Mic Archive
Shure PG81
Photo: Shure, from its spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1.

Shure

Shure PG81

Small-diaphragm cardioid electret condenser (end-address) for acoustic instruments, flat response; battery or phantom powered; Performance Gear series

Type
Condenser (electret)
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−48 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
20 dB(A)
Max SPL
131 dB SPL
Impedance
600 Ω
Rated range
40 – 18k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1. "Frequency Response", marked "60 cm (2 ft.)"; relative dB. Room and smoothing not stated.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1. "Polar Pattern Measured at 1000 Hz"; 0° at the bottom, 5 dB per ring, outer ring 0 dB. Distance and room not stated.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy)
Sensitivity−48 dBV/Pa (4 mV/Pa), 1000 Hz. "-48 dBV/Pa, (4.0 mV), 1 Pascal = 94 dB SPL".p. 1
Self-noise20 dB(A), equivalent SPL, typical, A-weighted. "Self-Noise (Equivalent SPL) 20 dB typical, A-weighted".
Max SPL131 dB SPL, 2000 ohm load, phantom power; also 127 dB SPL, 2000 ohm load, battery. "2000 ohm load: 131 dB (phantom), 127 dB (battery)".
Signal-to-noise ratio68 dB, at 94 dB SPL (IEC 651). "68 dB (IEC 651)* at 94 dB SPL".
Dynamic range111 dB, max SPL into 2 kΩ to A-weighted noise, phantom; also 107 dB, battery
Output impedance600 ohm, at 1000 Hz
Rated load impedance800 ohm, recommended minimum. "Recommended Input Load Impedance 800 ohms minimum".
Rated frequency range40 Hz to 18 kHz. The guide (p. 14) prints "40–18,000Hz" too.
Poweringphantom 11 to 52 V DC, or one 1.5 V AA alkaline battery. "Phantom Power Supply Voltage: 11 to 52 Vdc"; "Battery Power Recommended: 1.5 V alkaline AA size (NEDA 15A) Life: up to 10,000 hour".
Current draw2 mA, maximum, at 52 V DC. "Current Drain: 2.0 mA max at 52 Vdc".
ConnectorXLR-3 male. Not stated by the manufacturer: Not named as such: the polarity refers to pins 2 and 3 "of microphone output connector", and the PG81-XLR comes with an XLR-to-XLR cable.
Weight250 g, net, less battery. "Net: 250 g (8.8 oz) less battery"; packaged 880 g.
FinishSteel and brass construction with black painted finish. "Case".
Supplied accessoriesmicrophone clip; 5/8" to 3/8" thread adapter; storage bag. PG81-LC "Includes a Microphone Clip, 5/8“ to 3/8“ Thread Adapter, and a Storage Bag"; the overview calls them "swivel adapter, carrying pouch".
ModelsPG81-XLR: with a 4.57 m (15 ft) XLR to XLR cable; PG81-LC: without cable
SwitchBuilt-in on/off switch
Output clipping level (1 kHz, 1% THD, 2000 ohm load)"13 dBV (0.22 V)" (phantom; 0.22 V is -13 dBV); -17 dBV (0.14 V) (battery)
Electromagnetic hum sensitivity-7 dB equivalent SPL in a 1 millioersted field (60 Hz)
Phantom protectionMaximum external voltage on pins 2 and 3 with respect to pin 1: +52 V DC; reverse polarity protected to 100 V DC
Battery lifeUp to 10,000 hours (1.5 V AA alkaline)
PolarityPositive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3 of microphone output connector
Shock mountInternal shock mount for reduced handling noise
Environmental conditions-29 to 57 °C, relative humidity 0 to 95%
From the user guide
Placement (Shure)Acoustic guitar 20 cm from the sound hole (more bass), 9 cm from the sound hole (bass heavy), 9-15 cm from the bridge (warm, mellow), 15 cm above the side over the bridge (natural); hi-hat 15 cm aimed down; overhead 30 cm above the drummer's head; piano 2.5-15 cm over the open topp. 7

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Shure, unchanged, with its original address.

Recording Hacks

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

Other mics