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The Shure WL183, WL184, and WL185 are lavalier electret condenser microphones designed for use with wireless bodypack transmitters, offering versatile audio capture for various applications. These microphones are known for their compact size and flexible placement options, making them suitable for situations where an unobtrusive microphone is desired.
These microphones are primarily designed for sound reinforcement, recording, and remote monitoring. They capture audio signals and transmit them wirelessly when connected to a compatible Shure bodypack transmitter. The key distinction between the models lies in their polar patterns, which dictate their pickup angle and rejection of ambient noise.
WL183 (Omnidirectional): This model is a general-purpose microphone ideal for applications requiring a wide pickup angle, such as general sound reinforcement, recording, or remote monitoring. Its 360° pickup angle means it captures sound equally from all directions, making it suitable for capturing ambient sound or when the sound source might move. It is also noted for its low handling noise, which is beneficial in live or recording situations where the microphone might be adjusted.
WL184 (Supercardioid): Designed for sound reinforcement applications that demand high rejection of ambient noise and a narrow pickup angle (115°). This polar pattern is more directional than omnidirectional, focusing on sound directly in front of the microphone while significantly reducing sound from the sides and rear. This makes it excellent for isolating a specific sound source in noisy environments, such as a speaker on a stage. For optimal performance and to minimize unwanted noise, the use of a windscreen is highly recommended with this model.
WL185 (Cardioid): Similar to the supercardioid, this model is also intended for sound reinforcement applications requiring good rejection of ambient noise, but with a slightly wider pickup angle (130°) compared to the supercardioid. The cardioid pattern is very effective at picking up sound from the front while rejecting sound from the sides and, to a greater extent, the rear. This makes it a good choice for individual speakers or vocalists where some ambient sound rejection is needed, but a slightly broader pickup area than a supercardioid is desired. As with the supercardioid, a windscreen is highly recommended to improve performance and reduce plosives or wind noise.
All 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 WL183, WL184, and WL185 offer several features designed for ease of use and flexible deployment:
Flexible Placement: Each microphone comes with a furnished tie clip that can be rotated in 90° intervals. This allows for precise positioning on clothing, ensuring optimal sound capture and discreet placement. The ability to rotate the clip is crucial for adapting to different clothing types and user preferences.
Windscreen for Noise Reduction:
Discreet Attachment: For optimal sound capture, it is recommended to attach the microphone approximately 76 mm to 152 mm (3 to 6 in.) below the neckline. Users should ensure that the microphone is not covered by their hand or clothing, as this can muffle the sound and degrade audio quality.
The design of these microphones incorporates features that facilitate maintenance and extend their lifespan:
Interchangeable Cartridges: A significant maintenance and flexibility feature is the interchangeable cartridge system. The WL183, WL184, and WL185 microphones can have their cartridges unscrewed from the microphone base and replaced with different ones. This allows users to easily switch between polar patterns (omnidirectional, supercardioid, or cardioid) without needing to purchase an entirely new microphone. This is particularly useful for rental companies or users who require different pickup patterns for various applications. It also simplifies troubleshooting, as a faulty cartridge can be replaced without discarding the entire microphone assembly.
Removable Windscreens: Both the snap-fit and foam windscreens are removable. The snap-fit windscreen can be removed by spreading the slot in its plastic snap-fit ring. This allows for cleaning or replacement of the windscreen, ensuring hygiene and maintaining optimal pop protection over time. Regular cleaning of windscreens is important to prevent the buildup of debris or moisture that could affect sound quality.
Tie Clip Installation: The tie clip is designed for easy installation. The top of the microphone is inserted through the tie clip loop from below until the loop snaps into place over the lower groove on the microphone. This secure yet simple attachment mechanism ensures the microphone stays in place during use while allowing for easy removal and reattachment.
The Shure WL183, WL184, and WL185 microphones are robust tools for professional audio applications, offering a blend of performance, flexibility, and user-friendly maintenance. Their distinct polar patterns cater to a wide range of needs, from broad ambient capture to focused sound isolation, making them a versatile choice for wireless microphone systems.
General| Type | Studio microphone |
|---|---|
| Microphone frequency | 50 - 17000 Hz |
| Microphone sensitivity | -44.5 dB |
| Microphone direction type | Supercardioid |
| Device interface | XLR-3 |
| Connectivity technology | Wired |
| Product color | Black |
