Shure WL183M, WL184M, WL185M Lavalier Condenser Microphone

Brand: Shure

General Description

The Shure WL183M, WL184M, and WL185M are professional, low-profile lavalier condenser microphones designed for use with compatible wireless bodypack transmitters. These microphones are 8 mm shorter than their predecessors, offering full and accurate sound quality with an improved presence response for clear vocals. They are suitable for speakers, presenters, and performers. Each lavalier is available in black or white finishes and with either LEMO or TA4F connector options. The tie clip features an innovative design that can be rotated in 90° intervals for precise positioning. Shure WL183M, WL184M, and WL185M professional lavaliers include a snap-fit windscreen, a single tie clip, and a zippered bag for storage and transport.

Model Variations

All models are available in black or white finishes with TA4F or LEMO connectors:

WL185M: Cardioid polar pattern
WL184M: Supercardioid polar pattern
WL183M: Omnidirectional polar pattern

Installation

Follow these steps for installation:

Insert the top of the microphone through the tie clip loop from below until the tie clip snaps into place over the microphone's groove.
To install the snap-fit windscreen, press it down onto the microphone until it clicks into place. The windscreen provides 30 dB of plosive protection.
Attach the microphone approximately 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) from the speaker.

The installation guide includes diagrams illustrating how to attach the tie clip by sliding the microphone's groove into the clip until it snaps. A second diagram shows how to press the snap-fit windscreen onto the microphone until it clicks into place.

The snap-fit windscreen can be removed by spreading the slot in the plastic ring and gently pulling the windscreen off the microphone.

Lavalier Distance

For optimal sound quality, place the microphone 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) away from the speaker.

A visual representation shows the optimal placement for the lavalier microphone, indicating a distance of 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) from the speaker's mouth.

Specifications

General

Type: Condenser

Frequency Response: 70 to 20,000 Hz

Output Impedance: 95 Ω (Using RPM400 preamplifier)

Sensitivity [1]

Model	Connector	Sensitivity
WL185M	TA4F	-43.5 dBV/Pa
WL185M	LEMO	-37 dBV/Pa
WL184M	TA4F	-47 dBV/Pa
WL184M	LEMO	-41 dBV/Pa
WL183M	TA4F	-44 dBV/Pa
WL183M	LEMO	-39 dBV/Pa

Maximum SPL

Model	Connector	Maximum SPL
WL185M	TA4F	140.5 dB SPL
WL185M	LEMO	134 dB SPL
WL184M	TA4F	144 dB SPL
WL184M	LEMO	138 dB SPL
WL183M	TA4F	141 dB SPL
WL183M	LEMO	133.5 dB SPL

Self Noise (A-Weighted)

Model	Connector	Self Noise
WL185M	TA4F	20 dB SPL
WL185M	LEMO	19.5 dB SPL
WL184M	TA4F	23 dB SPL
WL184M	LEMO	24 dB SPL
WL183M	TA4F	20 dB SPL
WL183M	LEMO	22 dB SPL

Dynamic Range

Model	Connector	Dynamic Range
WL185M	TA4F	120.5 dB
WL185M	LEMO	114.5 dB
WL184M	TA4F	121 dB
WL184M	LEMO	114 dB
WL183M	TA4F	121 dB
WL183M	LEMO	111.5 dB

Polarity

Positive pressure on the diaphragm produces a positive voltage on pin 3 with respect to pin 1.

Bias Voltage

5 VDC bias voltage is recommended at the microphone connector pin 2 relative to pin 1.

[1] 1 Pa = 94 dB SPL

Frequency Response and Polar Patterns

Frequency response charts detail the microphone's sensitivity across various audio frequencies. The WL185m and WL184m exhibit a generally flat response from 100 Hz to 10 kHz, with minor variations. The WL183m shows a consistent response across the audible spectrum.

Polar pattern diagrams depict the directional sensitivity of each microphone model. The WL185m (Cardioid) is most sensitive to sound from the front. The WL184m (Supercardioid) has a narrower front pickup pattern with some rear sensitivity. The WL183m (Omnidirectional) captures sound equally from all directions.

Accessories

Furnished Accessories

Included in Black variations:

Single Tie Clip, Black (1): RK187T1-B
Snap-Fit Windscreen, Black (1): RK187WS-B

Included in White variations:

Single Tie Clip, White (1): RK187T1-W
Snap-Fit Windscreen, White (1): RK187WS-W

Replacement Parts

Single Tie Clip, Black (2): RK187T1-B
Dual Tie Clip, Black (2): RK187T2-B
Snap-Fit Windscreen, Black (4): RK187WS-B
Single Tie Clip, White (2): RK187T1-W
Dual Tie Clip, White (2): RK187T2-W
Snap-Fit Windscreen, White (4): RK187WS-W

Wiring and Termination

Typical Wiring Table

Series	Cable Construction	Electrical Design	Polarity	For Use With	Wiring	Line Art (From Solder Side)
WL185M-MTQG, WL184M-MTQG, WL183M-MTQG	1.6mm cable with 2 conductors, 2 shield wires and shield	3-Wire (Source Follower)	Positive with respect to ground	All Shure TA4F Bodypacks	Red wire: Bias(2) Blue wire: Audio(3) Shield wire: Ground(1) Shield: Ground (Shell)	Diagram shows Shield wire, Red wire (Bias), Blue wire (Audio).
WL185M-LEMO, WL184M-LEMO, WL183M-LEMO	1.6mm cable with 2 conductors, 2 shield wires and shield	2-Wire (Common Source)	Negative with respect to ground	Shure Lemo bodypacks (ADX1-Lemo, Shure UR1M-Lemo, ULXD1-Lemo), Sennheiser SK5212, Lectrosonics SSM, and others	Red wire: Audio/Bias(3) Blue wire: Not connected Shield wire: Ground(1)	Diagram shows Shield wire, Red wire (Audio/Bias), Unpopulated Blue wire.

Wiring diagrams are provided for TA4F and LEMO connectors. For TA4F connectors, the diagram shows connections for Bias (red wire), Audio (blue wire), and Ground (shield wire). For LEMO connectors, it indicates connections for Audio/Bias (red wire), a disconnected blue wire, and Ground (shield wire).

Certifications

This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is eligible for CE marking. The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from: www.shure.com/europe/compliance.

Authorized European Representative:

Shure Europe GmbH
Global Compliance
Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12
75031 Eppingen, Germany
Phone: +49-7262-92 49 0
Email: info@shure.de
www.shure.com

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