Mic Archive
Shure MX185
Photo: Shure, from its spec sheet, p. 1.

Shure

Shure MX185

Cardioid electret condenser lavalier (Microflex MX100 series), interchangeable cartridge, phantom-powered in-line preamp

Type
Condenser (electret)
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−35 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
28 dB(A)
Max SPL
124.2 dB SPL
Impedance
180 Ω
Rated range
50 – 17k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet, p. 3. Figure 2 "Typical frequency response", cardioid (MX185); relative dB. Distance, room and smoothing not stated.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the spec sheet, p. 3. Figure 3 "Typical polar patterns", cardioid (MX185); two circles (250 Hz to 1 kHz, 2500 Hz to 10 kHz), 0° at the bottom, 5 dB per ring, outer ring 0 dB.

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All specs

From the spec sheet
Capsuleinterchangeable cartridge; cardioid R185B. Replacement parts: cardioid cartridge R185B (omni R183B and supercardioid R184B also fit).p. 2
Sensitivity−35 dBV/Pa (17 mV/Pa), 1 kHz, open circuit; also −35 dBV/Pa, current user guide: "–35 dBV/Pa (18 mV)". "Open Circuit Sensitivity (at 1 kHz, ref. 1V/Pascal) ... MX185: –35.0 dB (17.0 mV)".p. 1
Self-noise28 dB(A), equivalent output noise, A-weighted; also 28 dB(A), current user guide, "Self Noise, A-weighted"
Max SPL124.2 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% THD, 1 kΩ load; also 124 dB SPL, current user guide
Signal-to-noise ratio66 dB, ref. 94 dB SPL
Dynamic range96.2 dB, at 1 kΩ load; also 96 dB, current user guide, 1 kΩ load, at 1 kHz
Output impedance180 ohm, actual; EIA rated at 150 ohm. "EIA rated at 150 Ω (180 Ω actual)"; the current guide gives 180 Ω.
Rated frequency range50 Hz to 17 kHz. "50 to 17,000 Hz".
Powering11 to 52 V DC phantom. "11 to 52 Vdc phantom, 2.0 mA".
Current draw2 mA
ConnectorTA4F (4-pin mini) at the end of the 1.2 m mic cable; XLR via the RK183PK in-line phantom preamp. "Shielded 1.2 meter (4 ft.) cable terminated with a 4-Pin Female Mini Connector (TA4F)"; "Preamp Kit (Phantom) RK183PK" in the replacement parts.p. 2
Dimensions12 × 22 mm. Figure 1: the mic head 12 mm across and 22 mm long; the preamp 99 mm long, 20 x 19 mm.
Supplied accessoriessnap-fit windscreen RK183WS; small foam windscreen RK261WS; tie clip RK183T1; dual tie clip RK183T2. Replacement parts list; the overview says a snap-fit foam windscreen and a dual tie clip are supplied (p. 1).
Pickup angle130° (–3 dB)p. 1
OutputBalanced, transformerless (active balanced)
PolarityPositive pressure on the diaphragm gives positive voltage on pin 2 relative to pin 3 of the XLRp. 2
Operating temperature–18 to 57 °C
Storage temperature–29 to 74 °C
Replacement partsPreamp kit (phantom) RK183PK; battery/phantom preamp MX1BP; connector TA4F WA330; cable C122
From the user guide
Common mode rejection45 dB minimum (10 Hz to 100 kHz)p. 6
Clipping level–6 dBV (0.5 V) at 1% THD
Relative humidity0–95%
WindscreensSnap-fit windscreen: 30 dB of "pop" protection; foam windscreen: 5 to 10 dBp. 4
Placement (Shure)About 76 to 152 mm (3 to 6 in.) below the neckline; a windscreen is "highly recommended"
RF immunityUse with the RK100PK or RK202PK plate-mounted preamp to optimise RF immunity

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Shure, unchanged, with its original address.

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