Sound Pure's Take

Such a killer little mic, and not just for drums.  Yes, these are absolutely amazing on snare and toms - punchy, alive, 3-dimensional and so much "bigger" than dynamics - but they also work for other places, but we've also found that, with cleaner electric tones and even acoustic guitars, these mics can be great little alternatives over the normal fare.  But yes, we know, you want these for the drums.

When used with a great set of overheads and a great kick mic, really anything of your choosing, the 181s on toms and snare bring you so much detail and control over your kit.  They have FANTASTIC off-axis rejection, which is a must when you are using 6+ mics on your kit.  This really allows you to position the mics where they sound best on the drums: you don't have to worry as much about the bleed.  Being condensers, they also have so much more detail and presence over your standard dynamic mics, even the more expensive offerings that cost nearly as much as these.  On top of that, the 181s give you a deeper dimension to your sound, there is depth that you don't get from many lesser expensive mics.

My favorite part about using the 181s on the snare and toms is that they give you more flexibility in the mix.  What I mean by this is that, when miking with the 181s, you are going to be able to really dial in your sound in post. They take EQ and compression so much better than dynamics.  And because you have more detail from these, you can place them in the drum mix exactly how you want them.  

Watch & listen

LDC Kick Drum Mic Shootout: Neumann U47 FET vs Bock iFET vs Soyuz SU-019

Also in this recording Neumann U 47 FET Collectors Edition Bock Audio iFET Condenser Microphone Soyuz 017 FET Large Diaphragm Condenser Millennia HV-3R Digital 8 Channel Mic Preamp AEA R88 MKII Stereo Ribbon Microphone Dunnett Classic 8x14 Magnesium Snare Drum Shure Beta 52A Kick Drum Microphone

In this video we present an LDC kick drum microphone shootout using the Neumann U47 FET, the Bock iFET and the Soyuz SU-019. Can you tell which one's which? If you are interested in hearing the results and/or getting aho... Read more

In this video we present an LDC kick drum microphone shootout using the Neumann U47 FET, the Bock iFET and the Soyuz SU-019. Can you tell which one's which? If you are interested in hearing the results and/or getting ahold of the audio files from this shootout, give us a shout, we'd love to hear from you!

Shure Beta 181 Side Address Microphone Overview

Also in this recording Shure Beta 181/S Ultra-Compact Side-Address Microphone

The Shure Beta 181 is an ultra-compact, small-diaphragm side-address condenser microphone that provides superior audio with consistent, textbook polar responses in a form factor small enough to get close to the source in... Read more

The Shure Beta 181 is an ultra-compact, small-diaphragm side-address condenser microphone that provides superior audio with consistent, textbook polar responses in a form factor small enough to get close to the source in the tightest conditions. It features interchangeable cardioid, super cardioid, omni and bidirectional capsules that make it a super versatile microphone for any recording applications. In this video, SoundPure Pro Audio Expert, Travis Hall, showcases this workhorse microphone on drums, electric guitar and acoustic guitar. If you like what you hear, check out this gear at SoundPure.com or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

Shure Beta 181 Ultra-Compact Side-Address Microphone: Cardioid vs. Super-Cardioid

Also in this recording Shure Beta 181/S Ultra-Compact Side-Address Microphone Canopus 6.5x14 The Brass Polished Shell Snare Drum-Die Cast

The Shure Beta 181 Ultra-Compact Side-Address Microphone is a fantastic microphone for any application whether its in the studio or on stage. Its precision-engineered design is great for discreet placement and ultimate c... Read more

The Shure Beta 181 Ultra-Compact Side-Address Microphone is a fantastic microphone for any application whether its in the studio or on stage. Its precision-engineered design is great for discreet placement and ultimate control. The 181 features cardioid, omni, super-cardioid and bidirectional interchangeable polar pattern capsules that make it a super versatile mic.  In this video, SoundPure Pro Audio Expert, Travis Hall, demonstrates the cardioid and super-cardioid capsules on a Canopus 6.5x14 Brass Polished Snare Drum. If you like what you hear, check out this gear at SoundPure.com, or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!  

8 Microphone Drum Setup - Sound Pure Gear Tip

Also in this recording Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Neumann SKM 184 Stereo Mic Set (Nickel) Peluso P87 Multi-Pattern Solid State Microphone Audix D6 Dynamic Instrument Microphone

In this installment of Sound Pure Gear Tips, Pro Audio Specialist Marc Kuzio walks us through an 8-microphone drums setup. This video is part 2 of a series on micing drums. For the previous installment (4-mic drums setup... Read more

In this installment of Sound Pure Gear Tips, Pro Audio Specialist Marc Kuzio walks us through an 8-microphone drums setup. This video is part 2 of a series on micing drums. For the previous installment (4-mic drums setup) click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9o58kIGYBU

Maag Audio EQ2-500 2 band EQ w/ AIR Band pt. 1: Tracking Electric/Acoustic Guitars

Also in this recording Maag Audio EQ2 - 500 series Equalizer Royer Labs R-121 Ribbon Microphone Carr Amplifiers Sportsman 19W 1x12 Combo Amp--Black Vintech Audio 573 500-Series Mic Preamp Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

The Maag Audio EQ2-500 is a no compromise one channel 2 band equalizer that provides unparalleled transparency and top end presence. EQ adjustments are obtained with minimal phase shift and detent controls allow for easy... Read more

The Maag Audio EQ2-500 is a no compromise one channel 2 band equalizer that provides unparalleled transparency and top end presence. EQ adjustments are obtained with minimal phase shift and detent controls allow for easy recallable settings. In this video, SoundPure Pro Audio Expert, Travis Hall, discusses tracking electric and acoustic guitars using the Maag EQ2. This 2 band EQ is available for SoundPure’s exclusive Try-Before-You-Buy program, so if you want to hear how this gear sounds in your studio with your gear, shoot us an email at ProAudio@SoundPure.com. If you like what you hear, check out this gear at SoundPure.com, or call us anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

Maag Audio EQ2-500 2 band EQ w/ AIR Band pt. 2: Drum Bus Processing

Also in this recording Maag Audio EQ2 - 500 series Equalizer Miktek C5MP Small Diaphragm Condenser Matched Pair Phoenix Audio DRS8 mk2 Microphone Preamp Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter Miktek C7e Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern FET Condenser Mic

The Maag Audio EQ2-500 is a no compromise one channel 2 band equalizer that provides unparalleled transparency and top end presence. EQ adjustments are obtained with minimal phase shift and detent controls allow for easy... Read more

The Maag Audio EQ2-500 is a no compromise one channel 2 band equalizer that provides unparalleled transparency and top end presence. EQ adjustments are obtained with minimal phase shift and detent controls allow for easy recallable settings. In this video, SoundPure Recording Engineer, Allen Palmer, demonstrates processing a drum bus using the Maag EQ2. This 2 band EQ is available for SoundPure’s exclusive Try-Before-You-Buy program, so if you want to hear how this gear sounds in your studio with your gear, shoot us an email at ProAudio@SoundPure.com. If you like what you hear, check out this gear at SoundPure.com, or call us anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

Miktek C7 vs. Lauten Atlantis vs. Neumann TLM 107: LDC Drum Overhead Shootout

Also in this recording Miktek C7e Large Diaphragm Muti-Pattern Matched Pair Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387 Multi-Voiced Microphone Neumann TLM 107 (Nickel) Multi-pattern LDC Microphone Shure Beta 52A Kick Drum Microphone

LDC Mic Drum Overhead Shootout featuring the Miktek C7, the Lauten Atlantis, and the Neumann TLM 107. In the final video of our drum overhead series, SoundPure Pro Audio Expert, Travis Hall, showcases just a few of our f... Read more

LDC Mic Drum Overhead Shootout featuring the Miktek C7, the Lauten Atlantis, and the Neumann TLM 107. In the final video of our drum overhead series, SoundPure Pro Audio Expert, Travis Hall, showcases just a few of our favorite LDC microphones. All three mics were run through our Phoenix DRS8 mic pre and our Apogee Symphony Converter. These mics are also available for SoundPure's Try Before You Buy program, so if you want to hear how these mics sound in your studio with your gear, shoot us an email at mics@soundpure.com. If you like what you hear, check out this gear at SoundPure.com or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

Miktek C5 vs. Schoeps CMC6 vs. Neumann KM184 vs. Peluso P84 - SDC Mic Drum Overheads Shootout

Also in this recording Miktek C5MP Small Diaphragm Condenser Matched Pair Schoeps Colette Mono Set CMC 6 + MK 4 Neumann KM 184 Microphone (Nickel Finish) Peluso P-84 SK Solid State SDC Microphone Stereo Kit Shure Beta 52A Kick Drum Microphone

SDC Mic Drum Overhead Shootout comparing the Miktek C5, Schoeps CMC 6, Neumann KM 184 and the Peluso P-84. All four of these mics were recorded through the Phoenix DRS8 Mic Pre and into the Apogee Digital Symphony conver... Read more

SDC Mic Drum Overhead Shootout comparing the Miktek C5, Schoeps CMC 6, Neumann KM 184 and the Peluso P-84. All four of these mics were recorded through the Phoenix DRS8 Mic Pre and into the Apogee Digital Symphony converter. SoundPure Pro Audio Expert, Travis Hall, continues our series on drum overheads by going a little more in depth on SDC microphones. Be sure to check out the upcoming videos where we discuss Ribbon and LDC mics in more detail. If you like what you hear, check out this gear at SoundPure.com or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!  

Royer R121 vs. Shure KSM 313 vs. Coles 4038 vs. AEA R84 - Ribbon Mic Drum Overhead Shootout

Also in this recording Royer Labs R-121 Ribbon Microphone Matched Pair Shure KSM313/NE Dual-Voice Ribbon Mic with Roswellite Ribbon Coles 4038 Factory Matched Pair Ribbon Microphones Shure Beta 52A Kick Drum Microphone Canopus 6.5x14 The Brass Polished Shell Snare Drum-Die Cast

Ribbon Mic Drum Overhead Shootout featuring the Royer R121, Shure KSM 313, Coles 4038, and the AEA R84.  SoundPure Pro Audio Expert, Travis Hall, talks more about using ribbon mics as drum overheads in the third installm... Read more

Ribbon Mic Drum Overhead Shootout featuring the Royer R121, Shure KSM 313, Coles 4038, and the AEA R84.  SoundPure Pro Audio Expert, Travis Hall, talks more about using ribbon mics as drum overheads in the third installment of our Drum Overhead Series. All four mics were recorded in our pro studio with the Phoenix DRS 8 mic pre and our Apogee Digital Symphony converter. Check out our other drum overhead videos, where we discuss SDC and LDC mics in more detail. If you like what you hear, check out this gear at SoundPure.com or call us anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!  

Neumann U87 vs. Coles 4038 vs. Neumann KM184 - Studio Drum Overheads Comparison

Also in this recording Coles 4038 Factory Matched Pair Ribbon Microphones Neumann U87Ai Microphone Neumann KM 184 Microphone (Nickel Finish) Shure Beta 52A Kick Drum Microphone Shure Beta 181/S Ultra-Compact Side-Address Microphone Canopus 6.5x14 The Brass Polished Shell Snare Drum-Die Cast

This microphone shootout illustrates the differences between three different microphone types on drum overheads, Large Diaphragm Condenser, Small Diaphragm Condenser, and Ribbon. The selected mics do an excellent job rep... Read more

This microphone shootout illustrates the differences between three different microphone types on drum overheads, Large Diaphragm Condenser, Small Diaphragm Condenser, and Ribbon. The selected mics do an excellent job representing the general characteristics of each class, among those are the Neumann U87ai LDC, the Neumann SKM184 SDC, and the Coles 4038 Ribbon. All three mic pairs were run through our Phoenix DRS-8 Mic Preamp. Snare and toms were miked using Shure Beta 181/C side-address microphones, a Shure Beta 52 was used on the kick, and all four drums were recorded through our Vintech 573 Preamp Modules. All tracks were recorded through our Apogee Symphony Converter. First you'll hear the overhead pairs solo'd, then we'll bring in the close mics for an example in context. This is the first video of our Drum Overhead Shootout Series, so be sure to check out the other videos where we go much more in depth with each type of microphone and compare some of our favorite mics within each class. Some of these mics are available for Sound Pure's Try-Before-You-Buy Demo Program, so if you'd like more info on how you can experience one of these mics for yourself or just have questions about which mic style would be best for your recordings, give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552 and we'd be happy to talk more with you. Thanks for watching!  

From Shure

The Shure Beta 181 is an ultra-compact, small-diaphragm side-address condenser microphone, designed for discreet placement and control in live and studio environments. Featuring interchangeable cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional and bidirectional capsule options for superior versatility, the small diaphragm design provides superior audio with consistent, textbook polar responses in a form factor small enough to get close to the source in the tightest conditions.

  • Interchangeable polar pattern capsules attach to a compact preamplifier with integrated XLR connections for the ultimate in low-profile application flexibility (Each Beta 181 ships with one polar pattern capsule and one XLR preamplifier. Capsules available separately for custom flexibility.)
  • Precision-engineered, compact side-address design features innovative locking ring to provide secure connection between capsule and preamplifier
  • Frequency response tailored for wide dynamic range applications for use in high SPL environments
  • Furnished with stand adapter, windscreen and carrying case (carrying case will securely protect up to four polar pattern capsules)


Application recommendations:

  • BETA 181/C (cardioid) for drum overhead, piano, acoustic instrument applications, M/S stereo technique (paired with Beta 181/BI)
Type
Condenser (Electret)
Frequency Response
20 to 20,000 Hz
Polar Pattern
Cardioid, Supercardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional
Phantom power required?
11–52 V DC phantom power (IEC-61938) 2.4 mA, maximum

Free 3-Year Warranty

Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →

Returns

Try Before You Buy: take it home, commit only when it's right. Program details →

Sound Pure Studios Control Room A — Durham, NC

Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC

Come hear it in our control rooms.

Sound Pure is a working studio in Durham, NC — a 1,000 sq ft live room and two pro control rooms. Book a session to audition gear in a world-class acoustic space before you buy.

$569