Shure WL50 User manual

Models WL50 and MC50
User Guide
27A3114 (TF)
2000, Shure Incorporated Printed in U.S.A.

2
ENGLISH 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3
ENGLISH
GENERAL
Shure models WL50 and MC50 are subminiature, electret condenser lavalier microphones. They provide uncompro-
mised sound quality and high reliability with minimal visibility in sound reinforcement applications such as television broad-
casting and stage performances.
Despite its small size, the microphone’s condenser element provides full, clear and natural reproduction of speech. Each
microphone is supplied with two types of equalization caps that are user changeable, allowing for easily customized
sound, and two foam windscreens 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: Intendedfor wireless use. Connects to Shure wireless bodypack transmitters via a TA4F connector.
WL50X: Suppliedwith 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.
WL50X–LO: A lower sensitivity version of the WL50, supplied with stripped and tinned leads.
MC50: Intended for hardwired applications. WL50 microphone supplied with an in-line preamplifier with a
three-pin male XLR audio connector.

4
FEATURES
 Extended frequency response with user changeable equalization caps for response shaping
 Low visibility with a variety of options for mounting
 Offered in black, beige, and white with matching accessories
 Low handling noise
 Legendary 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 are each supplied with two types of equalization caps for high frequency response shaping.
The caps differ in response 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 silver mesh screen, while the high boost equalization
cap has a gold mesh screen.
NOTE: For best sound quality, replace the equalization caps if they become clogged with make-up.

5
USING THE MC50 WITH A MIXER
The preamplifier supplied with the MC50 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 WITH OTHER BODYPACK TRANSMITTERS
If connecting the WL50 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 2 and 3 on page 12.
WIRING THE WL50X TO AN ALTERNATE CONNECTOR
ModelWL50X is supplied with a stripped and tinned cable for wiring to a variety of connectors. Refer to the WL50X wiring
diagram in Figure 3 on page 12. For additional information on wiring the WL50X to an alternate connector, contact Shure’s
ApplicationsDepartment at (847) 866–2525 or 1–800–516–2525.

6
MOUNTING THE MICROPHONE
The WL50 and MC50 microphones come with the following mounting accessories (see Figure 4 on page 13):
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.
Dual Tie Clip. Features a spring-loaded clasp that attaches easily to a necktie or suit coat lapel, and aclip 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.

7
SPECIFICATIONS WL50WL50–LOMC50
Type Condenser (electret bias) Condenser (electret bias) Condenser (electret bias)
Polar Pattern Omnidirectional Omnidirectional Omnidirectional
Output Impedance N/A N/A 136 actual
(rated at 150 )
Recommended Min.
Input Impedance 20 k20 kN/A
Output Level -45.0 dBV/Pa (1 Pa=94 dB SPL) -55.0 dBV/Pa (1 Pa=94 dB SPL) -41.0 dBV/Pa (1 Pa=94 dB SPL)
Maximum SPL 133 dB at 1% THD/1 k ohm load 143 dB at 1% THD/1 k ohm load 138 dB at 1% THD/1 k ohm load
Frequency Response 20 to 20,000 Hz (see Figure 1) 20 to 20,000 Hz (see Figure 1) 20 to 20,000 Hz (see Figure 1)
Dynamic Range 103.0 dB 103.0 dB 108.0 dB
Output Noise
(equivalent SPL,
A-weighted)
30 dB typical;
33 dB maximum 40 dB typical; 43 dB maximum 30 dB typical; 33 dB maximum
Signal-to-Noise
Ratio 64 dB at 94 dB SPL 54 dB at 94 dB SPL 64 dB at 94 dB SPL

8
SPECIFICATIONS MC50 WL50–LO WL50
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).
Current Drain 60–130 A 60–130 A4.6 mA
Polarity Positive pressure on the dia-
phragm produces a positive volt-
age at pin 3 relative to pin 1 at
the output connector of the mi-
crophone.
Positive pressure on the dia-
phragm produces a positive volt-
age at pin 3 relative to pin 1 at
the output connector of the mi-
crophone.
Positive pressure on the dia-
phragm produces positive volt-
age at 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.
Cap and Overmold
Material Polypropylene Polypropylene Polypropylene
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%
Operating Temperatures:
–18to 57C
0to 135F
Storage Temperatures:
–29to 74C
–20to 165F
Humidity: 0 to 95%
Operating Temperatures:
–18to 57C
0to 135F
Storage Temperatures:
–29to 74C
–20to 165F
Humidity: 0 to 95%

9
SPECIFICATIONS MC50 WL50–LO WL50
Packaged Weight 188 g (6.63 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-diam-
eter, 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).
Microphone
Dimensions See Figure 6. See Figure 6. See Figure 6.
Preamplifier
Dimensions N/A N/A See Figure 5.
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, con-
nector, and preamplifier.

10
SPECIFICATIONS MC50 WL50–LO WL50
Certification Eligible to bear CE Marking.
Conforms to European EMC Di-
rective 89/336/EEC. Meets ap-
plicable test and performance
criteria in European EMC Stan-
dards ETS300445 (1996), as an
ancillary device.
Eligible to bear CE Marking.
Conforms to European EMC Di-
rective 89/336/EEC. Meets ap-
plicable test and performance
criteria in European EMC Stan-
dards ETS300445 (1996), as an
ancillary device.
Eligible to bear CE marking.
Conforms to European EMC di-
rective 89/336/EEC. Meets ap-
plicable test and performance
criteria in European EMC stan-
dard EN 55103 (1996) parts 1
and 2, for residential (E1) and
light industrial (E2) environ-
ments.
Measured with test circuit (see Figure 7 on page 63).
Measured with RPM626 Preamplifier.