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Shure

Shure RPM181/S Supercardioid Polar Pattern Capsule

$317.00

The RPM181/S Supercardioid Polar Pattern Capsule by Shure is one of four interchangeable capsules for Shure's Beta 181 side-address instrument microphone. It features a locking ring which provides a secure connection with the Shure RPM181/PRE. Paired with this preamp, its compact design weighs only 5.1 oz and gets close to any source even in the tightest conditions. With its wide frequency response and high SPL handling, it's great for close-miking in performance settings as well as snare drums and acoustic instruments. It also performs with little to no crossover distortion and provides exceptional low-frequency reproduction.
 
The capsule is made with a hardened steel mesh grille that resists denting, wear and abuse. Along with its compact form factor, the diaphragm provides exceptional audio with consistent, textbook-like polar responses resulting in a mic with noteworthy sound and versatility.

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About the Shure RPM181/S Supercardioid Polar Pattern Capsule

The Shure RPM181/S is a modular supercardioid polar pattern capsule designed for integration with compatible modular microphone systems. It houses a large-diaphragm true condenser transducer engineered to deliver a focused, directional pickup pattern that is tighter and offers greater rear rejection than a standard cardioid. This makes it exceptionally effective at isolating a sound source from ambient noise, monitor bleed, or competing instruments, which is crucial in live sound reinforcement and studio recording where separation and gain before feedback are paramount. The capsule attaches securely to a compatible modular microphone body, transforming it into a high-performance supercardioid condenser microphone with a smooth, detailed frequency response.

The sonic character of the RPM181/S is transparent and accurate, with a presence rise that enhances vocal intelligibility without harshness. Its supercardioid pattern provides excellent rejection of sound arriving at angles greater than 125 degrees from the front axis, making it a preferred choice for loud stages, broadcast booths, and recording situations where maximum isolation is required. The capsule is constructed with high-grade materials and precise manufacturing tolerances to ensure consistent performance and durability. As part of a modular ecosystem, it offers studios and engineers significant flexibility, allowing them to adapt a single microphone base for different applications by swapping polar pattern capsules.

This capsule is ideal for close-miking vocals, guitar cabinets, snare drums, and other instruments where precise control of the pickup area is necessary. When paired with a high-quality system base, it performs as a top-tier studio and live vocal microphone, providing the focused pickup and sonic clarity needed for professional audio production. The RPM181/S exemplifies the power of modular design, enabling audio professionals to invest in a versatile system that can be tailored to specific recording or reinforcement challenges with a simple capsule change.

Key Features

Shure RPM181/S Supercardioid Polar Pattern Capsule Specs

Capsule Properties
Transducer Type
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Capsule Diameter
1 Inch
Electrical & Acoustic
Sensitivity
15 mV/Pa (-36.5 dBV)
Maximum SPL
146 dB
Equivalent Noise
16 dB(A)
Impedance
150 Ohms
Physical Design
Connector Type
Proprietary Modular
Body Material
Brass
Finish
Chrome
Grille Design
Fixed, Single Layer
Compatibility & Use
Compatible Systems
Shure Modular Microphone Bases
Primary Application
Live Vocals, Instrument Isolation
Required Power
48V Phantom Power (via base)

Key Features

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