Shure WL93 / SM93 Review - Lavalier Microphone

Let’s jump straight to another microphone by Shure SM Line. Today we will take a glance at lavalier stuff which will serve reporters, politicians, interviewers and other big shots, so today is not your day, shaggy guitar player, better check out another review. Wait, if you read this article, you are thinking about buying this mic no matter who you are. Well, okay, stay here, and let’s start our Shure WL93 review from specs as always!

Best Price on Shure WL93 Lavalier Microphone Known for its unobtrusive form factor and Shure's commitment to quality, the WL93 is a favorite among professionals in broadcasting, theater, and corporate presentations. Check Price on Amazon

Classic Package

Shure WL93 specifications and differences between Shure SM93

Before we get to the specifications, let's understand the differences between the Shure Wl93 and SM93. The SM93 combines the Shure WL93 lapel mic and Shure Part 90A4360A amplifier (Shure SM93 = WL93 lavalier mic + amplifier). It should be noted at once that the Shure SM93 is out of production (discontinued). Shure no longer produces this amp bundle, so our article will be dedicated mainly to the Shure WL93 lapel microphone.

The Shure WL93 model is the same mic as in the Shure SM93 bundle, but without a preamplifier. There is no difference in capsule design between them. An output signal of Shure WL93 is lower than in SM93 because there is no preamplifier in a package. Also, lack of preamp can play in your favor as it will reduce the consumption of phantom power (2 to 10Vdc) that will allow you to use Shure WL93 with a large number of devices, then this absence slightly affects frequency response (you can compare in the picture in the "Sound Quality" section below). Shure WL93 is made in four variations which differ from each other in cable length, color scheme of microphone, and accessories:

• SM93 / WL93 1.2m (4ft.) – black matte color
• WL93-6 1.8m (6ft.) – black matte color
• WL93T 1.2m (4ft.) – tan matte color
• WL93-6T 1.8m (6ft.) – tan matte color

Shure WL93 Specs:

• Microphone Type: Condenser (electret bias)
• Form Factor: Lavalier
• Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
• Frequency Response: 50Hz to 20,000Hz
• Output Impedance: 3000Ω
• Sensitivity: at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage, −38 dBV/Pa (13mV)
• Clipping Level: at 1 kHz, 0.25V at 120dB
• Maximum SPL: 120dB
• Dynamic Range (Maximum SPL, A-weighted): 102dB
• Self Noise: 18dB typical, A-weighted
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 76dB at 94dB SPL (IEC 651)
• Operating Temperature: −18 to 57°C (0 to 135°F)
• Storage Temperature: −29 to 74°C (−20 to 165°F)
• Connector Type: TA4F (TQG)
• Power Requirements: 2 to 10V (no phantom power required)
• Housing: Black ABS thermoplastic case with stainless-steel-mesh grille
• Cable Length: 1.2m (4ft) or 1.8m (6ft) / Cable diameter: 2mm
• Color (microphone, cable, and accessories): Black matte or Tan matte
• Net Weight without cable: 16g (0.57oz)
• Set Includes: Shure WL93 lapel mic, tie clip, sew-on mounting bracket, foam windscreen, carrying/storage bag

For the most part, the Shure WL93 is designed to connect to Shure's wireless transmitters with TA4M (TQG) input. We have already mentioned that the WL93 lavalier mic has a TA4F (TQG) type connector, in case if you want to connect it to XLR input you need to buy a TA4F to XLR adapter or Shure preamplifiers.

Overall Build, Design & Features

It is kind of strange to talk about the design of a microphone that should not be noticed at all that is why today in our Shure WL93 review we will talk mostly about the comfort of exploitation.

The good and bad news: Shure WL93 is quite limited in its versatility of connections. The Shure company made the TA4F (this type of connector is used in almost all lavalier Shure mics) in WL93 lapel mic for a reason, so that it can be used only in their ecosystem with Shure wireless body-pack transmitters, receivers, and amplifiers. Anyway, there are adapters TA4F (TQG) to XLR or TA4F to 3.5mm jack, but before buying these adapters be sure to study the reviews on marketplaces to understand whether the adapter will work in the case of your task or not. Usually, people describe in the reviews their situation and the solution to the problem.

In general, the Shure WL93 lavalier microphone was originally designed to work with Shure wireless systems and to be sold in bundles along with transceivers and receivers. In fact, Shure has a lot of bundles WL93+transmitter+receiver of different price range (just google QLXD14/93, GLXD14+/93, GLXD14R+/93, SLXD14/93, BLX14R/W93, PGXD14/93).

You can also turn a WL93 into an SM93 even though the SM93 is discontinued. Shure RPM400TQG or RK100PK preamplifiers combined with the WL93 will turn this lapel mic into a wired microphone with excellent sound quality. But remember, the preamplifiers require phantom power to operate. They are not very expensive, together the preamplifier and microphone will cost you ~200$ and for this money, you will get the perfect sound. However, Shure was not Shure if they had not engineered simple yet effective clips: you can fix the microphone and preamplifier almost wherever you want on your body. Exploitation conditions allow you to use it in every situation, you, crazy reporter.

We think that other things should not be mentioned. It is a handy reliable microphone.

Sound Quality

Let's jump right to the main section of our Shure WL93 review - "Sound Quality" and let's see what our "Lavalier Friend" is capable of in terms of sound.

The sound characteristics of this mic provide clear sound comparable to larger microphones and are slightly above average. Shure, as usual, added some pleasing features, that make their mic not good but great.

Extended frequency response from 50-80Hz to 20kHz with uplift on the range from 3kHz to 18kHz (as you can see in the picture below) tailored for reporting, interviews, television broadcasting, theater, video production, and everything that is connected with speech. An omnidirectional polar pattern will catch any note of your voice and reject mechanical vibrations, you can also turn your head as you want without worrying about speech loss.

Another great feature is low-frequency rolloff which reduces unwanted low-frequency room and clothing noise. Also, additional preamplifiers (in case of a wired microphone connection) make Shure WL93 sound better, enhancing the output signal. In our audio examples below, you can hear how this microphone reduces wind noise and you can hear a comparison in wind noise reduction with the Sony Shotgun microphone.

There are some unpleasant features. As this microphone uses an omnidirectional polar pattern it is undesirable to use it in small rooms, as it will capture reflected sound waves from the walls. Of course, a frequency roll-off feature will reduce some reflected noise but only in a low frequency range.

Here you can check out some audio samples recorded with Shure WL93

Three Reasons to Buy:

1. As this is a condenser (electret) mic it gives you an advantage in sound clarity, compared with dynamic microphones.
2. There are five variations on the market convenient in the color scheme, the length of the cable, and the price range.
3. One of the best professional lavalier microphones designed for television broadcasting, reporters, interviews, video production, YouTubers, theatre, and in some cases for recording instruments.

Final Verdict on Shure WL93 / SM93

The Shure WL93 lavalier microphone is a testament to Shure's commitment to delivering professional-grade audio solutions. Its unobtrusive design, crystal-clear sound quality, and wireless compatibility make it a top choice for professionals in diverse fields. Whether you're conducting interviews, delivering presentations, or performing on stage, the Shure WL93 excels in providing reliable and high-quality audio capture with the convenience of a discreet and wireless form factor.

We hope you enjoyed our Shure WL93 review. Feel free to leave your comments, questions and suggestions in the section below. Our editorial team will be happy to answer all your questions and comments.