WL183M WL184M WL185M Lavalier Condenser Microphone

User Guide Version: 0.1 (2024-F)

General Description

Shure WL185M, WL184M, and WL183M are professional low-profile lavalier microphones for use with compatible wireless bodypack transmitters. 8 mm shorter than their predecessors, the WL185M, WL184M, and WL183M lavaliers deliver full and accurate sound quality with an improved presence response that reproduces crystal clear vocals. For flexible placement on speakers, presenters, and performers, each lavalier is available in either black or white with LEMO or TA4F connector options, and the innovative tie clip can be rotated in 90° intervals for accurate positioning. Shure WL185M, WL184M, and WL183M professional lavaliers include a snap-fit windscreen, single tie clip, and zippered bag for storage and transport.

Model Variations

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

WL185M: Cardioid
WL184M: Supercardioid
WL183M: Omnidirectional

Installation

Insert the top of the microphone through the tie clip loop from below until the tie clip snaps into place over the groove of the microphone.
To install the snap-fit windscreen, press it down on the microphone until it clicks onto 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 snap-fit windscreen can be removed by spreading the slot in the plastic ring and gently pulling the windscreen off of the microphone.

Lavalier Distance

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

[Illustration showing optimal microphone placement on a person's collar, indicating a distance of 15-25 cm (6-10 inches) from the speaker.]

Specifications

Type

Condenser

Frequency Response

70 to 20,000 Hz

Output Impedance

95 Ω (Using RPM400 preamplifier)

Frequency Response Graphs

WL185M Frequency Response: Graph showing the frequency response of the WL185M microphone, measured at 0.6 m (2 ft.) from the sound source. The graph shows a relatively flat response from approximately 70 Hz to 20 kHz, with minor fluctuations.

WL184M Frequency Response: Graph showing the frequency response of the WL184M microphone, measured at 0.6 m (2 ft.) from the sound source. The graph shows a relatively flat response from approximately 70 Hz to 20 kHz, with minor fluctuations.

WL183M Frequency Response: Graph showing the frequency response of the WL183M microphone, measured at 0.6 m (2 ft.) from the sound source. The graph shows a relatively flat response from approximately 70 Hz to 20 kHz, with minor fluctuations.

Polar Patterns

WL185M Polar Pattern: Polar pattern diagrams for the WL185M microphone. The left diagram (250 Hz, 500 Hz) shows a cardioid pattern. The right diagram (2,500 Hz, 6,300 Hz, 10,000 Hz) also shows a cardioid pattern, with some narrowing at higher frequencies.

WL184M Polar Pattern: Polar pattern diagrams for the WL184M microphone. The left diagram (250 Hz, 500 Hz) shows a supercardioid pattern. The right diagram (2,500 Hz, 6,300 Hz, 10,000 Hz) also shows a supercardioid pattern, with some narrowing at higher frequencies.

WL183M Polar Pattern: Polar pattern diagrams for the WL183M microphone. The left diagram (250 Hz, 500 Hz) shows an omnidirectional pattern. The right diagram (2,500 Hz, 6,300 Hz, 10,000 Hz) also shows an omnidirectional pattern, with some variation at higher frequencies.

Sensitivity

Model	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	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	Self Noise (A-Weighted)
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	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 diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 3 with respect to pin 1.

Bias Voltage

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

[1] 1 Pa = 94 dB SPL

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: Shield wire, Red wire, Blue wire, Shield]
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: Shield wire, Red wire, Unpopulated, Blue 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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