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Model Microflex
®
MX100 Series Wired
Lavalier Microphones User Guide
©2004, Shure Incorporated
27D2832 (Rev. 3)
Printed in U.S.A.
GENERAL
Models MX183, MX184, and MX185 are wired lavalier electret
condenser microphones designed for speech and vocal pickup,
general purpose sound reinforcement, recording, and remote mon-
itoring applications. They can be clipped to neckties, lapels, and
other articles of clothing. Interchangeable cartridges make it possi-
ble to easily reconfigure microphone coverage as the need arises.
FEATURES
• Wide dynamic range and frequency response for accurate
sound reproduction across the audio spectrum
• Interchangeable cartridges that provide an optimal choice
for each application
• Rotatable tie-clip that pivots in 90× increments for place-
ment flexibility
• Supplied snap-fit foam windscreen that controls breath
noise and stays on securely
• Balanced, transformerless output for increased immunity
to noise over long cable runs
• Supplied dual tie clip holds two microphones for dual mik-
ing applications
MODEL VARIATIONS
MX183 (Omnidirectional): Provides low handling noise. Pick-
up angle = 360°.
MX184 (Supercardioid): Provides high rejection of ambient
noise and narrow pickup angle. Use of windscreen highly recom-
mended. Pickup angle (-3 dB) = 115°.
MX185 (Cardioid): Provides good rejection of ambient noise.
Use of windscreen highly recommended. Pickup angle (-3 dB) =
130°.
GENERAL RULES FOR LAVALIER MICROPHONE USE
1. Attach the lavalier microphone approximately 76 mm to 152
mm (3 to 6 in.) below the neckline for the best sound.
2. Do not cover the microphone with your hand or clothing.
3. Use one of the supplied windscreens to minimize wind and
breath noise.
4. If four or more microphones will be active at any given time,
use of an automatic mixer, such as the Shure SCM810 or
FP410, is recommended.
USING THE TIE CLIP
Insert the top of the microphone through tie clip loop from below
until tie clip loop snaps into place over the lower groove on the mi-
crophone. Refer to Figure 1 on page 7.
USING THE WINDSCREENS
Snap-fit windscreen: press it down on the microphone until it
clicks into place inside the upper groove on the microphone. Pro-
vides 30 dB of “pop” protection.
NOTE: The snap-fit windscreen can be removed by spreading
the slot in the plastic snap-fit ring.
Foam windscreen: slip the windscreen over the top of the mi-
crophone so that it covers the side slots. The foam windscreen
provides 5 to 10 dB of “pop” protection.
CHANGING CARTRIDGES
The MX183, MX184, and MX185 microphones use interchange-
able cartridges. To remove the cartridge, unscrew it from the mi-
crophone body, as shown in Figure 2 on page 7. Install the
replacement cartridge by screwing it onto the microphone body.
ADJUSTING PREAMP GAIN (FIGURE 3 ON PAGE 8)
This MX microphone includes an adjustable gain preamplifier,
allowing the user to specify a 12 dB or 0 dB gain setting. The
preamp ships at the 12dB setting. Gain may be decreased by
12dB by moving the preamp jumpers to the 0dB setting.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Condenser (electret bias)
Frequency Response (Figure 8 on page 10)
50 to 17,000 Hz
Polar Pattern (Figure 9 on page 10)
MX183: Omnidirectional
MX184: Supercardioid
MX185: Cardioid
Output Impedance
EIA rated at 150 W (180 W actual)
Open Circuit Sensitivity (at 1 kHz, ref. 1V/Pascal*)
MX183: -27.5 dB (42.2 mV)
MX184: -33.5 dB (21.1 mV)
MX185: -35.0 dB (17.0 mV)
All settings -12 dB at 0 gain
*1 Pascal = 94 dB SPL
Max SPL (1kHz at 1%THD, 1 kW load)
MX183: 116.7 dB
MX184: 122.7 dB
MX185: 124.2 dB
All settings +6 dB at 0 gain
Equivalent Output Noise (A-weighted)
MX183: 20.5 dB
MX184: 26.5 dB
MX185: 28.0 dB
Signal to Noise Ratio (referenced at 94 dB SPL)
MX183: 73.5 dB
MX184: 67.5 dB
MX185: 66.0 dB
Dynamic Range at 1 kW load
96.2 dB
100 dB at 0 gain
Power Requirements
11 to 52 Vdc phantom, 2.0 mA
Common Mode Rejection
45.0 dB minimum
Polarity
Positive sound pressure on diaphragm produces positive volt-
age on pin 2 relative to pin 3 of output XLR connector.