Shure WL185M Black
Low-Profile Lavalier Microphone
- Cardioid: Carioid
- Frequency range: 70 - 20,000 Hz
- Max. SPL: 140.5 dB
- Sensitivity: -43.0 dBV/Pa (1 Pa = 94 dB SPL)
- Dynamic range: 120.5 dB
- 8 mm Shorter than the original WL18X series
- Cable length: 1.23 m
- Cable diameter: 2.2 mm
- TGQ connector
- Capsule dimensions: 13.6 x 12.7 mm
- Weight: 20 g
- Colour: Black
- Includes tie clip and foam windscreen
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Available since June 2024
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Item number 593995
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Colour Black
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Pattern cardioid
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Connector 4-pol. Shure
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Capsule Type Condenser
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Incl. Phantom Adaptor No
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Frequency range from 70 Hz
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Frequency range to 20000
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Cable Length 123 mm
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Diameter 13 mm
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Length 14 mm
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Weight 20 g
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Wire Yes
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Foam Windshield Yes
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Clamp Yes
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Bag Yes
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Flexible cardioid lavalier
Part of the WL18XM series – Shure's newest professional lavalier line – the WL185M is the cardioid model: Alongside the supercardioid and omnidirectional variants, all are available in black or white and fitted with either TA4F or LEMO connectors. The series represents a significant evolution from its predecessor: 8mm shorter, with a more pronounced presence lift, a wider dynamic range, and lower self-noise. The cardioid capsule has a near-linear frequency response, striking a practical balance between the placement flexibility of an omni and the focused isolation of a supercardioid – attenuating off-axis sources while remaining forgiving of artists' movements. The rotating lapel clip, adjustable in 90° steps, attaches to any clothing or costume and allows the capsule to be aimed at the performer regardless of mounting angle.
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Dynamic by design
The WL185M's 70Hz–20kHz frequency response captures detailed mids and highs, while rolling off sub-bass rumble and clothing-rub thump before they reach the signal. Its 140.5dB max SPL handles loud nearby sources without strain, while a 120.5dB dynamic range and 20dB SPL self-noise let a whispered aside and a projected line sit on the same track without noise floor or clipping. The cardioid pattern provides useful rejection of sources arriving from the sides and rear, making it a capable choice for environments where an omni's feedback susceptibility is a concern, without the strict placement demands of a supercardioid. Physically, the capsule runs on a 5V DC bias and its 1.23m cable terminates in a four-pin TA4F connector for compatible Shure bodypack transmitters (sold separately). At just 20g, the whole package sits unnoticed on a lapel.
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By pros, for pros
The WL185M is aimed at audio professionals working in broadcast, theatre, and live production – anyone who needs a discreet, reliable lavalier that balances focused capture with practical flexibility. Its cardioid pattern attenuates background noise and reduces feedback susceptibility compared to an omni, while remaining more tolerant of movement and placement variation than a supercardioid WL184M – making it a versatile middle-ground choice for engineers working across a variety of productions and acoustic conditions. The trade-off, inherent to any cardioid, is that it requires more consistent placement than an omni, while offering less aggressive off-axis rejection than a supercardioid – which is why the WL18XM line also offers omnidirectional and supercardioid variants for more flexible or more focused applications.
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About Shure
The American company Shure began developing microphones during the early 1930s and is one of the pioneers of the audio engineering sector. Models such as the 55 Unidyne – known to many as the "Elvis microphone" – and the SM57 and SM58 which appeared in the mid-1960s are still ubiquitous in live sound production today. They enjoy cult status among musicians and technicians alike. In the 1990s, Shure introduced the first wireless microphones and in-ear monitoring systems and became a market leader in this field. In addition to microphones, Shure offers a wide range of earphones and headphones for studio and live use, as well as various accessories.
Put on a real performance
For actors, presenters, moderators, and anyone else working with their voice, the WL185M delivers natural, clear reproduction with a useful degree of off-axis attenuation; the mic should be placed approximately 20cm from the sound source for best results. For traditional presentations, roundtables, and conferences, the clip attaches to a lapel or shirt front and rotates towards the speaker's face; in live performance, film, and broadcast, it disappears under the wardrobe of actors and presenters, while the 70Hz roll-off works as a natural high-pass against costume rub and set rumble, keeping dialogue audible. The snap-fit foam windscreen and zippered storage bag complete a package that is as practical in the field as it is reliable on stage.
