Shure BETA 181/S Ultra-Compact Small-Diaphragm Side-Address Condenser Microphone (Supercardioid)

Tight Pattern. Exceptional Rejection. Studio-Grade Precision.

The Shure BETA 181/S is an ultra-compact, side-address small-diaphragm condenser microphone fitted with a supercardioid capsule — engineered for instrument recording and live sound applications where maximum off-axis rejection and precise source isolation are critical. Part of the modular BETA 181 system, the 181/S delivers the BETA series' hallmark low noise, extended frequency response, and high SPL handling in a remarkably small form factor.

The supercardioid polar pattern provides tighter pickup than a standard cardioid, with excellent rejection of sound from the sides and rear — making it ideal for close-miking instruments in dense mix environments, drum overheads in loud live settings, and any application where bleed between sources must be minimised.

Key Features

• Supercardioid polar pattern — tight, focused pickup with excellent off-axis rejection
• Ultra-compact side-address design — discreet placement in tight spaces
• Extended frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz — full-range, accurate instrument capture
• Low self-noise: 18dB A-weighted — ideal for quiet acoustic sources
• High SPL handling: up to 148dB (with pad) — handles loud sources without distortion
• Switchable 15dB pad for close-miking high-SPL sources
• Switchable 3-position low-frequency filter (flat, 6dB/octave, 18dB/octave)
• Requires 48V phantom power
• Part of the modular BETA 181 system — capsule interchangeable with cardioid, omnidirectional, and hypercardioid options
• Durable all-metal construction

Ideal For

• Acoustic guitar — studio and live
• Drum overheads and hi-hat in loud environments
• Piano and keyboard recording
• Brass and woodwind instruments
• Orchestral strings
• Live instrument reinforcement where bleed rejection is critical

In the Box

• Shure BETA 181 microphone body
• BETA 181/S supercardioid capsule
• Stand adapter
• Foam windscreen
• Carrying case