Detail 01
Omnidirectional pattern
Picks up equally from all sides. No proximity effect, so close placement stays tonally flat, but bleed and feedback risk rise.
Product detailSKU #1288970926915
ShureBETA 181/O Instrument Mic
1/3
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Omnidirectional condenser for instrument miking. For engineers who want a natural, low-coloration capture and can work with an omni pattern.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Close-miking acoustic instruments where proximity effect ruins the low end
- Drum overheads and room capture in a controlled space
- Stage or studio work where a low-profile mic must stay out of sight
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Loud stages needing bleed rejection — omni hears everything
- Anyone without phantom power on their preamp or interface
- Vocalists wanting the bass lift of a cardioid up close
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Self-noise 23.5 dB SPL-A
Audible hiss on very quiet sources. Fine for drums and loud instruments, less ideal for whisper-level ambience.
Detail 03
-52 dBV/Pa sensitivity
Fairly low output. You will run more preamp gain than with a typical large-diaphragm condenser.
Detail 04
20 Hz to 20 kHz response
Full-range capture, so it reproduces low fundamentals and cymbal detail without a built-in tonal shape.
Detail 05
1.36 in capsule, 11-52V phantom at 2.4 mA
Small capsule fits tight placements; the low current draw is easy on multi-channel phantom supplies.
Detail 06
110 ohm output impedance
Drives long cable runs without high-end loss into standard mic preamp inputs.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Requires 11-52V phantom power from your interface, preamp or console
- 02Omni pattern means treat the room first — it captures what is there
- 03Confirm your mounting and stand hardware works for the placement you have in mind
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Does it need phantom power?
Yes. It runs on 11-52V phantom and draws up to 2.4 mA. No phantom, no signal.
02Can I use it for vocals?
You can, but the omni pattern gives no proximity bass lift and picks up the room equally. It suits instruments better.
03Will it feed back on stage?
Omni patterns reject nothing, so feedback margin is lower than a cardioid. Keep it away from wedges and mains.
04Is it good for quiet sources?
Self-noise is 23.5 dB SPL-A, so very soft sources will sit close to the mic's own hiss. It favors moderate to loud instruments.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
2 detailsSound
- Polar Pattern
- Omnidirectional
- Frequency Response
- 20 to 20,000 Hz
1 detailsPickups & controls
- Sensitivity Open Circuit Voltage 1 KHZ Typical
- -52.0 dBV/Pa (2.6 mV)
2 detailsConnections & power
- Power Requirements 11 52 V DC Phantom Power Iec 61938
- 2.4 mA, maximum
- Output Impedance
- 110 Î
2 detailsSize & weight
- Self Noise Equivalent SPL A Weighted Typical
- 23.5 dB SPL-A
- Capsule Width
- 1.36 inch (34.54mm)
4 detailsOther
- Cartridge Type
- Electret Condenser
- Common Mode Rejection 20 to 20 000 KHZ
- ±55 dB
- Signal to Noise Ratio
- 70.5 dB
- Polarity
- Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
