This Beta 181 is a multipurpose instrument microphone and can be used on a wide variety of applications including guitars, bass and drums (overheads and snares). A total of four different capsules (Cardioid, Super Cardioid, Bi-directional, Omni-directional) are available meaning that they can be interchanged according to application.

What are the product codes for the additional capsules?

The RPM181/C is a cardioid condenser capsule for the Beta 181. The RPM181/S is a super cardioid condenser capsule for the Beta 181. The RPM181/BI is a bi-directional condenser capsule for the Beta 181. The RPM181/O is a omni directional condenser capsule for the Beta 181.

What might I use the interchangable capsules for?

The cardioid capsule is best suited to overheads, piano and acoustic instruments. You can also use the cardioid capsule for M/S stereo micing (in conjunction with another microphone with a bi-directional capsule). 

The supercardioid capsule is best suited to snare, toms, acoustic instruments and other forms of close distance micing. The omni-directional capsule could be used for choirs, orchestras and ambient recording applications. Lastly, the Bi-directional capsule can be used for mono overheads, or for the recording of two instruments simultaneously on one channel.

• Interchangeable polar pattern capsules for the ultimate in low-profile application flexibility (each Beta 181 ships with one polar pattern capsule and one XLR preamplifier)
• Precision-engineered, compact side-address design features innovative locking ring to provide secure connection between capsule and preamplifier
• Capsules available separately for custom flexibility
• Frequency response tailored for wide dynamic range applications for use in high SPL environment
• Transducer Type : Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Supercardioid, Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Bidirectional
• Sensitivity (1 kHz): Cardioid -48,5 dBV/Pa; Supercardioid -49,5 dBV/Pa; Omnidirectional: -52,0 dBV/Pa; Bidirectional: -51,0 dBV/Pa
• Equivalent Selfnoise: Cardioid: 20 dB(A)
• Supercardioid: 22 dB(A)
• Omnidirectional: 23 dB(A)
• Bidirectional: 23 dB(A)
• Sound Pressure:
• Cardioid: 151 dB
• Supercardioid: 154 dB
• Omnidirectional: 157 dB
• Bidirectional: 156 dB