Lavalier mic question

I have a couple of older Peavey lav mics and have never had an issue. Sounds like you have a bad mic.

Lavs can be frustrating to use, especially in sound reinforcement applications... but I agree with the above reply... it sounds like you may have a bad mic.

Good mic placement, good channel EQ and good gain structure are essential to getting the most out of a lav, and it may just be those things as well.

Ben

I'm not 100% if it's available on that specific application because I run Audio Technica mics..

Check the microphone:
Is the microphone directional?
If so, is it pointed towards the mouth?

Check the body pack:
There is sometimes a switch to use a Hi-Z input instead
Also check the level of the output on the body pack - on some there is a dial instead the cover

Check the receiver:
There is often an output level on the back of the unit.

Check the mixer and other devices in the signal chain. A compressor set up wrong or other 'bumped' controls can cause unusual things to happen.

Here's the info so we're on the same page

Here's the mic:
http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Products/WirelessMicrophones/us_pro_WL183_content
Here's the bodypack:
http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Products/WirelessMicrophones/us_pro_PGX1_content

Screen shot of the gain instructions:
View attachment 16126

There really is a world of difference using a lavalier. If used for live sound reinforcement, I like to put them as close to the mouth as possible. People always see them on news anchor's tie mid way between their navel and throat. Instead I'd put it up pretty high on their lapel.

Your model is a cardioid so it must point to the mouth. I believe this model is also available as a head worn mic called the WH30 that may give the gain you expect. The guys that answered earlier are right on point and hopefully this will allow a bit more detail if you need more assistance.

One last thing I'd like to add (and this may not be operative because the 185 is not a high demand item - not like an SM58 anyway) there are a lot of counterfeit items on Ebay. If the function is really gross, I'd consider that or defect a possibility but not until you have eliminated the possibility of cockpit error. Good luck.

Where are you connecting the mic at? (too low?)

most lav mic problems I have seen have been...

mic placement:
too high and it's trying to pick up the voice from under the chin
too low and it's just too far away from the mouth

quiet talker:
some people just don't talk loud enough to be speaking in public

but if these are not the cause of your problem
definitely check the excellent suggestions above!

hold it in your hand and put it right in front of your mouth and speak.
not your typical use for a lav, but hold it like a regular mic to test it.
if it has problems, it's probably the hardware