Publications User Guides BETA181 (English)
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    General Description

    The Shure Beta 181 is an ultra-compact, side-address, 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.

    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
    • Innovative 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

    Variations

    • Beta 181/C Cardioid Microphone
    • Beta 181/S Supercardioid Microphone
    • Beta 181/O Omnidirectional Microphone
    • Beta 181/BI Bidirectional Microphone

    Performance Characteristics

    • Exceptional low-frequency reproduction
    • Extremely high SPL handling
    • High output level
    • No crossover distortion
    • Transformer output

    Applications

    Positioning the Microphone

    The front of the microphone is marked by the Shure logo. Position this side toward the sound source.

    General Rules for Use

    • Do not cover any part of the microphone grille with your hand, as this will adversely affect microphone performance.
    • Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source (such as the talker, singer, or instrument) and away from unwanted sources.
    • Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired sound source.
    • Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
    • Use only one microphone to pick up a single sound source.
    • For better gain before feedback, use fewer microphones.
    • Keep the distance between microphones at least three times the distance from each microphone to its source (“three to one rule”).
    • Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces.
    • Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.
    • Avoid excessive handling to minimize pickup of mechanical noise and vibration.

    Applications and Placement

    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
    • Close-miking in performance settings
    • Snare drum
    • Acoustic instruments
    • Room and ambient pickup
    • Mono drum overhead
    • String ensembles
    • Use a pair of Beta 181/BI for Blumlein stereo technique
    • Mono drum overhead
    • Dual sound sources, such as between tom-toms or acoustic instruments

    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.

    Avoiding Pickup of Unwanted Sound Sources

    Directional microphones are most sensitive to sounds arriving on axis and reject at angles depending upon the polar pattern. The following chart shows the rejection angles of each microphone. In live performance or recording settings, align monitors, P.A. loudspeakers, and unwanted sound sources at these angles.

    To minimize feedback and ensure optimum rejection of unwanted sound, always test microphone placement before a performance.

    Cardioid Supercardioid Bidirectional

    Off-axis null points at 180 degrees Off-axis null points at 120 degrees Off-axis null points at 90 degrees

    Changing Capsules

    Follow these steps to change Beta 181 capsules:

    1. Turn off phantom power and disconnect from equipment.
    2. Unscrew the capsule's knurled ring to detach the preamp.
    3. Slide the alignment key on the bottom of the capsule into the groove on the preamp to ensure that the Shure logo displays the front of the microphone.
    4. Tighten the knurled ring to securely reconnect the microphone.

    NOTE: Before each use, make surethe capsule is tightly secured on the micropgone, as vibration and accidental hits with drumsticks may loosen it, resulting in signal loss.

    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
    181/S Supercardioid
    181/O Omnidirectional
    181/BI Bidirectional

    Frequency Response

    20 to 20,000 Hz

    Output Impedance

    110 Ω

    Sensitivity

    open circuit voltage, @ 1 kHz, typical

    Cardioid –46.5 dBV/Pa[1] (4.7 mV)
    Supercardioid –49.5 dBV/Pa[1] (3.4 mV)
    Omnidirectional –52.0 dBV/Pa[1] (2.5 mV)
    Bidirectional –51.0 dBV/Pa[1] (2.8 mV)

    Maximum SPL

    1 kHz at 1% THD[2]

    2500 Ω load Cardioid 151.5 dB SPL
    Supercardioid 154.5 dB SPL
    Omnidirectional 157.0 dB SPL
    Bidirectional 156.0 dB SPL
    1000 Ω load Cardioid 149.0 dB SPL
    Supercardioid 152.0 dB SPL
    Omnidirectional 154.0 dB SPL
    Bidirectional 153.5 dB SPL

    Signal-to-Noise Ratio[3]

    Cardioid 73.5 dB
    Supercardioid 71.5 dB
    Omnidirectional 70.5 dB
    Bidirectional 71.0 dB

    Dynamic Range

    2500 Ω load Cardioid 131.0 dB
    Supercardioid 132.0 dB
    Omnidirectional 133.5 dB
    Bidirectional 133.0 dB
    1000 Ω load Cardioid 128.5 dB
    Supercardioid 129.5 dB
    Omnidirectional 130.5 dB
    Bidirectional 130.5 dB

    Clipping Level

    @ 1 kHz, 1% THD

    2500 Ω load 10.5 dBV
    1000 Ω load 7.5 dBV

    Self Noise

    equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical

    Cardioid 20.5 dB SPL-A
    Supercardioid 22.5 dB SPL-A
    Omnidirectional 23.5 dB SPL-A
    Bidirectional 23.0 dB SPL-A

    Common Mode Rejection

    20 to 20,000 kHz

    ≥55 dB

    Polarity

    Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3

    Power Requirements

    11–52 V DC[4] phantom power (IEC-61938) 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.

    Overall Dimensions

    Beta 181/C

    Beta 181/S

    Beta 181/O

    Beta 181/BI

    Accessories

    Furnished Accessories

    Microphone Clip for AMS26, Beta 181, KSM137, KSM141, MX412, MX418, MX412S, MX418S, MX412SE, MX418SE, SM62, SM63, SM63L, SM63LB, SM81, VP64, VP64A, VP64AL and standard microphone stands

    A57F

    Foam case assembly for BETA181

    A181C

    Foam Windscreen for BETA181

    A181WS

    Optional Accessories

    Beta 181 Cardioid Capsule

    RPM181/C

    Beta 181 Supercardioid Capsule

    RPM181/S

    Beta 181 Bidirectional Capsule

    RPM181/BI

    Beta 181 Omnidirectional Capsule

    RPM181/O

    Beta 181 Preamplifier

    RPM181/PRE

    Universal Microphone Mount with Large and Small Clip Adapters and Universal Threaded Adapter Post

    A75M

    Isolation Mount/Swivel Adapter for KSM109, KSM137, KSM141, SM63, SM81, SM94 and VP64

    A53M

    25 foot (7.5m) Triple-Flex® Microphone XLR Cable with Switchcraft connectors

    C25E

    Certifications

    This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is eligible for CE marking.

    The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from: www.shure.com/europe/compliance

    Authorized European representative:

    Shure Europe GmbH

    Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa

    Department: EMEA Approval

    Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12

    75031 Eppingen, Germany

    Phone: 49-7262-92 49 0

    Fax: 49-7262-92 49 11 4

    Email: info@shure.de