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General purpose sound reinforcement, recording, or remote monitoring applications with 360° pickup.
Applications requiring high ambient noise rejection and narrow pickup angle (115°).
General purpose sound reinforcement with good ambient noise rejection and 130° pickup.
Instructions for attaching the snap-fit windscreen for 30 dB pop protection.
Guidance on attaching the microphone approximately 76-152 mm below the neckline.
Details the sensitivity levels (dBV/Pa) for WL183, WL184, and WL185 microphones.
Lists the maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL) in dB SPL for each microphone model.
Specifies the self-noise level (in dB SPL) for each microphone model using A-weighting.
General purpose sound reinforcement, recording, or remote monitoring applications with 360° pickup.
Applications requiring high ambient noise rejection and narrow pickup angle (115°).
General purpose sound reinforcement with good ambient noise rejection and 130° pickup.
Instructions for attaching the snap-fit windscreen for 30 dB pop protection.
Guidance on attaching the microphone approximately 76-152 mm below the neckline.
Details the sensitivity levels (dBV/Pa) for WL183, WL184, and WL185 microphones.
Lists the maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL) in dB SPL for each microphone model.
Specifies the self-noise level (in dB SPL) for each microphone model using A-weighting.
The Shure WL183, WL184, and WL185 are lavalier electret condenser microphones designed for use with a wireless bodypack transmitter, making them suitable for a variety of audio applications where discreet placement and high-quality sound capture are essential. These microphones are particularly versatile due to their interchangeable cartridges, allowing users to adapt the microphone's pickup pattern to specific environmental and application needs.
At their core, these microphones convert sound waves into electrical signals, which are then transmitted wirelessly via a bodypack transmitter. The electret condenser design ensures a wide frequency response and high sensitivity, capturing nuanced audio details. Each model offers a distinct polar pattern, catering to different sound environments:
WL183 (Omnidirectional): This model captures sound equally from all directions (360° pickup angle). It is ideal for general-purpose sound reinforcement, recording, or remote monitoring applications where a broad sound field needs to be captured without focusing on a single source. Its omnidirectional nature also contributes to low handling noise, making it forgiving of movement.
WL184 (Supercardioid): Designed for sound reinforcement applications, the WL184 features a supercardioid polar pattern with a narrow 115° pickup angle. This pattern provides high rejection of ambient noise, making it excellent for situations where isolating the primary sound source from background noise is crucial. The use of a windscreen is highly recommended with this model to minimize plosives and wind noise.
WL185 (Cardioid): The WL185 offers a cardioid polar pattern with a 130° pickup angle, providing good rejection of ambient noise. It is suitable for general-purpose sound reinforcement applications where a focused pickup is desired, but with a slightly wider acceptance angle than the supercardioid. Like the supercardioid, a windscreen is highly recommended for optimal performance.
All three models feature a 1.2-meter (4 ft.) cable terminated with a miniature 4-pin connector (TA4F), ensuring compatibility with Shure wireless bodypack transmitters.
The design of the WL183, WL184, and WL185 microphones emphasizes ease of use, discreet placement, and adaptability in various professional audio settings.
Discreet Placement: The compact size of these lavalier microphones allows for inconspicuous attachment to clothing. The furnished tie clip is a key accessory for this purpose. It can be rotated in 90° intervals, offering flexibility in how the microphone is positioned on the user's attire, such as a lapel, tie, or collar. This rotational capability ensures that the microphone can be oriented correctly regardless of the attachment point, optimizing sound capture and minimizing visibility.
Optimal Microphone Positioning: For best results, the microphone should be attached approximately 76 mm to 152 mm (3 to 6 inches) below the neckline. This placement helps to capture the speaker's voice clearly while minimizing breath sounds and clothing rustle.
Windscreen Integration: Two types of windscreens are provided to enhance audio quality:
Versatility in Applications:
Compatibility: The microphones are designed to work seamlessly with Shure wireless bodypack transmitters, forming a reliable and high-performance wireless audio system. The 4-pin connector ensures a secure and standardized connection.
The design of the WL183, WL184, and WL185 microphones incorporates features that facilitate maintenance and extend their operational lifespan, primarily through the use of interchangeable components.
Interchangeable Cartridges: A significant maintenance and customization feature is the ability to change the microphone cartridge. This allows users to easily swap between omnidirectional, supercardioid, and cardioid patterns without needing to purchase entirely new microphones. To change a cartridge, it is simply unscrewed from the microphone base and replaced with a different one. This modularity not only offers flexibility in application but also simplifies repairs if a cartridge is damaged, as only the cartridge needs to be replaced rather than the entire microphone.
Replaceable Windscreens: Windscreens are consumable items that can wear out or become soiled over time. Both the snap-fit and foam windscreens are easily replaceable. This ensures that pop protection and sound quality can be maintained throughout the microphone's life. Regular replacement of windscreens also contributes to hygiene, especially when microphones are used by multiple individuals.
Durable Construction: While not explicitly detailed as a maintenance feature, the robust construction typical of Shure products implies a design intended for professional use, capable of withstanding the rigors of frequent handling and diverse environments. Proper care, such as avoiding covering the microphone with hands or clothing during use, helps prevent damage and ensures consistent performance.
Replacement Parts Availability: The availability of specific replacement parts, such as different polar pattern cartridges, tie-clips, and windscreens, underscores the maintainability of these microphones. This ensures that users can easily acquire components to repair or customize their microphones, extending their utility and reducing the need for full unit replacement.
In summary, the Shure WL183, WL184, and WL185 lavalier condenser microphones are versatile, high-performance audio tools designed for professional applications. Their interchangeable cartridges, discreet placement options, and effective pop protection make them adaptable to a wide range of sound capture needs, while their modular design supports easy maintenance and long-term usability.
General| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
|---|---|
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | -40.5 dBV/Pa (9.5 mV) |
| Impedance | 350 Ohms |
| Maximum SPL | 125 dB SPL |
| Connector | TA4F |
| Cable Length | 1.2 m |
| Microphone Type | Lavalier |
| Type | Condenser |
| Dimensions | 4.0 mm diameter |
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