Shure Launches First-Of-Its-Kind Mic

US Beta 181 side-address condenser features interchangeable capsules 27/10/10

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Shure have introduced the Beta 181 instrument mix which they describe as first-of-its kind. It's a side-address condenser featuring interchangeable capsules and here's their press release with all the details...
The Beta 181 is an ultra-compact, side-address condenser microphone designed for discreet placement and control in live and studio environments. It is the first wired performance microphone from Shure that features interchangeable polar pattern capsules – cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional – to offer superior versatility in constantly changing performance environments.
"This mic is aces in tight spaces," raves Chad Wiggins, Shure's Category Director for Wired Products. "It's so compact; it can really fit in anywhere, whether it's under a piano lid or in, around, and over a drum kit. Paired with the interchangeable capsules, musicians and engineers can get really creative with their mic placement, depending on the sounds they're trying to achieve."
With superior construction, low handling noise and high gain before feedback, the Beta 181 redefines sensitivity and control like all other Shure Beta microphones. The small diaphragm design provides superior audio with consistent polar responses in a form factor small enough to get close to the source in the tightest conditions.
"In many applications where a large diaphragm side-address condenser might be a desirable, but impractical choice for live music, the Beta 181 offers a fresh solution," says renowned front-of-house engineer Roger Lindsay. "It gives a full, rich, well-defined sound in a microphone that goes where many others can't...impeccable performance in a neat, versatile package."
Like all of the other microphones in Shure's Beta line, such as the new Beta 91A, Beta 98A, and 2010 TEC Award nominated Beta 27, the Beta 181 is precision-engineered for superior sound reproduction, low handling noise, and high gain before feedback. Shure's Beta wired microphones strengthen all performances, for fine detail in a wide variety of demanding applications and changing environments.
Pricing and Availability:

The Beta 181 microphone will be priced at $499 retail [$624 MSRP] in four different variations: Beta 181/C (cardioid), Beta 181/S (supercardioid), Beta 181/O (omnidirectional), and Beta 181/BI (bidirectional).
Replacement capsules will also be available, priced at $249 retail [$311 MSRP] in four variations: RPM181/C (cardioid), RPM181/S (supercardioid), RPM181/O (omnidirectional), and RPM181/BI (bidirectional).
The Beta 181 preamplifier will also be available alone for $249 retail [$311 MSRP].

The new Beta 181 will ship with a stand adapter, windscreen, and carrying case (that will securely protect up to four polar pattern capsules).
The Beta 181 side-address instrument microphone, replacement capsules and preamplifier will be available November 15 and carry a two-year limited warranty. They will be available for purchase from select retailers.
More information: