Mic Archive
Shure PGA81
Photo: Shure, from its user guide, p. 1.

Shure

Shure PGA81

Small-diaphragm cardioid electret condenser (end-address) for instruments, flat response; PG Alta series

Type
Condenser (electret)
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−48.5 dBV/Pa
Max SPL
129.5 dB SPL
Impedance
600 Ω
Rated range
40 – 18k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the user guide, p. 6. "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 user guide, p. 6. "Polar Pattern", 1000 Hz only; 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 user guide
Sensitivity−48.5 dBV/Pa (3.8 mV/Pa), 1 kHz, open circuit voltage. "-48.5 dBV/Pa (3.8 mV)".p. 6
Max SPL129.5 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% THD, 1 kΩ load, typical. Not on the spec sheet.
Output impedance600 ohm. "Output Impedance ... 600 Ω" (the guide repeats the sensitivity's "at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage" under it).
Rated frequency range40 Hz to 18 kHz
Poweringphantom, 11 to 52 V DC. "11 to 52 V DC phantom power (2.0 mA)"; the spec sheet says "48 VDC phantom power (2.0 mA)"; p. 3: it performs best on 48 V.
Current draw2 mA
ConnectorXLR-3 male. "Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male".
Weight186 g. "186 g (0.4 lbs)"; the spec sheet: "186 g (6.6 oz.)".
Dimensions27.8 × 131.1 mm. Overall dimensions: "131.1 mm (5.2 in.)" long, "27.80 mm (1.09 in.)" across the grille, 24.6 mm (0.9 in.) at the connector end (head diameter × length).p. 7
PolarityPositive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3p. 6
Placement (Shure)Acoustic guitar 15-30 cm; drums 1-2 m; amplifiers 2-15 cm; strings or horns 30 cm to 2 m; full band 1-3 m; auxiliary percussion 15-30 cmp. 4
From the spec sheet
FinishCast zinc housing, black metallic finish and grille. "Cast Zinc" housing from the guide, p. 6; finish from the spec sheet's features.p. 1
Supplied accessoriesA25D microphone clip; stand adapter; zipper pouch. Available SKUs: PGA81-LC "Microphone, clip, stand adapter, and pouch (Less cable)".
ModelsPGA81-LC: without cable; PGA81-XLR: with a 4.6 m (15 ft) XLR-to-XLR cable
Optional accessories31A1856 5/8" to 3/8" thread adapter; C25J 7.6 m (25 ft) XLR-to-XLR cable; A3WS black foam windscreen

Documents

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

Product page on shure.com

Recommended for

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

Other mics