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User Guide for SHURE models including: BETA 181 Ultra Compact Side Address Microphone, BETA 181, Ultra Compact Side Address Microphone, Compact Side Address Microphone, Side Address Microphone, Address Microphone, Microphone
Mikrofon Shure BETA 181
Microphone Shure BETA 181
File Info : application/pdf, 10 Pages, 562.50KB
DocumentDocumentBETA181
Ultra-Compact Side-Address Microphone
Online user guide for Shure BETA181 side-address condenser microphone. Version: 3.1 (2023-I)
Table of Contents
BETA181 Ultra-Compact Side-Address Microphone 3
General Description
3
Features
3
Variations
3
Performance Characteristics
3
Applications
3
Positioning the Microphone
3
General Rules for Use
4
Applications and Placement
4
Avoiding Pickup of Unwanted Sound Sources
4
Changing Capsules Load Impedance Power Requirements Specifications Accessories
Furnished Accessories Optional Accessories Certifications
Shure Incorporated
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BETA181 Ultra-Compact Side-Address Microphone
General Description
The Shure Beta 181 is an ultra-compact, side-address, condenser microphone, designed for discreet placement in live and studio environments. Featuring interchangeable 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.
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 · Innovative 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
Variations
· Beta 181/C Cardioid Microphone · Beta 181/S Supercardioid Microphone · Beta 181/O Omnidirectional Microphone · Beta 181/BI Bidirectional Microphone
Performance Characteristics
· Exceptional low-frequency reproduction · Extremely high SPL handling · High output level · No crossover distortion · Transformer output
Applications
Positioning the Microphone
The front of the microphone is marked by the Shure logo. Position this side toward the sound source.
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General Rules for Use
· Do not cover any part of the microphone grille with your hand, as this will adversely affect microphone performance. · Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source (such as the talker, singer, or instrument) and away from unwanted
sources. · Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired sound source. · Work close to the microphone for extra bass response. · Use only one microphone to pick up a single sound source. · For better gain before feedback, use fewer microphones. · Keep the distance between microphones at least three times the distance from each microphone to its source ("three to
one rule"). · Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces. · Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors. · Avoid excessive handling to minimize pickup of mechanical noise and vibration.
Applications and Placement
The following table lists the most common applications and placement techniques. Keep in mind that microphone technique is largely a matter of personal taste; there is no one "correct" microphone position.
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 technique Mono drum overhead Dual sound sources, such as between tom-toms or acoustic instruments
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.
Avoiding Pickup of Unwanted Sound Sources
Directional microphones are most sensitive to sounds arriving on axis and reject at angles depending upon the polar pattern. The following chart shows the rejection angles of each microphone. In live performance or recording settings, align monitors, P.A. loudspeakers, and unwanted sound sources at these angles. To minimize feedback and ensure optimum rejection of unwanted sound, always test microphone placement before a performance.
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Cardioid
Supercardioid
Bidirectional
Shure Incorporated
Off-axis null points at 180 degrees Off-axis null points at 120 degrees
Off-axis null points at 90 degrees
Changing Capsules
Follow these steps to change Beta 181 capsules:
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 dis-
plays the front of the microphone. 4. Tighten the knurled ring to securely reconnect the 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.
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Load Impedance
Maximum SPL capability, output clipping level, and dynamic range vary with the input load impedance of the preamplifier to which you connect the microphone. Shure recommends a minimum input load impedance of 1000 . Most modern microphone preamplifiers meet this requirement. Higher impedance results in better performance for these specifications.
Power Requirements
This microphone requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 Vdc supply (IEC-61938). However, it will operate with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity with supplies as low as 11 Vdc. Most modern mixers provide phantom power. You must use a balanced microphone cable: XLR-to-XLR.
Specifications
Type
Electret Condenser
Polar Pattern
181/C:
181/S:
181/O:
181/BI:
Frequency Response
20 to 20,000 Hz
Output Impedance
110
Sensitivity
open circuit voltage, @ 1 kHz, typical
Cardioid
Supercardioid
Omnidirectional
Bidirectional
Maximum SPL
1 kHz at 1% THD[2]
2500 load
Cardioid Supercardioid Omnidirectional Bidirectional
46.5 dBV/Pa[1] (4.7 mV) 49.5 dBV/Pa[1] (3.4 mV) 52.0 dBV/Pa[1] (2.5 mV) 51.0 dBV/Pa[1] (2.8 mV)
Cardioid
151.5 dB SPL
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1000 load
Signal-to-Noise Ratio[3]
Cardioid Supercardioid Omnidirectional Bidirectional
Dynamic Range
2500 load
1000 load
Clipping Level
@ 1 kHz, 1% THD
2500 load 1000 load
Self Noise
equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical
Cardioid Supercardioid Omnidirectional Bidirectional
Supercardioid Omnidirectional Bidirectional Cardioid Supercardioid Omnidirectional Bidirectional
Cardioid Supercardioid Omnidirectional Bidirectional Cardioid Supercardioid Omnidirectional Bidirectional
154.5 dB SPL 157.0 dB SPL 156.0 dB SPL 149.0 dB SPL 152.0 dB SPL 154.0 dB SPL 153.5 dB SPL
73.5 dB 71.5 dB 70.5 dB 71.0 dB
131.0 dB 132.0 dB 133.5 dB 133.0 dB 128.5 dB 129.5 dB 130.5 dB 130.5 dB
10.5 dBV 7.5 dBV
20.5 dB SPL-A 22.5 dB SPL-A 23.5 dB SPL-A 23.0 dB SPL-A
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Common Mode Rejection
20 to 20,000 kHz
55 dB
Polarity
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
Power Requirements
1152 V DC[4] phantom power (IEC-61938) 2.4 mA, maximum
Weight
145 g (5.1 oz.) [1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL [2]THD of microphone preamplifier when applied input signal level is equivalent to cartridge output at specified SPL [3]S/N ratio is the difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self noise, A-weighted [4]All specifications measured with a 48 Vdc phantom power supply. The microphone operates at lower voltages, but with slightly decreased headroom and sensitivity.
Overall Dimensions
Beta 181/C
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Beta 181/S
Beta 181/O
Beta 181/BI
Accessories
Furnished Accessories
Microphone Clip for AMS26, BETA181, KSM137, KSM141, MX412, MX418, MX412S, MX418S, MX412SE, MX418SE, SM62, SM63, SM63L, SM63LB, SM81, VP64, VP64A, VP64AL and standard microphone stands
A57F
Foam case assembly for BETA181
A181C
Foam Windscreen for BETA181
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Optional Accessories
BETA181 Cardioid Capsule
RPM181/C
BETA181 Supercardioid Capsule
RPM181/S
BETA181 Bidirectional Capsule
RPM181/BI
BETA181 Omnidirectional Capsule
RPM181/O
BETA181 Preamplifier
RPM181/PRE
Universal Microphone Mount with Large and Small Clip Adapters and Universal Threaded Adapter Post
A75M
Isolation Mount/Swivel Adapter for KSM109, KSM137, KSM141, SM63, SM81, SM94 and VP64
A53M
25 foot (7.5m) Triple-Flex® Microphone XLR Cable with Switchcraft connectors
C25E
Certifications
CE Notice
Hereby, Shure Incorporated declares that this product with CE Marking has been determined to be in compliance with European Union requirements. The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following site: https://www.shure.com/en-EU/support/declarations-of-conformity.
UKCA Notice
Hereby, Shure Incorporated declares that this product with UKCA Marking has been determined to be in compliance with UKCA requirements. The full text of the UK declaration of conformity is available at the following site: https://www.shure.com/en-GB/support/declarations-of-conformity.
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