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Shure PGA81-XLR Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone with Cable (15')

BH #SHPGA81XLR • MFR #PGA81-XLR
2 reviews
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Shure PGA81-XLR Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone with Cable (15')
Key Features
  • Electret Condenser Microphone
  • For Instrument Capture
  • Suitable for Sound Reinforcement
  • Cardioid Polar Pattern
The PGA81-XLR from Shure is a professional-quality 48V instrument microphone with an updated industrial design that features a black metallic finish and grille. The mic offers an unobtrusive visual presence, and can be used to capture audio in several environments for applications such as stereo recordings, pianos/organs, acoustic string instruments, choirs, drums, percussion instruments, and much more.
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Shure PGA-81 Overview

The PGA81-XLR from Shure is a professional-quality 48V instrument microphone with an updated industrial design that features a black metallic finish and grille. The mic offers an unobtrusive visual presence, and can be used to capture audio in several environments for applications such as stereo recordings, pianos/organs, acoustic string instruments, choirs, drums, percussion instruments, and much more.

The PGA81-XLR features a cardioid condenser capsule and is built with the same durability and performance attributes of other Shure microphones. In addition, the mic comes with a swivel adapter, a 15' XLR cable, and a zippered carrying pouch. Phantom power is required.

Flat-response microphone cartridge design for clear reproduction of acoustic instrument sound sources in more sensitive environments
Cardioid polar pattern picks up audio from the source while rejecting unwanted noise
Updated industrial design with black metallic finish and grille for unobtrusive visual presence
Stand adapter for mounting to a microphone stand
Zipper pouch included for additional protection during storage or transport
Shure quality design and construction for professional performance in rigorous environments
UPC: 042406396660

Shure PGA-81 Specs

Key Specs
Microphone Type
Small Diaphragm
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Element Type
Electret Condenser
Controls
No
Frequency Response
40 Hz to 18 kHz
Analog Output
1x XLR 3-Pin
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Microphone
Microphone Type
Small Diaphragm
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Element Type
Electret Condenser
Sound Field
Mono
Orientation
End Address
Controls
No
Circuitry
Solid-State
Performance
Frequency Response
40 Hz to 18 kHz
Sensitivity
3.8 mV/Pa / -48.5 dBV/Pa (at 1 kHz)
Connectivity
Analog Output Connector
1x XLR 3-Pin
Cable Length
15' / 4.5 m
Power
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Operating Voltage
48 V (Phantom Power)
Physical
Color
Black
Weight
6.6 oz / 186 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.55 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
10 x 5 x 3.4"

Shure PGA-81 Reviews

Excellent

By Anonymous
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-07-25

Excellent

My first XLR mic pair; use heavily; never disappointed.

By Roger L.
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2018-12-16

I’m not a career sound person. I do videography part-time (nights/weekends). My points of reference are built-in camera mics; DLSR add-ons like Rode’s Pro (short shotgun) & Stereo Pro; and built-in mics on portable recorders, like Zoom H5 & H1. Compared to those, my Shure PGA81-XLR’s have been a step up. The balanced line XLR cables pick up less ambient RF noise, giving me less audio clean-up work in post, and better audio results for the clean-up that I still do. And the cardiod pick-up pattern helps reduce audience noise, and phase interference between mics used in xy pairs for stereo. These are built like little tanks. I’ve had them 2 years, and use them every shoot. Seem indestructible. They list at 40-20,000 Hz (I guess all the dogs & toddlers listening to my videos appreciate the 10k+ end; I can’t hear it). Since these have no built-in low-cut (a.k.a. high-pass), I use them in shock cages on mic stands and don’t handle them during recording. This works very well. (Tip: in floor-pounding environments like theater, I like to put the mic stands atop a hand-cut circle of Damplifier automobile sound dampening foam.) I’m not qualified to comment on the ear-love from these: how “warm” or “sizzly” or “present” or they are (“with hints of oak, hominy, and spent transmission fluid”). But I am very fussy about sound, and these have been my go-to mics for best capture. I’ve used them for 50-piece orchestra projects; the conductor said the recording “brought tears to his eyes.” (Yeah, yeah, I know: happy tears!) I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them, at least for anyone like me, looking to up their audio game from the non-XLR realm. But if your first use is run-and-gun video, then consider instead something like the Audio-Technica AT2022 or AT875R, since both are designed for DSLR-mounting. The 2022 is for low background noise settings and where stereo is important. The 875R is for high ambient/competing noise settings and where monaural sound is no big sacrifice.

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