Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
HQ Audio Of Review: podcastage.com/rev/pga181
Today i review the Shure PGA181 an affordable side address condenser. It is very straight forward with only a cardioid polar pattern and no pads or filters. This mic is more of an upper mid focused sound which gives it a punchy character. The self noise on this mic comes in at 22dBA which is kind of high, but seems relatively inline with the competition LCT240 (19dBA), AT2020 (20dBA), 770 ($20dBA), X1a (16dBA), but it is still on the higher side.
RECORDING SETTINGS:
• Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen
• Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
• Gain: +32dB
• Boosted in Post: +9dB
SPECS:
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Freq Response : 50Hz - 20khz
• Sensitivity: -38dB
• Max SPL: 138dB
• Self Noise: 22dBA
• Impedance: 120-ohms
Buy the Shure PGA181(Affiliate Link)
Amazon: geni.us/pga181
Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/pga181
B&H Photo: bhpho.to/43g9RZQ
Buy the Focusrite 18i20 4th Gen - (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: geni.us/18i204th
Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/18i204th
B&H Photo: bhpho.to/3DLyvHf
Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/596531
NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.
00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:24 - What’s in the Box
00:41 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:05 - Specifications
01:16 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:35 - Plosive Test
01:52 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:14 - Background Noise Test
02:27 - Untreated Room Test
02:46 - Shock Rejection Test
03:09 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:39 - Neewer NW700 Comparison
03:51 - MXL 770 Comparison
04:15 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
04:40 - sE Electronics X1a Comparison
05:07 - Lewitt LCT240 Comparison
05:37 - AKG P220 Comparison
06:04 - Neat King Bee Comparison
06:30 - Rode NT1 (5th Gen) Comparison
06:58 - Sterling ST181 Comparison
07:33 - Shure SM57 Comparison
07:58 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
08:24 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
08:50 - Music Test
11:15 - Pros & Cons
12:20 - Overall Thoughts
14:08 - Recommendation
#Studio #Condenser #MicReview
Become a Patreon: patreon.com/podcastage
Become a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCvOU-zTlankT-JjN3ZzvuKA/join
Check Out This Stuff TOO:
Website: podcastage.com
Giveaways: podcastage.com/giveaways
Discord: podcastage.com/discord
Merch: podcastage.com/store
Company Relationship Disclosure: podcastage.com/disclosure
Personal: bandrewscott.com
My YouTube Setup: podcastage.com/studio
My Favorite XLR Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favxlr
My Favorite USB Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favusb
HQ Audio Of Review: podcastage.com/rev/pga181
Today i review the Shure PGA181 an affordable side address condenser. It is very straight forward with only a cardioid polar pattern and no pads or filters. This mic is more of an upper mid focused sound which gives it a punchy character. The self noise on this mic comes in at 22dBA which is kind of high, but seems relatively inline with the competition LCT240 (19dBA), AT2020 (20dBA), 770 ($20dBA), X1a (16dBA), but it is still on the higher side.
RECORDING SETTINGS:
• Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen
• Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
• Gain: +32dB
• Boosted in Post: +9dB
SPECS:
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Freq Response : 50Hz - 20khz
• Sensitivity: -38dB
• Max SPL: 138dB
• Self Noise: 22dBA
• Impedance: 120-ohms
Buy the Shure PGA181(Affiliate Link)
Amazon: geni.us/pga181
Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/pga181
B&H Photo: bhpho.to/43g9RZQ
Buy the Focusrite 18i20 4th Gen - (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: geni.us/18i204th
Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/18i204th
B&H Photo: bhpho.to/3DLyvHf
Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/596531
NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.
00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:24 - What’s in the Box
00:41 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:05 - Specifications
01:16 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:35 - Plosive Test
01:52 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:14 - Background Noise Test
02:27 - Untreated Room Test
02:46 - Shock Rejection Test
03:09 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:39 - Neewer NW700 Comparison
03:51 - MXL 770 Comparison
04:15 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
04:40 - sE Electronics X1a Comparison
05:07 - Lewitt LCT240 Comparison
05:37 - AKG P220 Comparison
06:04 - Neat King Bee Comparison
06:30 - Rode NT1 (5th Gen) Comparison
06:58 - Sterling ST181 Comparison
07:33 - Shure SM57 Comparison
07:58 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
08:24 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
08:50 - Music Test
11:15 - Pros & Cons
12:20 - Overall Thoughts
14:08 - Recommendation
#Studio #Condenser #MicReview
Become a Patreon: patreon.com/podcastage
Become a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCvOU-zTlankT-JjN3ZzvuKA/join
Check Out This Stuff TOO:
Website: podcastage.com
Giveaways: podcastage.com/giveaways
Discord: podcastage.com/discord
Merch: podcastage.com/store
Company Relationship Disclosure: podcastage.com/disclosure
Personal: bandrewscott.com
My YouTube Setup: podcastage.com/studio
My Favorite XLR Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favxlr
My Favorite USB Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favusb
