Shure SM81s for drum overheads?

[ParsonsMatt]

I was thinking about getting an SM81 for acoustic guitars, and thought I may as well kill two birds with one stone and get a pair for drum overheads. Do they work well in this purpose, or are there better mics for the money for acoustic guitar/drums?

Thanks,

 

[Damian B]

I've used them as overheads on one occasion, though it was live and not in a studio situation. They sounded great. If I'm not mistaken they are used fairly frequently in studios as overheads.

 

[Arrowed Lung Studios]

Just looked at a YouTube video comparing the sm81 to a oktava mc-02 (I'm not sure, it was oktava though) It seemed to sound pretty good.

 

[AllanD]

I hear they're great and pretty smooth.

 

[egan.]

I've used them a bunch for OH and I think they are great for the price.

 

[JeffTD]

I'm pretty sure Dave Otero uses them on OH's and his sound phenomenal.

They were used on TGE, as well.

 

[BLUElightCory]

I've owned 4 SM81s and they definitely get the job done on OH duties.

That said, if you can save up a bit extra, you'd probably be better off with a pair of Josephson C42s - you can find them used for $600-700. The Oktava MK-012s are amazing for the price as well.

 

[mickrich]

I have gone through several pairs of overhead mics and have settled on atm450s.
They sound really smooth without a 6-7k peak I have found with other mics.
Being side address you can get them higher in a low room too.
I highly recommend them.