Shure RPM181/PRE PRE – Replacement XLR preamplifier for Beta 181 condenser microphone

Shure RPM181/PRE Replacement XLR Preamplifier

The Shure RPM181/PRE is a precision replacement preamplifier engineered for the Beta 181 side-address instrument microphone system. Designed to pair seamlessly with Shure’s interchangeable capsules—cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional—it forms a highly adaptable microphone solution suitable for a wide range of recording scenarios. By simply changing the capsule, users can tailor the microphone’s polar pattern to suit different instruments, environments, and recording techniques.

With an attached capsule, the RPM181/PRE maintains an ultra-compact and lightweight form factor of just 5.1 oz, allowing placement close to sound sources even in the most confined setups. Its wide frequency response and exceptional SPL handling make it ideal for capturing dual sound sources, such as between toms, acoustic instruments, or as a mono drum overhead. When used as a matched pair, it can also be configured for advanced stereo techniques such as the Blumlein method.

Matched with any Beta 181 capsule, the RPM181/PRE delivers clean, accurate audio with minimal crossover distortion and excellent low-frequency reproduction. Consistent, textbook-style polar responses ensure reliable performance and professional sound quality, making the RPM181/PRE a dependable choice for studio recording, broadcast, and live sound reinforcement.

Features of Shure RPM181/PRE

• Replacement XLR preamplifier for Shure Beta 181 microphone system

• Compatible with four interchangeable capsules: cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional

• Enables a highly versatile microphone configuration for multiple applications

• Lightweight design (5.1 oz with capsule) for use in tight or complex setups

• Wide frequency response for accurate sound reproduction

• Extremely high SPL handling for loud sound sources

• Ideal for dual-source miking, acoustic instruments, and drum overheads

• Supports advanced stereo techniques such as Blumlein pairing

• Minimal crossover distortion for clean, natural audio

• Exceptional low-frequency reproduction with consistent polar response

Specifications of Shure RPM181/PRE