TELEFUNKEN M81-SH

Product overview

The TELEFUNKEN M81-SH is a low-profile supercardioid universal dynamic microphone from the TELEFUNKEN Dynamic Series, ideal for tight drum miking, brass and vocal positions where a smaller footprint is needed.

Redesigned for 2026, the M81-SH is lighter, shorter and sleeker, with a 40% reduction in overall weight, a 10% shorter length and vibration-dampening technology. It delivers the same character and high SPL handling as the handheld M81, with a smooth frequency response and exceptional midrange articulation for toms, guitar amps, brass, woodwinds and percussion. It is sonically identical to the handheld M81.

Key features

• Same clear, condenser-like performance as the handheld M81
• Smooth frequency response with exceptional midrange articulation
• Low-profile body with built-in mount for easier positioning
• 2026 redesign: 40% lighter, 10% shorter, with vibration-dampening technology
• Custom-wound impedance-matching T80 transformer
• High SPL handling (135 dB SPL for 1% THD) and excellent off-axis rejection
• SGMC-5R right-angle XLR cable and M 785 plastic drum mount included
• Designed and hand assembled in the USA

M81 sound in a compact body

The M81-SH shares the 25 mm dynamic moving-coil capsule and T80 transformer of the handheld M81 and sounds identical to it. The flat, neutral response and clear midrange add body and punch to toms and horns, and keep distorted guitar tones smooth and defined.

Made for tight positions

At 114 mm long and 210 g, the M81-SH fits easily around a drum kit, close to a guitar cabinet, or on a horn section without crowding the players. The built-in mount and the included M 785 plastic drum mount make quick work of positioning, and vibration-dampening technology helps keep mechanical noise out of the signal.

Supercardioid pickup

The supercardioid pattern minimises proximity effect and gives superior off-axis rejection, so each tom or instrument channel stays focused on its own source with little spill from cymbals, neighbouring drums or stage monitors.

Right-angle cable included

Every M81-SH ships with a TELEFUNKEN SGMC-5R 5-metre XLR cable with a right-angle connector, keeping cable runs neat and clear of sticks and hardware. As a dynamic microphone it needs no phantom power.

Part of the Dynamic Series drum sound

TELEFUNKEN designs its Dynamic Series models to complement each other for a cohesive sound in multi-microphone set-ups. The M81-SH on toms sits naturally alongside the M80-SH on snare and the M82 on kick, and works just as well on a horn section or a row of guitar cabinets. The updated 2026 styling and packaging give a premium experience on stage and in the studio.

Versions and sets

• M81-SH (SYTM-067): the 2026 low-profile microphone with the SGMC-5R right-angle XLR cable, M 785 plastic drum mount and ZB82 zipper bag

In the box

• TELEFUNKEN M81-SH low-profile dynamic microphone
• SGMC-5R 5-metre right-angle XLR cable
• M 785 Plastic Drum Mount
• ZB82 Microphone Zipper Bag

TELEFUNKEN warranty: 90 days on the capsule, extended to one year when the microphone is registered with TELEFUNKEN; Dynamic Series warranties are fully transferable between owners. The included SGMC-5R cable connects the microphone directly to a stage box, console or audio interface.

TELEFUNKEN M81-SH: frequently asked questions

Does the M81-SH sound the same as the handheld M81?

Yes. TELEFUNKEN states that the low-profile models are sonically identical to their handheld versions.

What is the M81-SH best suited for?

TELEFUNKEN recommends it for toms, guitar amps on stage and brass instruments, and highlights its midrange articulation on woodwinds and percussion.

How does the M81-SH differ from the M80-SH?

Both share the same body, capsule and transformer. The M81-SH has a flatter response with a clear midrange; the M80-SH has an extended, condenser-like top end.

Does the M81-SH need phantom power?

No. It is a dynamic moving-coil microphone and works from any standard mic input.

Where can I buy the TELEFUNKEN M81-SH in India?

The TELEFUNKEN M81-SH is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Rack and floor toms

Toms on stage and in the studio, where the M81-SH adds body and fits neatly around the kit.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the M81-SH to the drum with the included M 785 plastic drum mount and set its angle with the built-in mount.
2. Connect an SGMC-5R right-angle cable from each microphone to the stage box, console or interface.
3. Angle each capsule at its drum head from the rim, clear of the drummer's sticks.
4. Set gain while the drummer plays the full kit at performance level.

Tip: Pair with the M80-SH on snare for a cohesive Dynamic Series drum sound.

Workflow 2: Guitar amps on stage

Clean and distorted guitar cabinets, where the compact body sits close to the speaker.

Connections

Setup

1. Position the M81-SH in front of the speaker with its built-in mount or the M 785 mount.
2. Connect the SGMC-5R right-angle cable to the stage box.
3. Point the capsule at the speaker cone and move it across the speaker until the tone suits the part.
4. Set gain at the guitarist's performance level.

Workflow 3: Brass instruments

Trumpet, trombone and horn sections, recommended by TELEFUNKEN for the M81-SH.

Connections

Setup

1. Position the M81-SH on a stand with its built-in mount, aimed at the bell of the instrument.
2. Connect the SGMC-5R right-angle cable to the stage box or console.
3. Keep the rear of the microphone toward neighbouring players to use the supercardioid rejection.
4. Set gain on the loudest passages so peaks stay clean.

Workflow 4: Woodwinds

Saxophone, clarinet and flute, where the M81-SH's midrange articulation keeps the tone clear.

Connections

Setup

1. Position the M81-SH on a stand with its built-in mount, close to the instrument.
2. Connect the SGMC-5R right-angle cable to the console or interface input.
3. Aim the capsule at the part of the instrument that gives the best balance of tone and breath.
4. Set gain on the loudest passages.

Workflow 5: Percussion

Hand drums, congas and other percussion in compact set-ups.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the M81-SH to the drum with the included M 785 plastic drum mount and set its angle with the built-in mount.
2. Connect the SGMC-5R right-angle cable to the console or interface.
3. Aim the capsule at the playing surface of each instrument.
4. Set gain on the hardest hits.

Workflow 6: Vocals for drummers and keyboard players

Vocal positions where a full-size microphone would be obstructive.

Connections

Setup

1. Position the M81-SH with its built-in mount on a stand or boom, close to the singer and clear of cymbals or keyboards.
2. Connect the SGMC-5R right-angle cable to the stage box or console.
3. Point the front of the capsule at the singer and the rear toward the monitors.
4. Set gain on the loudest phrases, then add the channel to the monitor mix.