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Telefunken M81-SH Supercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone

Dynamic Microphone with Compact Form Factor, Supercardioid Pickup Pattern, and 50Hz-18kHz Frequency Response
$249.00

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Telefunken M81-SH Supercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone
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Condenser-like Performance, Compact Dynamic Convenience

The Telefunken M81-SH dynamic microphone delivers condenser-like performance, with the convenience and robustness of a dynamic mic. Building upon the strengths of the M80, the M81-SH delivers the same minimal proximity effect, excellent feedback rejection, and an articulate mid-range, however, the top end is pulled back a bit, giving you a flatter overall frequency response. With its compact form factor, you'll find it easy to place the M81-SH on snare drums and other hard-to-reach sources. You don't need an expensive condenser mic to get studio-quality sound - you need the Telefunken M81-SH.

Telefunken M81-SH Dynamic Handheld Microphone at a Glance:
  • Specially-designed capsule gives the mic a wide, balanced response
  • Remarkably consistent sound no matter what you're plugging into
  • Clear, detailed sound is perfect for vocals or instruments
Specially-designed capsule gives the mic a wide, balanced response

Telefunken designed the M81-SH's head and capsule to reduce the proximity effect created by the supercardioid polar pattern. That means your vocals won't get boomy or indistinct, yet you still get the feedback-fighting characteristics of a directional microphone.

Remarkably consistent sound no matter what you're plugging into

If you're a live performer, you know that it's tough to get a consistent sound every night when you're plugging into a different mixing board each time. Different microphone preamplifiers can operate at different impedance levels, and that affects the sound of your microphone. The Telefunken M81-SH sports an American made, custom wound transformer that automatically matches impedance, and that means your vocal sound will be consistent no matter what you're plugging into.

Clear, detailed sound is perfect for vocals or instruments

The diaphragm on the Telefunken M81-SH is super thin, which gives it a fast, un-colored response that captures your sound with incredible detail. Because it's not a midrange-heavy mic like some dynamics, it's not just for vocals. You can get great results with the M81-SH in front of a guitar amp, over a snare drum, or virtually any other instrument that needs a detailed, well-balanced microphone.

Telefunken M81-SH Dynamic Microphone Features:
  • Dynamic supercardioid microphone for vocals, instruments, or percussion
  • Flat frequency response is perfect for taming brighter-sounding sources
  • Compact form factor makes it easy to place on snare drums and other hard-to-get-to sources
  • Wide-range 50Hz-18kHz frequency response is ideal for both instruments and vocals
  • Low-mass capsule and diaphragm responds quickly, giving you clear, detailed reproduction
  • Capsule design reduces proximity effect so your sound doesn't become muddy or indistinct
  • American made, custom wound transformer automatically matches impedance
  • Made in America with high-quality components
  • Includes microphone clip and carrying bag
Legendary Telefunken sound can be yours with the M81-SH!

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Dynamic
  • Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
  • Frequency Range: 50Hz-18kHz
  • Max SPL: 135 dB SPL
  • Output Impedance: 325 ohms
  • Connector: XLR
  • Weight: 0.75 lbs.
  • Included Accessories: Stand Mount, Microphone Pouch
  • Manufacturer Part Number: SYTM-067

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Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Awesome on Toms

I used these for a recording session with a Gretsch Catalina kit. I was amazed at the sound I got. Most of the EQ I did was to minimize bleed, they brought the best parts of the tone through.I will absolutely use them again.
Music background: Engineer (CRAS), Guitarist, Vocalist
Rated 5/5

What a great Dynamic Microphone!

Although I love my Shure SM57 mics for recording electric guitar out of my Fender Princeton Reverb amp, I had wondered if there might be a better mic out there.
I consulted several of my friends who are professional sound engineers and they suggested I get a Telefunken.
I talked to my Sales Engineer, Ben Robinson, and he suggested the M81-SH (specifically for recording from an amp, although it is also fantastic as a handheld microphone, though not as convenient as a Telefunken M80).
I noticed that there is a distinct clarity using the Telefunken M81 versus the Shure SM57 (and there should be since it costs 2.5 times more), but that is what I was looking for. There is no discernible static sound, the mid-range seems "fuller" and the highs are crystal clear.
I use it with the Cloudlifter Zi. It is an awesome combination.
You will not be disappointed with any Telefunken product!
Cheers.
Music background: Advanced Beginner guitar player
Rated 5/5

Awesome Mic!

I used this mic a few times on the snare drum both live and in the studio before I bought one and I was always impressed with the way it captured the snare! So far I've used it also on a few guitar amps and it does an amazing job! I have a Telefunken m80 (not the sh model) and have used it on snare and guitar amps as well but the flat eq on this mic to me captures these sources better. I still have a lot to try out with this mic but it was definitely worth purchasing!
Music background: Amateur recording engineer/Drummer
Rated 5/5

Tough as nails and great sound

I was pleasantly surprised with how well this mic works. Originally I bought it to record a rack and floor tom that I had bought elsewhere. I was hoping also to use it as a snare mic and as a one-two combo with a Baby Bottle to record the floor tom as an ersatz kick drum.

Everything that people on other sites have said is true. The lack of proximity effect means that you get more of a "whole drum" sound, from the snares and toms, and even the kick (which I did manage to record, and again -- very happy with the sound).

This microphone was head-and-shoulders above the crummy ATM DXGR mic that I own and have used for snare mic duties in the past. The sound is punchy, snappy, and mellow all-at-once, in my view. Highly recommended. (And it's a tough bugger too -- I managed to overload it many times while trying to set things up and work with the preamps to mic it close without distortion, and it is still in one piece. Not to mention that the construction is fantastic.)
Music background: 30+ years as a recordist and musician
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