |
| Model | SM81-LC |
| Microphone Type | Electret Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid (Unidirectional) |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Primary Applications | Studio Recording, Broadcasting, Sound Reinforcement, Acoustic Instruments |
Audio Performance
| Sensitivity at 1 kHz | -45 dBV/Pa (5.6 mV) |
| Output Impedance | 150 Ohms Rated (85 Ohms Actual) |
| Recommended Minimum Load Impedance | 800 Ohms |
| Self-Noise | 16 dB SPL Typical, A-Weighted |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 78 dB at 94 dB SPL |
| Maximum SPL at 800 Ohms | 136 dB SPL (0 dB Attenuation) |
| Maximum SPL at 800 Ohms with Attenuation | 146 dB SPL (10 dB Attenuation) |
| Maximum SPL at 150 Ohms | 128 dB SPL (0 dB Attenuation) |
| Maximum SPL at 150 Ohms with Attenuation | 138 dB SPL (10 dB Attenuation) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | Less Than 0.5 Percent at 131 dB SPL, 250 Hz, 800 Ohm Load |
| Output Clipping Level at 800 Ohms | -4 dBV (0.63 V) |
| Output Clipping Level at 150 Ohms | -15 dBV (0.18 V) |
| Hum Pickup | -3 dB Equivalent SPL in a 1 mOe Field at 60 Hz |
Low Frequency Filter and Attenuation
| Low Frequency Filter | Three Position |
| Flat Setting | Flat Response |
| Rolloff Setting | 6 dB per Octave Below 100 Hz |
| Cutoff Setting | 18 dB per Octave Below 80 Hz |
| Attenuator | Lockable, 0 dB or -10 dB |
Connectivity and Power
| Output Configuration | Balanced, Transformer Coupled |
| Connector | Three Pin Male XLR |
| Power Supply | Phantom Power |
| Supply Voltage | 11 to 52 V DC |
| Current Drain | 1.2 mA Maximum |
| Polarity | Positive Pressure Produces Positive Voltage on Pin 2 Relative to Pin 3 |
| Cartridge Capacitance | 54 pF |
Construction and Weight
| Housing | Steel Construction |
| Finish | Metallic Vinyl Paint |
| Grille Screens | Stainless Steel |
| Net Weight | 230 g (8 Ounces) |
| Packaged Weight | 740 g (1 Pound 10 Ounces) |
Environmental Specifications
| Operating Temperature | -6.7 to 49 Degrees Celsius (20 to 120 Degrees Fahrenheit) |
| Storage Temperature | -29 to 74 Degrees Celsius (-20 to 165 Degrees Fahrenheit) |
| Storage Humidity | 0 to 95 Percent Relative Humidity at Room Temperature |
Shipping & Returns
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I return an item?
How do I return an item?
Returns are incredibly simple. Please log into your account, find your item you wish to return and follow the prompts to make a return. If you do not have an account, click here to find your order and make a return.
Will I receive a full refund when I return an item?
Will I receive a full refund when I return an item?
You will receive a full refund when you return an item in its original manufacturer’s packaging, undamaged and unmarked. If the item you are returning is priced at less than $35, you will be charged a 15% restocking fee. Please note you will not be refunded any shipping charges.
How many days do I have to make a return?
How many days do I have to make a return?
You have 30 days to make a return. During the holiday season, from November 1 to December 31, we extend the return window to 60 days.
My item was damaged in transit. How do I place a return?
My item was damaged in transit. How do I place a return?
If your order has been noticeably damaged in transit, we strongly recommend that you refuse delivery and notify us immediately. Claims for missing items or items damaged in transit must be made within 48 hours of delivery. If there is carrier damage, please contact support@focuscamera.com with your order number and a description of the damage.
There’s an issue with my order, what should I do?
There’s an issue with my order, what should I do?
Oh no! Please contact our customer service team so we can resolve the issue immediately. You can call us on 1.800.221.0828, email us at support@focuscamera.com, or send us a message here.
Can I exchange an item?
Can I exchange an item?
We do not currently offer exchanges. Please return the item you purchased within 30 days and order what you’d like instead.
If I ordered a kit, do I have to return all the items?
If I ordered a kit, do I have to return all the items?
If you ordered a kit, you must return all components and accessories to receive a full refund.
I ordered a product that included a free item. I’d like to return it, do I need to return the free item as well?
I ordered a product that included a free item. I’d like to return it, do I need to return the free item as well?
If you ordered a product that included a free item, you must include the free item with your return. If not, your return will not be accepted and you will not receive a full refund.
Do you offer repairs?
Do you offer repairs?
We currently only offer camera repairs at our Brooklyn store. The item must be dropped off and collected in person as we do not accept shipped items for repair. For more information, please call our Brooklyn store on 1.718.431.7900.
What is your return policy?
What is your return policy?
Most items can be returned within 30 days for a full refund. Click here to read our full return policy.
