Description
The Shure RPW184 (RPW 184) is the black wireless KSM9 cartridge: a condenser vocal head that replaces the cartridge, housing assembly and matte grille on a Shure handheld wireless transmitter. It is for singers and engineers who want KSM9 sound on a wireless handheld or need to replace a worn head, and it gives you two switchable polar patterns, cardioid and supercardioid, from dual diaphragms.
The KSM9 is Shure's premium handheld condenser vocal microphone, designed to capture vocal detail on stage and in the studio. Shure lists the RPW184 as the KSM9 cartridge for ULX-D (ULXD2) handhelds and as compatible with handheld transmitters in its QLX-D, SLX-D+, Axient Digital and ADX lines.
RPW184 specifications
| Type | Wireless KSM9 cartridge (condenser), replaces the cartridge, housing assembly and matte grille |
|---|---|
| Polar pattern | Cardioid or supercardioid, switchable |
| Diaphragms | Dual 3/4 in gold-layered, low-mass Mylar (KSM9 design) |
| Finish | Black, matte grille |
| Mounting thread | 1.25 in-28, male |
| Connection to transmitter | Concentric ring, 3-pin |
| Weight | 0.6 lb |
| Compatible transmitters (per Shure) | Shure handhelds including QLXD2, ULXD2, SLXD2+, AD2, ADX2 and ADX2FD |
Which wireless transmitters does the RPW184 fit?
Shure handheld transmitters with interchangeable heads. Shure's compatibility list for the RPW184 includes QLXD2, ULXD2, SLXD2+, AD2, ADX2 and ADX2FD handhelds, and the ULX-D user guide names RPW184 as the KSM9 cartridge for the ULXD2.
Cardioid or supercardioid: which setting should I use?
Cardioid for most stages, especially with in-ear monitors: Shure describes it as a warm, full sound with good gain before feedback and greatest rejection directly behind the mic. Supercardioid narrows pickup to a 115 degree coverage angle, with greatest rejection at 120 degrees toward the rear, for loud stages or when vocalists and instruments are close together.
Is this the same as the KSM9HS head?
No. The RPW184 is the KSM9 head with cardioid and supercardioid patterns. The KSM9HS is a separate model with hypercardioid and subcardioid patterns; its Shure cartridge is RPW186.
Does it come with a transmitter?
No. The RPW184 is the head only. For a complete wireless KSM9 handheld, see the QLXD2/KSM9 or ULXD2/KSM9 transmitter.
RPW184 or a dynamic head like the RPW118?
The RPW184 is a dual-diaphragm condenser with two switchable patterns, aimed at detailed vocal reproduction. The RPW118 is the Beta 58A dynamic head and the RPW112 is the SM58 dynamic head. For the hypercardioid and subcardioid version on a complete transmitter, see the QLXD2/KSM9HS.
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