MODEL WCM16 ISOMAX* HEAD-WORN CONDENSER MICROPHONE
GENERAL
The Shure Model WCM16 head-worn electret condens-
er microphone is intended for wireless use by performers,
lecturers, and others who require the highest quality voice
pickup with maximum mo bility. Its wide frequency re-
sponse, low RF susceptibility and reliable operation at tem-
perature and humidity extremes make the WCM16 suitable
for virtually any vocal application. When used with the Shure
Body-Pack Transmitters, the performance of the WCM16
closely resembles the finest conventional vocal micro-
phones.
Miniaturized active circuitry included in the cartridge as-
sembly provides equalization that tailors the low-frequency
response to resemble the warm proximity effect of larger vo-
cal microphones. Because of this low-end response, it is not
necessary to position the microphone directly in front of the
mouth, thus avoiding much popping and breath noise, even
without the supplied foam pop screen.
The microphone’s hypercardioid unidirectional pickup
pattern provides maximum isolation from ambient noise and
from adjacent sound sources such as musical instruments,
loudspeakers and other performers. This permits higher
gain-before-feedback without loss or masking of vocals.
Features:
•
Extra lightweight, adjustable headband stays secure and
virtually disappears while being worn
•
Response comparable to the finest conventional vocal
microphones
•
Hypercardioid polar pattern provides maximum isolation
from vocalist’s own instrument and those of other per-
formers
•
Uniform polar pattern at all frequencies for maximum
gain before feedback
•
High input clipping level eliminates overload distortion
•
Supplied acoustic foam pop screen
•
Reliable at temperature and humidity extremes
WEARING THE MICROPHONE HEADSET
1. Place the microphone on the user’s head so that the large
diameter band is horizontal across the back of the head. The
band may be completely hidden under the hair. The ends of
the headband should fit comfortably in front of the ears. Ex-
tend or retract the adjustable headband (see Figure 1) to
achieve this result.
2. For maximum gain before feedback, carefully extend or re-
tract the boom (see Figure 1) so that the microphone grille
(silver side) is within 40 mm (1-1/2 in.) of the left corner of
the mouth . It may be necessary to bend the headband tube
just in front of the left ear for optimum microphone position-
ing. A slight bend downward and/or away is usually suffi-
cient.
NOTE: The headband tubing will not withstand repeated
bending, so make this adjustment only once, if neces-
sary.
3. If breath noise or popping is audible, install the supplied pop
screen so that the red dot on the pop screen corresponds to
the location of the microphone grille.
1.5 M
(5 FT)
POP SCREEN
CARTRIDGE
ADJUSTABLE
HEADBAND
ADJUSTABLE
BOOM
12.7 MM
(1/2 IN.)
57.2 MM
(2-1/4 IN.)
CABLE
TA4F
CONNECTOR
PARTS OF THE WCM16 HEAD-WORN MICROPHONE
FIGURE 1
POSITIONING THE MICROPHONE PICKUP
The hypercardioid unidirectional pickup pattern of the
WCM16 has maximum rejection of unwanted sound sources
at about a 110°angle each way from the front axis of the mi-
crophone (see Figure 3). Directly to the rear of the micro-
phone (at 180°) there is as little as 6dB rejection—not much
less pickup than at the front of the microphone (at 0°).
Sound sources that may cause feedback (such as moni-
tor or P.A. speakers) or sound that you do not want to pick
up with the WCM16 (such as percussion instruments or oth-
er performers) should NOT be placed directly to the rear of
the microphone. It is better to adjust positioning so that un-
wanted sound sources are located at the 110°maximum re-
Model WCM16 User Guide
27B2631 (AB)
2001, Shure Incorporated Printed in U.S.A.
*WCM16 IS MANUFACTURED BY COUNTRYMAN ASSOCIATES
ISOMAX IS TRADEMARK OF COUNTRYMAN ASSOCIATES
