Which capsule comes with the mic?

Several capsules exist, so the kit contents are worth confirming when you order. Tell us which source the mic is for and we will tell you which capsule it ships with.

Can the BETA181 be used as an overhead?

Yes, especially when there is little room above the cymbals. On a normal stage the Shure SM81 or Sennheiser e914 is easier to aim and cheaper. In a tight spot the BETA181 is the only one that fits.

Which capsule comes with the mic?

Several capsules exist, so the kit contents are worth confirming when you order. Tell us which source the mic is for and we will tell you which capsule it ships with.

Can the BETA181 be used as an overhead?

Yes, especially when there is little room above the cymbals. On a normal stage the Shure SM81 or Sennheiser e914 is easier to aim and cheaper. In a tight spot the BETA181 is the only one that fits.

Microphones

Shure BETA181

Name: Shure BETA181
Brand: Shure
Price: 12 EUR
Availability: InStock

MIC

Ultra-Compact Side-Address Condenser Microphone, 20-20,000 Hz

Price per 24 h rental

12 €/ 24 h

Prices are per 24 hours of rental. Longer rentals, delivery and setup are quoted on request.

Ask for a quote

The Shure BETA181 is a very compact side-address condenser microphone with an interchangeable capsule. Its small body fits where an ordinary mic will not: under the snare, beside the hi-hat, between cymbals, close to a guitar amp grille or under a piano lid. It is rented to complete a drum kit in clubs and recording, for percussion and for acoustic instruments on a cramped stage. Phantom power required.

Compared with the Shure SM81 or Sennheiser e914, which are long end-address pencil mics, the BETA181 is short and hears from the side, so it can sit across the source on a small stand. All three work as overheads, but only the BETA181 fits into a tight spot. The classic snare bottom pairing is an SM57 on top and a BETA181 underneath. The set runs into a Yamaha DM3, which supplies phantom power per channel.

What to consider when renting

Switch 48 V phantom power on for the channel. Mount the mic with its holder on a short stand such as the K&M 259/1 and rotate the side-address capsule to face the source; note which side is the front. Under the snare aim the capsule up at the bottom head and flip the polarity of that channel at the desk. Check that the capsule is screwed firmly onto the body. Suitable for an experienced drummer or a sound technician.