Recording - October 2015 - 60

B Y PA U L V N U K J R .

on three other models over the years: the
KSM27 (reviewed April 2002), which
evolved into the SM27 (reviewed November
2009), and its slightly more expensive supercardioid Beta 27 variant. All the other "27"
models are cardioid.
All of the PG ALTA mics are made to
Shure's design specs in China and use modern surface mount technology for consistency and affordability. The PGA27 uses a
unique single-piece diecast zinc body and
internal frame with a multi-layered mesh
grille that is riveted in place. Despite its
affordable status it is still "Shure tough" and
will easily withstand the beatings of studio
and stage.

Sound and use
The PGA27 is full and solid with a forward
top end with a touch of crispness. It is well
suited to vocals and acoustic guitars as well
as percussion and string instruments, where
detail and sparkle are a worthwhile goal.
This is a great first condenser mic for the
home studio and stage, affordable enough
that getting a pair for stereo applications
shouldn't break the bank.
Having said that, as nice as this mic is in
the entry level arena, for $100 more one
might also consider the Shure SM27. It has a
slightly more rounded top end, and is one of
the very best affordable cardioid condensers
on the market.

Shure PGA27 and PGA181 Condenser Microphones
The new PG ALTA mic series is well represented with these two fine offerings
Shure is best known for microphone staples such as the SM57 and SM58, the popular SM7B, or even their high-end KSM line
of professional condenser mics. However, for
years Shure has also offered the option of
ultra-affordable beginner microphones in all
shapes, sizes and styles. The Beta-Green line
led to the PG series, and as of NAMM 2015,
Shure's entry level is now represented by the
PG ALTA™ mics.
The line offers 14 different models, from
handheld vocal mics and side-address condensers to specialty mics like gooseneck clipon drum mics. The least expensive mic in the
line, the handheld PGA48, is an astounding
$39 (with cable), while the most expensive of
the bunch, the PGA27, tops out at only
$199. There are various drum and studio
multi-mic packages in the line as well-look
for a forthcoming review of the new $499
drum package.
This month we will be looking at the top
two condenser models in the PG ALTA line,
the aforementioned PGA27 and the
PGA181 ($99 with cable). Both models are
side-address cardioid condensers; each one
is an entry-level version of a more expensive
Shure model.
PGA27
The PGA27 is, for all intents and purposes,
an update/rebrand of the PG42, which was
a step up from the now-discontinued PG27.
The numeric designation 27 has been used
60

RECORDING October 2015

Like the earlier "27" models, the PGA27
has a slightly oval-egg shaped appearance,
measuring 6" long and 2" at its widest. It
weighs 16 oz. and comes in a custom foamlined zippered vinyl case with a custom Shure
heavy duty shockmount. Unlike the
ones with the original KSM27 and
SM27, which used rubber suspension bands that broke easily,
the PGA27 shockmount uses
tight, nylon-wrapped bands.
There are few other mics on the
market under $500 that come
with shockmounts this nice.
Capsule and specs
The PGA27 uses a 25 mm (1"),
6-micron thick gold-sputtered
diaphragm that is center-terminated.
The mic has two plastic rear-mounted switches, one for a 15 dB pad
and the other for a 120 Hz (12
dB/octave) highpass filter. It has a
20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency
response, a maximum SPL of 145
dB, 18 dBA of self noise, and a -35
dBV/Pa (17.8mV/Pa) sensitivity.
Looking at the supplied frequency
response plot, the mic is fairly flat
and even from 40 Hz to 1 kHz.
Then there is a gentle rise which
builds up into healthy 5 dB peaks at
4 kHz to 7 kHz and 10 kHz to 18
kHz before rolling off.

PGA181
The PGA181 is a new design in the PGA
series; it's a direct descendant in name and
visual style from the Shure Beta 181
(reviewed August 2011). Both mics are sideaddress, small-diaphragm, lollipop
mics with electret condenser capsules. Where the Beta 181 has
a choice of four detachable
heads, each with a different
pattern, the PGA181 has only
a fixed cardioid head.
The PGA181 is a simple
condenser with no controls,
pads or switches. It has a 6" long
zinc die-cast body that is 1.5" at its
widest, tapering down to 1" at its
base, and it weighs 13.5 oz. Its
lollipop head measures 2" in
diameter; capsule diameter isn't
available from the Shure website
but appears to be in the 3/4"
range.
Its large tapered body fits perfectly into one of Shure's WA371
wireless mic clips, which is included in the box along with a 15' XLR
mic cable and a standard Shure
vinyl pouch.
Specs
The PGA181 has a 50 Hz to
20 kHz frequency response, a
maximum SPL of 138 dB, and a

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recording - October 2015