Shure upgraded its classic WL series of professional lavalier condenser microphones — the cardioid WL185m, supercardioid WL184m, and omnidirectional WL183m — to not only improve the sound quality but also make them shorter, lighter, and lower-profile.
The WL series of lav mics are used mainly in professional situations like large presentations and broadcast television, but they can also be used anywhere videographers or filmmakers want to hide a high-quality mic. Shure says that today’s updates build on the expectation it has created over years of use in the field and offer “full” sound quality that is also accurate along with improved “presence response.
“Our WL series has been the go-to lavalier solution for decades, known for reliability, durability, and full, accurate sound. As wireless technology continues to improve, we saw an opportunity to innovate and evolve the industry-standard WL line into a product that meets the requirements of professionals using today’s modern, digital systems,” Nick Wood, Senior Director, Professional Audio Products at Shure says. “We’re introducing a product that users already know and love, now with lower self-noise, improved RF immunity, higher dynamic range, and improved max SPL.”
Shure says that the new WL18Xm lavalier line has higher dynamic range and “enhanced specifications” that allow it to work with modern wireless bodypack systems. The Shure WL18Xm line is 8mm shorter than its predecessor which Shure says makes it lighter, lower-profile, and easier to use.
“For flexible placement on speakers, presenters, and performers, each lavalier is available in either black or white with LEMO or TA4F connector options. The microphone’s innovative tie clip can be rotated in 90-degree intervals for accurate positioning.”
The WL series, as mentioned, features the cardioid WL185m, supercardioid WL184m, and omnidirectional WL183m as well as two connector options: LEMO or TA4F. Shure will bundle them with its BLX, GLX-D+, and SLX-D wireless systems later this year, too.
The WL18Xm lavaliers with TA4F connections are available starting at $139 and lavaliers with LEMO connections are available for $159 starting today. Shure also provides help to those who want to know which polar pattern and connection type is best for the intended application in a blog post on its website.
Image credits: All photos courtesy of Shure.