Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone

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Product guide

Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone

The Shure SM81-LC is a cardioid condenser instrument microphone with XLR connectivity and selectable low-frequency response. Its phantom-power requirement and balanced-cable connection make a suitable mixer or preamp important to the setup.

At a glance

Cardioid pickup is described as rejecting off-axis sound, which can help focus recording on a positioned instrument.
Selectable flat, 6 or 18 dB/octave low-frequency response gives options for shaping bass response at the microphone.
A lockable 0 dB/10 dB attenuator is provided for different input levels.

Price

$375.00Save 15%

Reference price: ~~$439.00~~

Price checked: Nov 14, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

The supplied manufacturer description specifies a 20 Hz to 20 kHz response and a flat response curve for sound-source reproduction.
Includes a lockable attenuator and selectable low-frequency rolloff, useful when adapting the microphone to different sources or recording conditions.
A case, windscreen and swivel adapter are described as furnished accessories.

Cons

Requires phantom power and a balanced XLR-to-XLR or XLR-to-TRS cable, so it is not a direct USB microphone setup.

Technical specifications

12 specifications

Identity
Brand	Shure
Model	SM81-LC

Pickup and response
Polar pattern	Unidirectional
Frequency response	20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response.
Low-frequency response	Selectable low-frequency response: flat, 6 or 18 dB/octave rolloff.
Attenuator	0 dB/10 dB lockable attenuator switch

Connectivity and controls
Connection listed	XLR

Power and battery
Power configuration	PHANTOM POWER: All condenser microphones require phantom power to operate. Please refer to the User Manual for more details on power requirements.

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions listed	8.34 x 0.94 x 0.94 inches
Weight listed	8 ounces

Construction
Enclosure material	Alloy Steel
Color	Black

What to know before buying

Listing details to confirm

The microphone performs best with 48 Vdc phantom power and is stated to operate at supplies as low as 11 Vdc with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity. A balanced microphone cable is required. The listing's generic power field also says one AAA battery, which conflicts with its phantom-power guidance. Its listed frequency response is only “20 KHz,” while the manufacturer feature text gives 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Check the selected listing for package contents because accessory descriptions vary.

What’s in the box

10 dB attenuator lockIncluded
Carrying storage caseIncluded
Microphone clipCheck selected pack
WindscreenIncluded
Swivel adapterCheck selected pack

Check which accessories are included in your selected pack before buying.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Recording acoustic guitar, piano or cymbals with an XLR audio setup that supplies phantom power.
Studio, broadcast or sound-reinforcement use where a directional condenser mic and adjustable low-frequency response are useful.

Less suited to

Buyers needing a USB microphone or a setup without phantom power and balanced XLR/TRS input.
Anyone expecting a microphone cable in the package. The product listing explicitly says no cable included.

Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.8 / 5 · 202 ratings

5 stars89%89%
4 stars6%6%
3 stars2%2%
2 stars0%0%
1 star3%3%

Customer feedback highlights sound quality, particularly for acoustic guitar and live instrument sound, along with positive perceptions of value and functionality. This aligns with the listed instrument-focused cardioid design and frequency-response controls, but feedback reflects customer impressions rather than a guarantee of results. Most ratings are five-star, though a smaller one-star share shows that experiences are not uniformly positive.

Positive themes

Customers praise the sound quality, including use as an acoustic-guitar microphone and for live instrument sound.
Feedback also mentions value for money and functionality.

Frequently asked questions

Does the SM81-LC need phantom power?

Yes. The supplied product information says it requires phantom power, performs best with 48 Vdc, and can operate down to 11 Vdc with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity.

What cable does it use?

It uses XLR connectivity and requires a balanced microphone cable, specified as XLR-to-XLR or XLR-to-TRS.

Can its low-frequency response be adjusted?

The manufacturer feature text lists flat response or 6 or 18 dB/octave rolloff settings.

Is a cable included?

The listing's product type text says no cable is included.