Shure MX150 - User Manual

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27A15525 (Rev. 1)

Printed in USA

General Description

The MX150 is a professional subminiature electret condenser lavalier microphone ideal for

use in speech and other applications requiring low-profile, discreet placement. Available

with cardioid or omnidirectional patterns, the MX150 provides uncompromised sound qual-

ity and high reliability with minimal visibility for use in television broadcasting, corporate

lectures, A/V teleconferencing, House of Worship, and sound reinforcement. CommShield

Technology offers superior RF immunity from cellular devices and digital bodypack trans-

mitters. Each microphone is supplied with a snap-fit foam windscreen to minimize wind

noise and a multi-position tie clip with integrated cable management to minimize cable

handling noise.

Features

• Available in cardioid or omnidirectional polar patterns and TQG (for use in Shure

bodypacks) or wired XLR variations

• CommShield

Technology guards against interference from Cellular RF devices and

digital bodypack transmitters

• Matte black, sleek, low-profile, design for inconspicuous placement

• Multi-position tie clip allows for a variety of placement options and features an integrated

cable management system for convenient cable dress with minimized handling noise

• Kevlar-reinforced soft-flex cable design further reduces handling noise while providing

superior flexibility for routing and placement

• User-changeable equalization caps for response shaping (omnidirectional only)

• Snap-fit, concise windscreen provides protection from plosives and wind noise with

minimal visibility

• Legendary Shure quality, ruggedness, and reliability

TQG Models

Using with Other Bodypack Transmitters

When connecting the microphone to anything other than a Shure wireless bodypack,

ensure the device provides a regulated +5 V DC (130 µA minimum) to the red conductor.

Refer to the wiring diagram in the specifications.

Model Variations

The MX150 is available in several varieties:

Ⓐ Polar Pattern

C Cardioid

O Omnidirectional

Ⓑ Connectors

TQG For Shure transmitters with 4-pin TA4F/TQG connectors

XLR Includes the RK100PK in-line preamplifier

Snap-fit Windscreen

Use the furnished snap-fit windscreen to provide plosive and wind

protection.

• Snap into the groove below the cartridge to secure to the

microphone.

• To remove, grab the plastic cage in the windscreen and lift over

capsule.

XLR Models

Phantom Power

The supplied RK100PK preamplifier requires phantom power and performs best with a 48

V DC supply (IEC-61938). However, it will operate with slightly decreased headroom with

supplies as low as 11 V DC.

Most modern mixers provide phantom power. You must use a balanced microphone cable:

XLR-to-XLR or XLR-to-TRS.

RFI Filtering

This microphone features CommShield

Technology for RF filtering. For best results in

hostile RF environments, always use the RK100PK preamp furnished with the XLR ver-

sions of this microphone.

Mounting the Microphone

This microphone is furnished with a multi-position tie clip for flex-

ible mounting options and reduced cable noise. Reference the

furnished tie clip guide for placement and routing suggestions.

-30

-25

-20

-15

-10

-5

20 100 1k 10k 20k

0,6 m (2 ft.) from sound source

Equalization Caps

The omnidirectional MX150B/O variations ship with two types of equalization caps for high-

frequency shaping:

The cardioid MX150B/C variations are only compatible with the gold cap shipped with the

microphone. Do not use the silver and black omnidirectional screens.

Normal: Silver color screen; provides the

most natural sound in most applications

Presence Boost: Black screen; provides a

smooth, high-frequency boost

Certifications

Eligible to bear CE Marking. Conforms to European EMC Directive 2004/108/EC. Meets

Harmonized Standards EN55103-1:1996 and EN55103-2:1996, for residential (E1) and

light industrial (E2) environments.

The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from: www.shure.com/europe/

compliance

Authorized European representative:

Shure Europe GmbH

Headquarters Europe, Middle East & Africa

Department: EMEA Approval

Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12

75031 Eppingen, Germany

Phone: 49-7262-92 49 0

Fax: 49-7262-92 49 11 4

Email: info@shure.de

Note: Information in this guide is subject to change without notice. For additional informa-

tion about this product, please visit www.shure.com.

MX150B/C-TQG

Ⓐ Ⓑ

Accessories and Parts

Furnished Accessories

Multi-Position Tie Clip (3) RPM150TC

Snap-fit Windscreen (3) RPM150WS

Storage Pouch WA150

In-Line Preamplifier (XLR version only) RK100PK

Replacement Parts

Normal Cap, Gold, for MX150B/C (5) RPM208

Normal Cap, Silver, for MX150B/O (5) RPM213

Boost Cap, Black, for MX150B/O (5) RPM215

4-Pin Mini Connector (TA4F/TQG) WA330

MX150B/CMX150B/O

MX150 Subminiature

Lavalier Microphone

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Shure MX150 and is the answer not in the manual?

Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Output Impedance
Sensitivity (open circuit voltage, @ 1 kHz, typical)
Maximum SPL (1 kHz at 1% THD)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Dynamic Range (@ 1 kHz)
Self Noise (equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical)
Clipping Level (@ 1 kHz, 1% THD)
Common Mode Rejection (20 to 20,000 Hz)
Polarity
Power Requirements
Weight
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The Shure MX150 is a professional subminiature electret condenser lavalier microphone designed for discreet placement in speech and other applications. It is available in both cardioid (MX150/C) and omnidirectional (MX150/O) polar patterns, offering versatility for various acoustic environments. The microphone is offered in two main configurations: TQG for use with Shure wireless bodypack transmitters and XLR for wired applications, which includes the RK100PK in-line preamplifier.

Function Description:

The MX150 provides uncompromised sound quality and high reliability, making it suitable for television broadcasting, corporate lectures, A/V teleconferencing, House of Worship, and sound reinforcement. Its subminiature design ensures minimal visibility, crucial for applications where discretion is paramount. A key feature is Shure's CommShield® Technology, which provides superior RF immunity from cellular devices and digital bodypack transmitters, ensuring clean audio in challenging RF environments.

Important Technical Specifications:

Transducer Type: Electret Condenser Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000 Hz for both cardioid and omnidirectional models.

Output Impedance:

TQG: N/A
XLR: 165.5 Ω (Cardioid), 165.0 Ω (Omnidirectional)

Sensitivity (open circuit voltage, @ 1 kHz, typical):

Cardioid (MX150/C):
- TQG: -51.0 dBV/Pa (3.0 mV)
- XLR: -39.0 dBV/Pa (11.0 mV)
Omnidirectional (MX150/O):
- TQG: -46.5 dBV/Pa (4.5 mV)
- XLR: -34.5 dBV/Pa (19.0 mV)

Maximum SPL (1 kHz at 1% THD):

Cardioid (MX150/C):
- TQG: 147.5 dB SPL (2500 Ω load), 147.5 dB SPL (1000 Ω load)
- XLR: 134.5 dB SPL (2500 Ω load), 129.5 dB SPL (1000 Ω load)
Omnidirectional (MX150/O):
- TQG: 143.0 dB SPL (2500 Ω load), 143.0 dB SPL (1000 Ω load)
- XLR: 130.0 dB SPL (2500 Ω load), 125.0 dB SPL (1000 Ω load)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:

Cardioid (MX150/C): TQG: 57.5 dB, XLR: 57.0 dB
Omnidirectional (MX150/O): TQG: 60.0 dB, XLR: 59.5 dB

Dynamic Range (@ 1 kHz):

Cardioid (MX150/C):
- TQG: 111.0 dB SPL (2500 Ω load), 111.0 dB SPL (1000 Ω load)
- XLR: 97.5 dB SPL (2500 Ω load), 92.5 dB SPL (1000 Ω load)
Omnidirectional (MX150/O):
- TQG: 109.0 dB SPL (2500 Ω load), 109.0 dB SPL (1000 Ω load)
- XLR: 95.5 dB SPL (2500 Ω load), 90.5 dB SPL (1000 Ω load)

Self Noise (equivalent SPL, A-weighted, typical):

Cardioid (MX150/C): TQG: 36.5 dB, XLR: 37.0 dB
Omnidirectional (MX150/O): TQG: 34.0 dB, XLR: 34.5 dB

Clipping Level (@ 1 kHz, 1% THD):

Cardioid (MX150/C):
- TQG: 2.0 dBV (2500 Ω load), 1.5 dBV (1000 Ω load)
- XLR: 1.0 dBV (2500 Ω load), -4.5 dBV (1000 Ω load)
Omnidirectional (MX150/O):
- TQG: 2.0 dBV (2500 Ω load), 1.5 dBV (1000 Ω load)
- XLR: 1.0 dBV (2500 Ω load), -4.5 dBV (1000 Ω load)

Common Mode Rejection (20 to 20,000 Hz):

TQG: N/A
XLR: ≥60 dB

Polarity:

TQG: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 3 with respect to pin 1.
XLR: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3.

Power Requirements:

TQG: 5 V DC (0.04-0.18 mA)
XLR: 11-52 V DC phantom power (IEC-61938), <2.2 mA. The RK100PK preamplifier requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 V DC supply, but will operate with slightly decreased headroom with supplies as low as 11 V DC.

Weight:

TQG: 21 g (0.7 oz.)
XLR: 121 g (4.3 oz.)

Operating Temperature Range: -18°C (0°F) to 57°C (135°F) Storage Temperature Range: -29°C (-20°F) to 74°C (165°F)

Usage Features:

Discreet Placement: The matte black, sleek, low-profile design ensures inconspicuous placement.
Multi-Position Tie Clip: The included multi-position tie clip allows for flexible mounting options and features an integrated cable management system. This minimizes cable handling noise and ensures convenient cable dress.
Kevlar-Reinforced Cable: The soft-flex cable design, reinforced with Kevlar, further reduces handling noise while providing superior flexibility for routing and placement.
XLR Model Compatibility: When connecting the XLR version to a mixer, a balanced microphone cable (XLR-to-XLR or XLR-to-TRS) is required. Most modern mixers provide the necessary phantom power.
TQG Model Compatibility: When connecting the TQG version to a device other than a Shure wireless bodypack, the device must provide a regulated +5 V DC (130 µA minimum) to the red conductor.
RFI Filtering (XLR Models): For optimal performance in hostile RF environments, it is recommended to always use the RK100PK preamp supplied with the XLR versions of this microphone, as it features CommShield® Technology for RF filtering.

Maintenance Features:

User-Changeable Equalization Caps (Omnidirectional Only): The omnidirectional MX150B/O variations ship with two types of equalization caps for high-frequency shaping:
- Normal Cap (Silver screen): Provides the most natural sound in most applications. (RPM213)
- Presence Boost Cap (Black screen): Provides a smooth, high-frequency boost. (RPM215)
- The cardioid MX150B/C variations are only compatible with the gold cap shipped with the microphone (RPM208). The silver and black omnidirectional screens should not be used with cardioid models.
Snap-Fit Windscreen: The furnished snap-fit windscreen (RPM150WS) provides protection from plosives and wind noise. It snaps into the groove below the cartridge to secure to the microphone and can be removed by grabbing the plastic cage and lifting it over the capsule.
Replacement Parts: Individual replacement parts are available, including the multi-position tie clip (RPM150TC), snap-fit windscreen (RPM150WS), storage pouch (WA150), in-line preamplifier (RK100PK), normal caps (gold for cardioid, silver for omnidirectional), boost cap (black for omnidirectional), and the 4-pin mini connector (WA330).