Shure PG81-XLR — Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone

The Shure PG81-XLR is a cardioid condenser instrument microphone designed to capture acoustic instruments with clarity and detail, supplied with an XLR cable. Part of Shure's accessible Performance Gear line, it brings condenser-mic detail to acoustic guitar, overheads, piano, and other instruments at an attainable price.

Why a condenser for instruments: Dynamic mics (like the SM57) are great for loud sources, but condensers capture the subtle high-frequency detail and transient response that acoustic instruments need — the shimmer of cymbals, the body of an acoustic guitar, the air around a piano. The PG81's cardioid pattern focuses on the source while rejecting off-axis noise.

Specifications:

• Type: Cardioid condenser
• Requires phantom power (48V)
• Frequency response tailored for instrument capture
• Flat, accurate response for natural sound
• Includes XLR cable and mic clip
• Compact form factor for tight placement

Ideal for: Acoustic guitar, drum overheads, cymbals, piano, strings, and acoustic ensembles. Home studios, houses of worship, schools, and live engineers needing affordable condenser detail. Buy multiples for stereo overhead pairs.