Shure PGA181 XLR Side-address Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

94
GEARANK

94 out of 100. Incorporating 125+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$99
Shure PGA181 Condenser Microphone

The Shure PGA181 is a side-address cardioid condenser microphone designed with versatility in mind.

The design allows the PGA181 to even be used dangling in front of a guitar cabinet: something not usually recommended with top-address microphones like the SM57.

It has a max SPL of 138dB which allows it to be used on even the loudest of sound sources.

Features

  • Frequency Response:50Hz-20kHz
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Max SPL: 138 dB
  • Power Requirements: Phantom Power 48V (+/- 4V)
  • Best For: Vocals, Instruments, Percussion, Amplifiers.

Pros

"Desert island microphone" is what forum discussions and reviews hint at when they describe the PGA181. The frequency response is even and clear and versatile enough to work from vocals to orchestral percussion.

Cons

It is a "Jack-of-all-trades, master of none" type microphone according to some reviews. It might also be too heavy for some mic stands as some users said their booms were not able to support the mic properly. This can be remedied by using a good Mic Stand.

Overall

The PGA181 is a versatile microphone that gets the job done and is a great pick if you're looking for a first mic to get your music production projects rolling.