With its newly released TwinPlex microphones, Shure brings cutting-edge dual-diaphragm condenser technology to headsets and lavaliers, along with numerous innovations to enhance the performance and longevity of subminiature mics. The series represents a multi-year development effort and a significant rethinking about what a miniature microphone can accomplish – in fact, my first awareness of this project was a year and a half ago, when it was already well along.
Dual diaphragms are typically associated with studio and similar larger format microphones, and are used to create multiple, switchable polar patterns and in some designs to control proximity effect. So what does this technology offer when the entire mic is smaller than your little fingernail?
Leaning in close
The microphone contains two side-firing, oval-shaped diaphragms that are “summed together” to create an omnidrectional polar pattern, rather than the single end-mounted diaphragm on most other lav and headset capsules. All of the current TwinFlex models are omni, though this technology can and likely will be applied to directional models in the future. According to Shure, this new structure offers three main benefits.
The dual diaphragm provides twice the surface area to capture audio, when compared to a single diaphragm, for a lower noise floor and wider dynamic range. Off-axis response is more consistent, since the voice is usually facing one of the diaphragms, even while turning the head or the mic drifting from its initial position.
Shure TwinPlex subminiature lavalier mic
And finally, the low-frequency response is warmer and high-frequency response is more flat – and “sounds like a much bigger microphone even though it’s only about 5mm in diameter.” The result should be a more natural and consistent vocal quality during the sermon or other presentation, and quite possibly an increase in intelligibility during both louder and quieter passages while the pastor is moving about and visually engaging the congregation.
In addition to the innovative capsule, the TwinPlex mics feature an extremely durable 1.6mm cable design with “two redundant ground tinsels” along with excellent flexibility and resistance to moisture and damage in use.
In addition to the innovative capsule, the TwinPlex mics feature an extremely durable 1.6mm cable design with “two redundant ground tinsels” along with excellent flexibility and resistance to moisture and damage in use. During development, the cables were mechanically subjected to over 100,000 flexes without breaking, so they’re very difficult to damage and end up with crackles and shorts. Shure says they spent five years researching, designing, and testing this cable because “it’s always the first thing that breaks.” The cables (and capsules) are available in multiple colors, are paintable, and come with a variety of connectors to fit popular wireless transmitters.
Four distinct models, plus a headset, make up the TwinPlex series. All have a sensitivity of -45 dBV, except for the high-sensitivity TL46 model at -37 dBV. The TL45 lavalier was designed especially for theater applications and concealing the mic in costumes, and has a thinner 1.1mm cable terminated with a LEMO connector for professional wireless transmitters. The TL47 is the company's all-around, durable lav model with standard sensitivity, and the TL48 has a “mid-range rise” to enhance speech and dialogue for television, film, and other spoken word applications. The TH53 features the dual-diaphragm mic element and cable in a light and adjustable headset frame, with adjustable boom length and angle.
The TL47 is the company's all-around, durable lav model with standard sensitivity, and the TL48 has a “mid-range rise” to enhance speech and dialogue for television, film, and other spoken word applications....
The mics (except for the TL47) provide interchangeable sweat- and moisture-resistant frequency caps to prevent the incursion of moisture into the capsule, with an “invisible superhydrophobic nanoscopic coating.” Three “flat response” and two “presence response” caps are included. A variety of accessories and mounting options are available for the series. The capsule and electronics exhibit high RF immunity for use with wireless transmitters.
Summing up
The new TwinPlex microphones offer many useful benefits to houses of worship, especially for those with higher quality audio systems in their sanctuaries. These include warm and natural frequency response for spoken word or singing, flat frequency response with a consistent low end, very low noise for quiet worship environments, and extreme durability for years of continual use. And the chances are good that you can order a model with the color you need and the proper connector for your existing wireless transmitters.
Though not the smallest capsule available on the market, the mic is definitely discreet. And the pricing is in line with other professional lavalier and headset options. In short, from a “first look” perspective at what they’re offering, Shure now has a miniature microphone that can potentially rival the best lavaliers and headsets currently available.
