3
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
Changing Capsules
Applications and Placement
General Rules for Use
• Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source; angle unwanted sounds toward its
null
point.
• 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.
Variations
Beta 181/C
Cardioid Microphone
General Description
The Shure Beta 181 is an ultra-compact, side-address,
condenser microphone, designed for discreet place-
ment in live and studio environments. Featuring inter-
changeable 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.
Performance Characteristics
• Exceptional low-frequency reproduction
• Extremely high SPL handling
• High output level
• No crossover distortion
• Transformer output
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.
BETA 181
Follow these steps to change Beta 181 capsules:
KNURLED RING
ALIGNMENT KEY
ALIGNMENT GROOVE
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.
The following table lists the most common applications and placement techniques. Keep in mind that microphone tech-
nique is largely a matter of personal taste; there is no one “correct” microphone position.
BETA 181
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
teqhnique
• Mono drum overhead
• Dual sound sources, such
as between tom-toms or
acoustic instruments
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.
Beta 181/S
Supercardioid Microphone
Beta 181/O
Omnidirectional Microphone
Beta 181/BI
Bidirectional Microphone
NOTE:
Before each use, make sure the capsule is tightly
secured on the microphone, as vibration and accidental
hits with drumsticks may loosen it, resulting in signal loss.
