Shure PGA181 Side-Address Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Studio-Quality Condenser Capture for Instruments and Vocals

The Shure PGA181-XLR is a side-address cardioid condenser microphone designed to deliver clear, detailed audio capture for acoustic instruments, amplifiers, and studio vocals. Its side-address design allows for flexible positioning in tight spaces — ideal for close-miking guitar cabinets, acoustic guitars, piano, strings, and drum overheads.

Built on Shure's trusted PGA platform, the PGA181 offers a low-noise condenser capsule with a cardioid polar pattern that focuses on the sound source while rejecting off-axis noise and room reflections. Whether you're tracking in a home studio or a professional recording environment, the PGA181 delivers consistent, musical results at an accessible price point.

Key Features

• Side-address cardioid condenser capsule — detailed, natural sound reproduction
• Cardioid polar pattern — focused pickup, excellent off-axis rejection
• Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz — full-range capture for instruments and voice
• Low self-noise for clean recordings in quiet studio environments
• Requires 48V phantom power (supplied by most audio interfaces and mixers)
• Includes XLR cable, stand adapter, and zippered storage pouch
• Durable all-metal construction

Ideal For

• Acoustic guitar and stringed instruments
• Guitar amplifier close-miking
• Piano and keyboard recording
• Drum overheads and room miking
• Home studio and project studio vocals
• Podcasting and voiceover

In the Box

• Shure PGA181 side-address condenser microphone
• XLR cable
• Stand adapter (swivel mount)
• Zippered storage pouch