Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Mic

The Shure SM81-LC is a reference-standard cardioid condenser microphone engineered for natural, transparent capture of acoustic instruments on stage and in the studio. Its flat frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz preserves timbre and transient detail, while the uniform cardioid pattern maintains consistent off-axis rejection that helps isolate your source. A rugged steel body and proven internal design give touring reliability, and the microphone operates on standard phantom power for seamless integration with professional consoles and interfaces.

A 10 dB pad and selectable low-cut filter (flat, 6 dB/octave, or 18 dB/octave) provide practical control for high-SPL sources and stage rumble, letting you tailor response without external accessories. The compact “pencil” form factor makes precise placement easy for cymbals, strings, and pianos, and the included windscreen and attenuator-switch lock support dependable, repeatable setups. From studio recording to live sound, the SM81-LC has long been a go-to instrument microphone for engineers who need clarity without hype. Typical use cases include acoustic guitar mic, piano mic, and overhead cymbal mic, where its small-diaphragm condenser design captures nuanced dynamics with accuracy. This is a versatile pencil microphone that stays true to the source and stands up to daily professional use.