Shure PGA181 Side-Address Condenser Microphone

Shure PGA181 Side-Address Condenser Microphone Overview

Shure’s PGA181 is a side-address cardioid condenser microphone with a rugged build-quality and smooth frequency response that’s part of the PG Alta series. This mic is excellent value for money, delivering fantastic sound quality and versatility at an affordable price. The PGA181 can excel at a variety of applications, such as live & studio vocals, amplified & instrument recording and live performance.

Versatile Workhorse

A key part of the Shure PGA 181 versatile character is its tailored microphone cartridge design, which delivers exceptional reproduction of your sound sources. This condenser’s ability to capture the natural sonic character of voices, drums, cymbals, amplifiers, and acoustic instruments at this price point is something to behold.

Fantastic Isolation

Shure have bestowed the PGA181 with a directional cardioid polar pattern, which focuses the mic on picking up audio from the sound source and rejects background noise. Because this is a side-address mic, a handy cardioid graphic has been printed on to indicate which side is the front. If you’re using the PGA181 in a noisy environment where a lot of bleed can occur or in an untreated room, this aspect of the PGA181 is a huge advantage.

Robust Build

Physically, the PGA181 boasts Shure’s trademark solid construction and an updated industrial design, with a black metallic finish and grille which lends it a sleek, professional visual presence. Its form factor means you can position it a lot closer to sound sources (such as cab speakers and toms) without having to worry about the chassis getting in the way.

Extra Goodies

In addition to the PGA181 condenser microphone, you also receive a useful stand holder (which features soft plastic “ribs” that prevent the mic from slipping out) and a soft carry case (perfect for transporting or storing the PGA181 betweens sessions).

If you’re in the market for a reasonably priced, high-quality microphone that can practically do it all - the PGA181 needs to be on your list. What Shure have managed to achieve with the PGA181 and the PG Alta series as a whole is to give a wider range of budding producers, engineers and home studio owners access to top-notch Shure gear at an affordable price.