Shure
MX185 Cardioid Lavalier Microphone
Best professional lavalier for clear speech in broadcast and public speaking.
Engineered for professional speech applications, the Shure MX185 Cardioid Lavalier Microphone delivers accurate, balanced sound for broadcasting, lectures, and houses of worship. Its miniature condenser design offers interchangeable cartridges for versatile performance, allowing pattern switching. The microphone includes a rotatable tie-clip for optimal placement, a snap-fit foam windscreen for breath noise control, and a dual tie clip. Designed for wired use, it features an in-line preamplifier and a 1.2m cable with a TA4F connector for reliable performance.
$271.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
193
/ 1735
#193 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-47%
Below average
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
/ Cardioid
Who it's for
- Public speakers and broadcasters needing crisp vocal reproduction
- Event presenters working in loud or acoustically challenging environments
- Production professionals requiring gear built for daily, heavy-duty use
Who should skip it
- Users wanting a forgiving mic that handles imprecise positioning
- Content creators seeking simple plug-and-play compatibility with consumer devices
- Budget-conscious hobbyists looking for an affordable entry-level solution
Performance breakdown
Speech Clarity
Cardioid pattern excels at isolating voices in noisy professional environments.
Versatility
Interchangeable cartridges allow for quick adjustments to different acoustic requirements.
Build Durability
Rugged construction stands up to the demands of daily broadcast use.
Mounting Precision
Rotatable tie-clip ensures optimal mic placement for consistent audio capture.
Noise Rejection
Transformerless output effectively minimizes interference for a clean signal path.
Ease of Setup
Wired configuration requires careful cable management for a clean look.
Key Specs
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Microphone Type
Condenser
Connectivity
Wired (with in-line preamplifier and TA4F connector)
Included Accessories
Windscreen, Rotable Tie Clip, Dual Tie Clip
Weight
0.9 lbs
UPC Code
042406051651
Country of Origin
MX
Mounting Type
Clip-on
Features
- Cardioid pattern for focused sound
- Interchangeable cartridges for flexibility
- Rotatable tie-clip for precise placement
- Snap-fit windscreen reduces breath noise
- Wide dynamic range for accurate sound
- Transformerless output minimizes cable noise
- Dual tie clip for dual microphone setups
- Wired performance with in-line preamp
What customers say
The Shure MX185 Lavalier Microphone earns high praise for its exceptional audio fidelity and reliable performance in demanding settings. Users consistently highlight its clear, natural speech reproduction, which minimizes the need for extensive audio adjustments. A major benefit is the cardioid pattern's effectiveness in isolating the speaker and rejecting unwanted background noise, making it ideal for large venues and broadcasts. While the initial investment is professional grade, customers view the MX185 as a worthwhile long-term purchase due to its consistent quality and durability. Overall, this microphone is regarded as an essential, dependable tool for critical audio applications where clarity is paramount.
Know before you buy
The cardioid pattern focuses on capturing sound directly in front of the mic while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. This makes it ideal for isolating a speaker's voice in environments with background noise, such as houses of worship or busy lecture halls.
Yes, the MX185 features interchangeable cartridges. This allows you to swap the cardioid cartridge for other patterns if your specific recording environment requires a different pickup range.
Yes, as a condenser microphone, it requires phantom power to operate. The included in-line preamplifier manages this connection, ensuring the microphone receives the necessary power through your XLR interface.
The MX185 comes with a TA4F connector, which is the standard connection for most Shure wireless bodypack transmitters. If you intend to use it as a wired mic, the included in-line preamp allows you to connect it directly to an XLR input.
The transformerless design is engineered to minimize electromagnetic interference and cable noise. This results in a cleaner, more accurate signal, which is particularly important when using longer cable runs.
The dual tie clip is designed to hold two microphones simultaneously. This is a useful feature for interviews or presentations where you need to capture audio from two different people using a single mounting point.
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