Shure MX185 Review

Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

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Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 1 to 19 of 19 Reviews

What a gorgeous sounding mic!

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

Feb 4, 2008

Reviewed by Doc Blase on B&H Photo Video

The pickup pattern of the MX185 is just right for legal videography. The rejection of distracting noise is very good, yet the mic will continue to produce good audio when a speaker turns away from the sweet spot. The most surprising thing about the MX185 is the smooth, crisp sound- that Shure managed to get that silky quality high end with smooth bass into a little dinky capsule is a bit of an engineering miracle. In a lot of ways it reminds me of the 'classic' SM57 sound but with a condenser's slightly excited-sound added to the high end. My complaints are few- they say that the output may be adjusted by -12db, but the way you're supposed to make this adjustment is by replacing resistors on the macroscopic PC board, lots of luck with that! Besides, the signal is perfect right where it is. Also the little lapel clips don't have as much grip as I'd like, but a bit of stair tread tape on the opposing surfaces fixes that quickly. Handling noise is pretty bad, this is a mic you hope people don't rub against... but the output signal is nice and hot; you'll get plenty of gain from these little guys. I bought this one to try them out- I'm buyng several more. ... More

Fine Quality for Depositions

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

Apr 23, 2014

Reviewed by Thomas on B&H Photo Video

Use in depositions. Pickup is superb. CONS: None.

Excellent sound quality, no hassle

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

Jan 29, 2014

Reviewed by Havremunken on B&H Photo Video

I bought this (along with the 183 and 184 cartridges, for a full selection of pickup patterns) to do interviews in a very small room (not at all a sound studio). For now I use it with a Roland Quad Capture to get audio into Adobe Audition CC for processing/sync with video. Shure have done a good job with the product design - as a low-experience amateur I thought it was a joy to work with. The audio quality is excellent, and once I fiddled enough with the levels etc. on the other equipment, I got crystal clear audio with a minimum of background noise. Disclaimer: I have not tried other lavalier microphones, so I can't compare, but I am extremely happy with this one. Pros: Audio quality, build quality, options for fastening to subjects. Cons: Not come across any after using for a while. ... More

Correction

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

Dec 9, 2012

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

This mic has never been useful too us. It is too large, tips over on collars from weight and it has connection problems. I know Shure has a great repair/replace policy but I'd rather not have to use it so often.

Our first wired Lav

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

Jan 24, 2012

Reviewed by Joe Olivieri on B&H Photo Video

After testing Azden's cheaper wireless lav kit we decide to purchase an extra zoom recorder and a wired lav from a company I have nothing but faith in. This shure lav is a bit bulky but its audio quality makes the size worth it.

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Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone
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Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone
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A SHURE BET!

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

Mar 14, 2012

Reviewed by Jim on B&H Photo Video

I have several Shure lavs for my video documentaries, and have found this brand a bit more forgiving from rubbing sounds from my subjects clothing and the mic screen. I also like the convenient zipper bag to hold the mic. My one mic, from a competitor, comes in a rectangular box, which doesn't store well in my camcorder case.

Ugly as a Lavalier

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

Oct 20, 2010

Reviewed by Earl on B&H Photo Video

Too bulky as a clip-on lapel mic. When I use it comjunction with other lavaliers, it is extremely full of bottom and not much top. When my customers need a lavalier, and have options, the WL185 is usually left behind. If only Shure made a smaller mic that can connect to the SLX series body pack.

Very Disappointed

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

Sep 1, 2022

Reviewed by Kenneth on B&H Photo Video

I am an online instructor and wanted a lav to enhance my video presentations. Upon receiving the Shure MX-183 I tested it for sound quality (which is great). But, the sound quality was ruined by the rustling noise merely from clipping it on the outside of a shirt. I tried many different techniques to overcome the rustling noise but was unsuccessful. I'm very disappointed that I'm unable to use this mic, because, other than the ever-present rustling noise which is extremely distracting, I really like the audio quality very much. The mic is just too sensitive.

Dependable mic with great sound

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

Oct 10, 2010

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I have been using this mic at work for about a year and just ordered one for my business. Beautiful, worry-free sound. My only complaint is the wind screen is really big. The mic itself is nice and small. They just need to include a smaller wind screen.

Solid Mic

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

Aug 15, 2009

Reviewed by Fernando on B&H Photo Video

Well, I've been using this mic for the purpose of video interviews. One very big negative of this mic is that it is huge compared to some of the other lavs out there. Nonetheless, the sound quality is really great. I think, for the price, it's a good deal.

Sounds good!

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

Sep 7, 2014

Reviewed by Drum Concepts Live on B&H Photo Video

Perfect mic for our on line live streaming drum lessons... We have a wireless mic but it's noisey and this is perfect because I sit behind a drum set... so wires are not a problem for me while I'm sitting down.

Good for the money

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

May 1, 2012

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

We use this for video interviews. The sound quality is good without being great. We've had no issues at all with it.

nice lavaliere mic

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

Feb 1, 2012

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

great for use in quick sessions to record or on the road. compact, easy to use, very straight forward use.

Performs as Expected

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

Nov 20, 2011

Reviewed by Nathan on B&H Photo Video

Using in live events. Mic performs as expected. In this price range, there's no other mic I would choose.

Surprising low noise

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

Aug 5, 2008

Reviewed by Daniel Lobo on B&H Photo Video

I bought this over a friend indication and found out it is more that I expected: a very good mic for it's price. Low noise and good sound. Direct phantom power, doesn't need batteries.

Excellent studio mics

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

Sep 13, 2011

Reviewed by Lee Feinswog on B&H Photo Video

Using this to into the XLR input for in-studio shoots. They're very sensitive; one guest clipped it to his tie and picked up tie movement.

Quite good for it's price range

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

Jul 30, 2008

Reviewed by Enrico P. on B&H Photo Video

I use the product for small documentary production and it does it's job, is quite robust and it comes with full accessories, it has a bit of self noise but for the price is a good mic.

Very good price and delivery

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

Nov 20, 2019

Reviewed by Hernan on B&H Photo Video

The best price in the market and the time

Great Mic but...

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone Review

Shure MX185 - Cardioid Wired Lavalier Microphone

Oct 9, 2015

Reviewed by NV-Slim on B&H Photo Video

...no on/off switch.

Showing 1 to 19 of 19 Reviews