Shure WL50 User manual

Models WL50/WL51 and
MC50/MC51 User Guide
27C3114 (AH)
2001, Shure Incorporated Printed in U.S.A.

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ENGLISH 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FRANÇAIS 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DEUTSCH 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ESPAÑOL 47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITALIANO 62. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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ENGLISH
GENERAL
Shure models WL50/MC50 (omni) and WL51/MC51 (unidirectional) are subminiature, electret condenser lavalier micro-
phones. They provide uncompromised sound quality and high reliability with minimal visibility in sound reinforcement
applicationssuch as television broadcasting and stage performances. Despite its small size, the microphone’s condens-
er element provides full, clear and natural reproduction of speech. Each microphone is supplied with two foam wind-
screens to minimize wind noise. The supplied mounting accessories consist of a lapel clip, a tie clip, a pin mount, and
a magnet mount, giving the user a wide variety of options for placement.
MODEL VARIATIONS
WL50 (omni)/WL51 (uni): Intended for wireless use. Connects to Shure wireless bodypack transmitters via a TA4F
connector.
WL50X(omni)/WL51X (uni): Supplied with a 3 m (10 ft.) stripped and tinned cable for wiring to an alternate connector.
WL50–LO: A lower sensitivity variation of the WL50, supplied with a TA4F connector. (omnidirectional)
WL50X–LO: A lower sensitivity version of the WL50, supplied with stripped and tinned leads. (omnidirectional)
MC50 (omni)/MC51 (uni): Intended for hardwired applications. WL50 or WL51 microphone supplied with an in-line pre-
amplifierwith a three-pin male XLR audio connector.

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FEATURES
SExtended frequency response with user changeable equalization caps for response shaping (omni only)
SLow visibility with a variety of options for mounting
SWL50—(omnidirectional) offered in black, beige, and white with matching accessories
SWL51—(unidirectional) offered in black and white with matching accessories
SLow handling noise
SLegendary Shure quality, ruggedness, and reliability
WINDSCREENS
Two acoustic foam windscreens are supplied to help reduce undesirable wind noise.
EQUALIZATION CAPS
The WL50 and the MC50 omnidirectional models are each supplied with two types of equalization caps for high frequency
response shaping. The caps effect the response range between 5,000 and 20,000 Hz (see Figure 1 on page 12), and
can be distinguished by the color of their mesh screens. The mild boost equalization cap has a very fine mesh, silver
color screen, and attenuates the natural high frequency peak of the microphone. The high boost equalization cap has
an open mesh gold color screen and does not attenuate the high frequency peak. The WL51 and MC51 unidirectional
models are supplied with the high boost equalization cap only. The WL51 and MC51 models should never be
used with the mild boost equalization cap because the unidirectional pick-up pattern will be severely altered.
This is due to partial blocking of the front opening, and they will not perform correctly.
NOTE: For best sound quality, replace the equalization caps if they become clogged with make-up.

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USING THE MC50/MC51 WITH A MIXER
The preamplifier supplied with both the MC50 and MC51 requires phantom power ranging from 11 to 52 Vdc. Connect
the preamplifier to a mixer input with a minimum load impedance of 800 Ωto maximize operating headroom.
USING THE WL50/WL51 WITH OTHER BODYPACK TRANSMITTERS
If connecting the WL50/WL51 to anything OTHER than a Shure wireless bodypack, make sure the device provides a
regulated +5 Vdc (130 A minimum) to the red conductor. Refer to the wiring diagrams in Figures 3 and 4 on page 14.
WIRING THE WL50X/WL51X TO AN ALTERNATE CONNECTOR
Model WL50X/WL51X is supplied with a stripped and tinned cable for wiring to a variety of connectors. Refer to the
WL50X/WL51Xwiring diagram in Figure 4 on page 14. For additional information on wiring the WL50X/WL51X to an alter-
nate connector, contact Shure’s Applications Department at (847) 866–2525 or 1–800–516–2525.
MOUNTING THE MICROPHONE
The WL50/WL51 and MC50/MC51 microphones come with the following mounting accessories
(see Figure 5 on page 15):
Swiveling Lapel Clip. Features a spring-loaded clasp that attaches easily to a necktie, lapel, blouse or shirt, connected
to a rotatable mounting clip. To mount, snap the microphone cable into the clip near the neck of the microphone, then
attach the clasp to an article of clothing. Rotate the mounting clip to place the microphone at desired angle.

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Dual Tie Clip. Features a spring-loaded clasp that attaches easily to a necktie or suit coat lapel, and a clip that holds one
or two microphones. To mount, snap the microphone cable(s) into the clip near the neck of the microphone, then attach
the clasp to an article of clothing.
Pin Mount. Features a translucent mounting clip with two straight pins that easily secure to an article of clothing. To
mount, slide the straight pins into clothing, then snap the microphone cable into the mounting clip near the neck of the
microphone.
Magnet Mount. Features a backplate that is worn under clothing and attaches to a magnetic mount capable of holding
one or two microphones. To mount, place the magnetic backplate “necklace”around neck and under clothing, then align
the magnet mount to the backplate and secure it to clothing. Snap microphone cable(s) into the clip near the neck of the
microphone, and adjust the magnet mount to hold microphone at the desired angle.
WARNING: The magnet mount should not be used by persons fitted with an implanted
medical device, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator.

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SPECIFICATIONS WL50{WL50–LO{MC50}WL51{MC51}
Type Condenser
(electret bias) Condenser (electret bias) Condenser (electret bias) Condenser (electret bias) Condenser (electret bias)
Polar Pattern Omnidirectional Omnidirectional Omnidirectional Cardioid Cardioid
Output Impedance N/A N/A 136 actual
(rated at 150 )N/A 136 actual (rated at 150 )
Recommended Min.
Input Impedance 20 k20 kN/A 20 kN/A
Output Level –45.0 dBV/Pa
(1 Pa=94 dB SPL) –54.0 dBV/Pa (1 Pa=94 dB SPL) –41.0 dBV/Pa (1 Pa=94 dB SPL) –50.0 dBV/Pa (1 Pa=94 dB SPL) –46.0 dBV/Pa (1 Pa=94 dB SPL)
Maximum SPL 133 dB at 1%
THD/20k  load 142 dB at 1% THD/20k  load 138 dB at 1% THD/1 k ohm load 138 dB at 1% THD/20k  load 143 dB at 1% THD/1 k ohm load
Frequency Response 20 to 20,000 Hz (see Figure 1)
Dynamic Range 103.0 dB 103.0 dB 108.0 dB 103.0 dB 108.0 dB
Output Noise
(equivalent SPL,
A-weighted)
30 dB typical;
33 dB maximum 39 dB typical; 42 dB maximum 30 dB typical; 33 dB maximum 35 dB typical; 38 dB maximum 35 dB typical; 38 dB maximum

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SPECIFICATIONS MC51} WL51{ MC50} WL50–LO{ WL50{
Signal-to-Noise
Ratio 64 dB at 94 dB SPL 55 dB at 94 dB SPL 64 dB at 94 dB SPL 59 dB at 94 dB SPL 59 dB at 94 dB SPL
Power
Requirements +5 Vdc on pin 2, return on
pin 1 (ground).
+5 Vdc on pin 2,
return on
pin 1 (ground).
11 to 52 Vdc
(positive on pins 2
and 3, return on
pin 1).
11 to 52 Vdc
(positive on pins 2
and 3, return on
pin 1).
+5 Vdc on pin 2,
return on
pin 1 (ground).
Current Drain 60–130 A 60–130 A4.6 mA 60–130 A4.6 mA
Polarity—Positive
pressure on the
diaphragm produces
a positive voltage at:
pin 3 relative to pin 1 at the output
connector of the microphone. pin 2 relative to pin 3 of the output
connector.
pin 3 relative to
pin 1 at the output
connector of the
microphone.
pin 2 relative to
pin 3 of the output
connector.
Overvoltage
Protection N/A N/A ±75.0 Vdc maximum from
pins 2 and 3 to pin
1.
N/A ±75.0 Vdc
maximum from
pins 2 and 3 to pin
1.
Cap and Overmold
Material Polypropylene

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SPECIFICATIONS MC51} WL51{ MC50} WL50–LO{ WL50{
Environmental
Conditions Operating Temperatures: –18_to 57_C (0_to 135_F) Storage Temperatures: –29_to 74_C (–20_to 165_F) Humidity: 0 to 95%
Packaged Weight 188 g (6.63 oz.) 188 g (6.63 oz.) 305 g (10.76 oz.) 188 g (6.63 oz.) 305 g (10.76 oz.)
Cable and
Connector 1.5 m (5 ft.), small-diameter,
shielded, with
miniature female
4-pin connector
(TA4F type).
WL50X: 3 m (10
ft.) small-diameter,
shielded, with
stripped and
tinned leads.
1.5 m (5 ft.),
small-diameter,
shielded, with
miniature female
4-pin connector
(TA4F type).
WL50X–LO: 3 m
(10 ft.)
small-diameter,
shielded, with
stripped and
tinned leads.
1.5 m (5 ft.),
small-diameter,
shielded, with
miniature female
4-pin connector
(TA4F type).
1.5 m (5 ft.),
small-diameter,
shielded, with
miniature female
4-pin connector
(TA4F type).
WL50X: 3 m (10
ft.) small-diameter,
shielded, with
stripped and
tinned leads.
1.5 m (5 ft.),
small-diameter,
shielded, with
miniature female
4-pin connector
(TA4F type).
Microphone and
Preamp Dimensions See figures 6 and 7 (pg. 16)

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SPECIFICATIONS MC51} WL51{ MC50} WL50–LO{ WL50{
Net Weight WL50: 21 g (0.7
oz.) with cable
and connector.
WL50X: 28 g (1.0
oz.) with 3 m (10
ft.) stripped and
tinned cable.
WL50–LO: 21 g
(0.7 oz.) with
cable and
connector.
WL50X–LO: 28 g
(1.0 oz.) with 3 m
(10 ft.) stripped
and tinned cable.
121 g (4.3 oz.)
with cable,
connector, and
preamplifier.
WL51 21 g (0.7
oz.) with cable
and connector.
WL51X: 28 g (1.0
oz.) with 3 m (10
ft.) stripped and
tinned cable.
121 g (4.3 oz.)
with cable,
connector, and
preamplifier.
Certification
Eligibleto bear CE marking. Conforms to European EMC directive 89/336/EEC. Meets applicable test and performance
criteria in European EMC standard EN 55103 (1996) parts 1 and 2, for residential (E1) and light industrial (E2) environ-
ments.
{Measured with test circuit (see Figure 8 on page 73).
}Measured with RPM626 Preamplifier.