Anyone ever used the sm81? I have on that I use for various live sound applications, when I work with band etc. it's got a nice sound, but I never have recorded with it.
What are your opinions on it? The response chart is very flat.....
Thanks
Quote from: Jon Stoppable on October 03, 2013, 08:23:29 AM
They are kinda bright (in color) if that matters in your venue.
I think Jon means this literally, not figuratively- the microphone body is a visually bright-ish silver color and somewhat long as I recall; it's sonic
color is not particularly
bright in frequency response.
No?
I'm familiar with the mic but have never used them for audience recording.
An admirable trait!
Just clarifying for those who may interpret that in an unintended way.
Have used the SM81 for overheads etc but not taping; it's cousin, the KSM137, is my go to for cards on a budget (the 137's big brother the KSM141 provides switchable card/omni for not much more cash).
Given my results with the KSM's, I think you can make the SM81's work- KSM's roll off in the low end a bit more, but has a higher sensitivity rating (make sure you have a good preamp) and are a little cleaner overall. Nothing but positive feedback on my tapes; imagine you'll get good results with the 81's as well.
The new sm81 does not sound like the old sm81.. IMO. They also made a super rare omni version of this mic that does sound amazing. For my ears I was always more fond of the KM184 Or KM84 for overhead or the AKG 451 :) The sm81 was always the cheap overhead from production companies. I did spec these mics for Church Installs I would do, for Choir mics or just general condenser mics that can be used for almost anything from acoustic guitar to piano. They are a decent sounding condenser mic. But there are much better sounding mics for the same price. The problem I always felt was with the venting of the capsule made it sound very unfocused. Here is a picture of the rare omni capsule side by side with the cardioid capsule. Shure had a RTA and recommended using the Sm81 With the R104A omni capsule. I had used a pair of omni mics to close my a grand piano the result was nothing short of amazing.