Shure WL185m Cardioid Lavalier Microphone, Black, TA4F

• Cardioid pattern: voice first, less room noise
• Low profile, 8 mm shorter than the WL18X lavaliers that preceded it at Shure
• Tie clip that rotates in 90° steps to aim the capsule
• Snap-fit windscreen with 30 dB of plosive protection
• Comes with tie clip, windscreen and zippered bag

The WL185m succeeds the WL185, Shure's older cardioid lavalier. According to the manufacturer, it is 8 mm shorter and offers wider dynamic range, a higher maximum SPL, lower self-noise and better vocal presence. For this TA4F version, Shure specifies 22 dB SPL self-noise, 138.4 dB SPL maximum and 116.4 dB of dynamic range.

For someone wearing it all evening, a shorter body is easier to hide under a lapel and less noticeable on camera.

Shure recommends placing the mic 15 to 25 cm from the mouth. The tie clip holds it by its lower groove and rotates in 90° steps, so the capsule can point toward the mouth no matter how the garment falls.

The snap-fit windscreen lines up with its curved cutout, made for the cable, then presses on until it clicks. Shure notes that a poorly fitted windscreen affects the sound: the cutout must follow the cable.

The 1.6 mm diameter cable ends in a TA4F connector, also called TQG, wired in three-wire configuration for all Shure bodypack transmitters with a TA4F input, such as the BLX1. The mic needs 5 V DC bias voltage, supplied by the transmitter. Shure also makes the WL185m in white and with a LEMO connector for other transmitters.

• Speaker or host who stays hands-free on stage
• Actor whose mic must stay hidden under the costume
• Replacement lavalier for a Shure system with a TA4F bodypack
• Capturing a speaker's voice on camera

Other lavalier mics for bodypack transmitters, from other manufacturers. Data published by each manufacturer.

What is the difference between the WL185 and the WL185m?

The WL185m is the newer version of the WL185 cardioid lavalier. According to Shure, it is 8 mm shorter than the original WL18X series (WL183, WL184 and WL185), with wider dynamic range, a higher maximum SPL and lower self-noise; Shure also states improved overall sound quality compared with that series. Both are cardioid.

Where should a WL185 lavalier be placed?

Shure recommends 15 to 25 cm from the mouth. The tie clip rotates in 90° steps to aim the capsule toward the voice, whatever the garment.

Can the WL185m windscreen be replaced?

Yes. Shure sells the black snap-fit windscreen in packs of four (RK187WS-B), the black single tie clip in packs of two (RK187T1-B) and black dual tie clips, also in packs of two (RK187T2-B).

Does the WL185m work with a BLX1 or another Shure transmitter?

The TA4F version is wired for all Shure bodypack transmitters with a TA4F input, including the BLX1. The mic expects 5 V DC bias, which the transmitter supplies.